Life has not been easy for Stuti (name changed) who lives in a small village. Her husband ran a small petty shop, but the income was barely enough to sustain their family. With two daughters in school and their financial situation growing increasingly dire, the future looked uncertain.
As a member of a Hands of Freedom Discipleship group, Stuti found gospel based counsel, encouragement and mentoring. The Hands of Freedom team prayed with her and encouraged her to enroll for the rural MBA training which would help her start a business to help sustain her family. Stuti did that and with the coaching and support of the Hands of Freedom team felt confident in launching a bag making business, as she was gifted in sewing.
Tragedy struck on 30th July 2024, when Stuti’s husband passed away, leaving her a widow. The loss has been devastating, compounding the challenges she already faced. However, Stuti knew she had to find a way to support her daughters and secure their future.
On 26th June 2024, just a month before her husband’s death, thanks to seed capital from Hands of Freedom Stuti was able to buy a sewing machine. This marked a significant turning point in her life. Despite her grief, Stuti channeled her energy into her new business, sewing clothes and making bags to sell in the local market.
Today, Stuti’s daily income from her bag making business has become crucial in supporting her family during this difficult time. She remains hopeful that as her business grows, she will be able to provide a good education for her daughters and improve their financial situation. She wishes to contribute to her church and offer a charity tithe as a way to express her gratitude.
“The sewing machine became my lifeline, giving me the strength to stand on my own after my husband’s passing”. Stuti
Stuti plans to expand her business by employing 2-3 additional women.
If you’d like to support more women like Stuti, donate to Hands of Freedom here.