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From Sewing To Management: Becoming A Leader

Sampada Divali is 37 and married with an 11‐year‐old son. Before she was married, she completed a two‐year tailoring course, but did not end up using these skills. When the opportunity came in 2015 to join a cooperative in her area, she became a member of Shramik Mahila Mandal Cooperative (SMM).

"My earnings would help with expenses, and I could still care for my 2½‐year old son," she explains. After a year, the manager of SMM left and Sampada took on more responsibilities. First, she started helping with the accounts, and before long she was appointed the new manager. This position was very challenging, involving a lot of traveling by bus and managing production. But Sampada pushed herself to learn to cope.

As a leader, she has been able to maintain high standards with effective communication. The results are clear: the group has repaid its initial loan, purchased new machines, and established a group savings and bonus program. "I am extremely proud we have achieved all this with no compromise on quality and delivery deadlines."