Maharashtra English news | Maharashtra, Latest News & Live Updates in English | English News (Latest English News) at Lokmattimes.com

On this Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible stories of two women who have defied the odds and transformed their lives and communities through sheer determination, skill, and the right opportunities. Amrutben and Geeta, both hailing from different corners of Gujarat and Maharashtra, have broken barriers in their respective fields, demonstrating that with the right support, women can not only overcome challenges but thrive and lead.Amrutben: From Construction Labourer to Leading Paint ContractorAmrutben’s journey started with hard physical labor in the construction industry, where she poured her heart into every task. Life, however, had different plans for her. She found herself venturing into the world of painting, a field predominantly occupied by men. Initially struggling with a lack of experience and technical expertise, Amrutben felt like an outsider.But then, an unexpected opportunity changed everything. A paint merchant, familiar with her background, introduced her to Smile Foundation’s upskilling program. It was a turning point. Amrutben became the sole female participant in a mobile training program in her village. Despite the daunting unknown, she pushed forward, learning not just new painting techniques but also gaining valuable technical knowledge and skills.The tools and equipment provided through the program helped Amrutben deliver higher-quality work, allowing her to establish herself as a respected paint contractor. Today, she leads a team of eight to ten men and earns between Rs. 60,000 and 80,000 monthly, a figure that once seemed unimaginable. Her success stands as a testament to the transformative power of skill development and support—turning her from a laborer into a leader.Geeta: Turning Nature’s Gifts into a Sustainable BusinessIn a small village in Maharashtra, Geeta had a vision for a world free of plastic. She dreamed of providing an eco-friendly alternative to the growing plastic problem by offering organic, sustainable plates made from the leaves of the chandiwa tree. Her plates, unlike other paper plates coated in harmful chemicals, are completely organic and biodegradable.Geeta’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when she realized that she could make these plates at home, allowing her to earn a livelihood without having to leave her family. With the support of Smile Foundation, she gained valuable business knowledge, from expense calculations to managing accounts and even using WhatsApp for better planning.The foundation’s training provided Geeta with essential tools and knowledge to scale her business, making her dream of a plastic-free world a reality. She now runs a successful business and aims to expand her reach across Maharashtra, offering her environmentally friendly plates to customers, particularly in places like Shirdi, where they are used for serving meals in religious settings.Both Amrutben and Geeta’s stories are powerful reminders of the impact that access to education, skill development, and mentorship can have on women’s lives. Smile Foundation’s upskilling programs have been instrumental in equipping these women with the knowledge and tools they needed to not only survive but thrive in their respective fields.As we celebrate Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize and honor the untold stories of women like Amrutben and Geeta who, against all odds, have risen to become leaders and changemakers in their communities. Their journeys inspire us to continue working toward creating equal opportunities for all women, allowing them to break free from limitations and create brighter futures for themselves and those around them.

MaharashtraFOLLOW

Maharashtra, Latest News

There was some uncertainty about whether eligible women beneficiaries under the "Ladki Bahin Yojana" would receive both February and ... ...

An incident of indecent behavior occurred on a bus traveling from Satara to Pune, where a passenger performed lewd ... ...

A disturbing incident unfolded in Pune's Shastrinagar area on Saturday morning, where a young man was captured on video ... ...

Chandrapur residents were shocked to learn on Friday (7th) that cheese analogue, a potentially dangerous substance, was being sold ... ...

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Supriya Sule alleged that numerous videos from Maharashtra's Beed district are circulating on ... ...

Samajwadi Party MLA and Maharashtra state president Abu Azmi wrote a letter on Friday, March 7, to Assembly Speaker ... ...

A woman sustained severe head injuries after falling from an overcrowded local train near Badlapur railway station in Maharashtra, ... ...

On this Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible stories of two women who have defied the odds and transformed ... ...