Rina, aged 35, has worked for CORR Jute Works for 12 years. She attended school to class 7. Her mother-in-law trained her to work in the co-operative so that she could join the group when she retired. She has now been the treasurer of the group for the past two years and enjoys the responsibility. Her husband is a tailor. She was really proud to tell me that her husband helps out and cooks when she is busy with her work at the group. The ability to bring in income to the family has changed her status. With the additional income she has been able to buy a cow which also has to take care of. Before joining the group they were very poor.
They have two daughters. The oldest has completed school and is trying to get into university. Her youngest daughter is at level 6. As she did not finish school she knows the value of education and wants them to continue with there studies. Her eldest daughter helps in production when she is busy.
Her request to us was to continue to place orders and sell there goods. The additional income helps them fight poverty in the community and allows them to educate the children as well as have better homes and regular meals,
The village was very neat and tidy with a nice center square where the women were gathered. They have also made enough money to build a structure for them to work in as well as meet. They had they account books with them and were very proud to show them to us. They had established a savings fund for the group as well.
CORR Jute Works has supported the village by planting tress that they used for fruit and shade. This gave the village a very good feel.
Rina was very shy and I felt that she was very intimidated by the process. She was just so proud to say that the husband now helped out and that was the first thing that she told me. When I asked her to sign her name so that we could print this material she actually printed her name in English.
Interview by Carolyn
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