Beneficiary Highlight: Meera Shakya

We are excited about our new blog series that will highlight Sanitree’s seven amazing beneficiaries working in Jaipur! Our beneficiaries come from marginalized communities and engage in flexible and part-time work at the Her Shakti Centre. Through our sewing and sales training, we set out to build the confidence of our beneficiaries and increase their employability and independence. As well as raising awareness of period poverty and stigma, Sanitree also seeks to call attention to the need for vulnerable women to find valuable and meaningful work.

Erin and I got the opportunity to do the first interview with Meera Shakya a few months ago, chatting with her and Ishu about Meera’s experience with Sanitree and how it has shaped her. Despite a language barrier, her joy and self-assuredness radiated. We were moved by her story and it made us feel more connected to Sanitree’s vision. We hope you are, too. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your life before Sanitree? 

When I got engaged my parents asked me to leave any kind of work as my in-laws might get suspicious. I insisted that I should continue working and learning, and in a few years I could get a diploma certificate that could enable me to get a job anywhere – I did not want to depend on anybody. I used to work from 8 am-2 pm, but my family and in-laws did not allow me to continue this and told me that I should leave it. I got married, and thought my husband would think about me and my work, but no. I thought I could start stitching, so I asked my mom-in-law, I wanted to do a job. They all said, “No.” I thought my life was finished, I lost all my confidence, and I became dependent on them completely. 

I do not have any babies. It’s been 14 years since I got married. That’s the biggest problem with me and my in-laws. Every month that passed by created more tension between me and the in-laws. Every parent wants to see their grandkids. As time passed, their behaviour toward me became rude and they started torturing me for every little thing - my cooking, cleaning, sleeping. My husband noticed this and that’s when I joined him in Jaipur. My father-in-law's boss started to talk to him as well, slowly convincing him to let me come outside and work. 

This is when I started working as a seamstress, I started earning and stopped asking my husband for money. I decided I would never stop working. I will not sit at home, I will spend my own money. I will keep learning new things. I believe you can't do much sitting at home but once you step out you can learn and do a lot. The world opens to us.

How did you first hear about Sanitree? What called you to it and made you take part?

I came to know it through an acquaintance, she mentioned Her Shakti Center which makes pads made of cloth, and said I should try working there. I always loved stitching! But pads that are made out of cloth are what got me interested. I came here, saw the beautiful space, met Ishu and she gave me an interview. I shared my personal story with someone for the first time. I was not sure if I would get selected or not. I was shortlisted and Ishu asked me to show my stitching skills which then finally got me selected. I came home and told my husband about it all. He happily agreed and permitted me to come and work here. I was very happy to get selected and meet such an amazing group where I can share every little thing of my heart.

What does a day spent at the Her Shakti Centre look like? 

It's the best part of the day for me. As soon as it's 2 pm I am all excited to come here. meet the bennies, stitching gives me real happiness. It feels nice to make something so good for the menstruators. These pads are improving lives. I feel so capable and proud to be able to do that. This part of my day is better than the morning & the evenings, it's so peaceful. I can focus well on my work. The staff is so good and we are strong for each other. If any one of us has any problem we try to solve it amongst ourselves. 

What is your primary role in the Centre?

I do stitching here at Her Shakti Centre. 

[Ishu interjects: “You should know your role - you are master pad seamstress.”]

No, no. I don't consider myself a master. I am doing okay but think I can be better and want to keep learning more skills to polish myself. 

How has Sanitree shaped your life? How has it contributed to your growth? 

I want to always stay associated with Her Shakti. I am not dependent on anyone now. I was not able to even speak up at home. Now I make sure I take my stand. My confidence has really increased and I have found a support system here, a family-like bond with all other bennies. In today’s world, not everyone thinks about other people. But we are thinking about women’s intimate health that nobody cares about. We are helping to give strength to women. 

Read more about the beneficiaries or the Her Shakti Centre!