Rekhaben lives in Varasda village under Halol Block, Vadodara District, Gujarat, India. She is 33 years old married and has school going children. Rekhaben, wanted to support the family’s income by launching a kiosk that sells knick-knacks. With the support of Centre for Environment Education – Shanti Life’s local field level partner, Rekhaben sought information about Shanti Life’s loans and its process. Forms were explained and the requisite documentation was completed. Rekhaben already has a functioning toilet. A loan of Rs.20,000.00 (USD $278 CAN $400) was sanctioned. The loan was deposited in her bank account. With the loan, Rekhaben first bough a kiosk. Based on the requirement of the neighbouring community, she stocked her kiosk with beauty products, fake jewellery, soaps and packaged snacks and biscuits that are popular locally. She will be paying her first instalment soon. She said, community members do take items on credit. She notes their name and the item and the money due. Once paid, she scratches out the name. She said, as and when she sells the items, she places demand to buy more from the local market. Shanti Life is happy to be of help to Rekhaben to earn money and supplement the family’s income. (fb)

On the occasion of the World Women’s Day, Shanti Life was invited to Maswad village in Halol Block of Panchmahal District, Gujarat, India. Shanti Life partners with Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to provide micro loans to help women from Self Help Groups (SHG) to improve the quality of their lives. This event was organized by CEE and Lady Bamford Charitable Trust (LBCT), which is the CSR arm of the JCB Company that manufactures heavy equipment. In all 100 women and other dignitaries from the CEE, LBCT, local government functionaries and the village Sarpanch (head) graced the event. As part of the larger development program, March 8, 2021 event was organized to celebrate and felicitate women members and leaders of the SHGs and provide a platform for convergence and experience sharing. Shanti Life spoke about the importance of keeping the women in the center and address their needs and capacities. Experiences from other areas that Shanti Life works in were shared with the women present. The experiences of women who have made progress with the help of low interest loans. Shanti Life celebrates women’s perseverance and capacities every day, providing more power to the women to attain a better quality of life for themselves and their families. (fb)