Shaheena Nabi
The journey from home-based work to digital business shows that women can turn their skills into opportunities when they have access to markets, financial support and confidence. Digital technology allows women to reach customers beyond their immediate geographical vicinity, whereas SHGs will provide them with savings, money and encouragement.
In the past, the internet was much more limited, especially among women. When a woman produced handicrafts or homemade products, her work was often known only to her and the middleman. Without wider access to customers and markets, her skills and products rarely reached beyond her immediate circle.
Women were also faced with several duties within the confines of their houses, such as caring for children and handling chores. This was partly because of the fact that they did not have sufficient time to move around outside their homes searching for customers and delivering their products due to their many obligations. It was common for most women to sell their products through middlemen at a reduced price despite having spent several hours making them.
Digitalisation: From Local Work to Wider Markets
Digitalisation has changed this situation in many ways. Today, a woman does not necessarily need to leave her home to promote or sell her work. She can manage her household responsibilities while also taking her skills to a much wider audience through social media.
The increasing use of social-media platforms has created new opportunities for home-based women workers. A woman can photograph her work, upload it online, receive enquiries and take orders without having to travel from place to place. This saves time and gives her greater control over her work.
Digital platforms have also helped women understand the actual value and price of their skills. Earlier, many women doing Sozni work and other forms of traditional handwork did not know what their work was worth or what price other people were charging for similar products. Today, social media allows them to observe the market, compare products, and understand how their time and craftsmanship are valued.
The Role of Self-Help Groups
Another significant development has occurred through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups have proved very useful in increasing self-confidence and financial awareness among women.
Previously, women used to be dependent on men of the household even for minor requirements. They always had to approach them for any monetary requirement related to their individual needs or family needs. In many cases, their financial independence was compromised due to their dependency on others. SHGs can make a huge difference in such cases.
I have personally observed this change because I myself run an SHG group and serve as its President. We begin our weekly meetings by starting in the name of Allah. All the women introduce themselves, after which we start discussing the problems and difficulties that these members are facing.
Initially, there will be some hesitation among a few of the women to speak up or even introduce themselves, especially when they lack the necessary educational background or exposure. However, with time, they become confident. They know how to introduce themselves, put forth their views, and engage in a discussion.
By the end of the month, we pool in our savings. Initially, our savings were little, but with time, we managed to gather approximately ₹40,000. In case of need, a member of the group can withdraw some money and return the same with interest over time.
From Small Support to a Bigger Dream
For many women, this support is not only about money. It gives them the confidence to start something of their own, contribute to their families, and think about becoming financially independent.
One member of my group started her own journey in this way. With the confidence and support she gained, she gradually developed her work, and today she has a well-established mattress-making shop. Her journey shows how a small beginning and the support of other women can help someone develop the confidence to build something of her own.
In this way, digitalisation and SHGs are creating two different but connected pathways for women. One helps women take their skills to a wider market, while the other helps them build financial confidence and the courage to become entrepreneurs.
The Change We Can See in Our Own Locality
If we look at our own locality, we can see how SHGs have become a practical source of support for women. In my mohalla area, there are approximately 10 SHGs with 10 women in each SHG. Such SHGs have also been established in the surrounding areas. The SHGs are linked with each other by means of four VOs and two CLFs.
Every week, the members meet each other to discuss different things regarding their requirements, savings, and other concerns. In case of a requirement of a small amount of money, the woman can avail a loan from the VO and pay it back easily, without any pressure. In case of a requirement of a large sum, the member may go for a loan from CLF, which can be paid back gradually with a low rate of interest.
Thus, the SHGs have not only helped the women financially but have also helped in getting loans and savings. For many women, this has made managing household needs and starting or continuing small economic activities much easier.
When Skills Become Opportunities
This has made digitalisation beneficial for women not only because it helps them find customers, but also because it helps them recognise the economic value of their own skills.
The journey from home-based work to digital business shows that women can turn their skills into opportunities when they have access to markets, financial support and confidence. Digital technology allows women to reach customers beyond their immediate geographical vicinity, whereas SHGs will provide them with savings, money and encouragement.
Both of these will allow women to make money through their skills as well as set up small-scale enterprises and make themselves more independent. The actual breakthrough happens when a woman is given the chance to believe in herself and take that first step.
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