Shivkumari: Embracing Change and Leadership at Prerna Cooperative

Shivkumari has been a part of the Nirmaan Collective for 12 years, often avoiding added responsibilities. However, with the formation of the Prerna Cooperative, she has become a strong pillar for her group, taking on new roles to ensure its success.

Transition and Initial Hesitations
The artisans at Prerna, including Shivkumari, were part of Nirmaan. Due to management issues, the group decided to split into two smaller cooperatives in 2023, leading to Prerna's creation. Initially, Shivkumari was unsure about this change.

After her marriage, Shivkumari moved to Mumbai, a city that was fast-paced and expensive compared to her village life. Without skills, education, or family support, she started working secretly. "No women in my husband's family worked, so when I decided to start work I did it without telling anyone. For the first fifteen days, even my husband didn't know," she recalls. Despite initial resistance, her husband eventually acknowledged the financial support her earnings provided.

Early Career and Joining Nirmaan
Before joining Nirmaan, Shivkumari made necklaces at home but earned very little. Another artisan introduced her to Nirmaan, where she initially lacked tailoring skills but showed great determination. After training at Umang, a MarketPlace-run sewing center, she became a full-time tailor. This marked the beginning of her integration into the group and learning to navigate life in the big city.

Embracing New Responsibilities
With the restructuring, new leadership emerged, and all women had to take on responsibilities. Under the guidance of the new leadership and MPB manager, Shivkumari took on additional duties. "When we started in the new group, everyone was different in one way or another, but we had all gone through the same change and had to fight together to make it a good change," she says.

Building Unity and Overcoming Challenges
The women of Prerna have developed a strong bond, standing by each other in times of need. Shivkumari recalls an incident where they helped a fellow artisan who was unable to access her salary due to bank issues. This act of unity strengthened their bond and provided comfort, knowing they could rely on each other.

Despite the challenges, the Prerna Cooperative members have come together, united in their goal of creating and sustaining their cooperative. Shivkumari's journey reflects the resilience and determination of women artisans who embrace change, take on new responsibilities, and support each other to achieve their shared vision.