Sunita Gorad: Transforming Leadership at Aakasa Cooperative

A Journey of Self-Empowerment
Sunita Gorad's story is one of remarkable personal growth and empowerment. From a quiet, reserved member of the Shramik Mahila Mandal Cooperative (SMM) to the dynamic leader of Aakasa Cooperative, Sunita has shown that with the right opportunity, determination, and support, one can achieve great things. Her journey reflects the transformative power of self-belief and community support.

Overcoming Initial Doubts
Taking on a leadership role at Aakasa Cooperative was not an easy decision for Sunita. She had spent six years at SMM Cooperative and had a deep emotional connection to it. "I felt as if I was betraying my former group," she recalls. "Not all the members were supportive, and I felt conflicted." Encouragement from Amisha, a manager at MarketPlace, and support from her husband helped her overcome her doubts. "With their support, I decided to take the difficult but brave step, and I am glad of it."

Building a Supportive Community
Sunita's leadership style focuses on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. She started celebrating birthdays within the group, ensuring that each member feels special and valued. One time, despite being late from a meeting, she took the time to get a cake for an artisan, reflecting her commitment to building a positive workplace culture.

Balancing Responsibilities and Family Life
Balancing her new responsibilities with family life, Sunita has also gained newfound respect from her family members, who now seek her opinion on various matters. With her additional earnings, she is planning her finances, repaying the loan for their house in the village, and making fixed deposits in her children's names to secure their future. "With this position, the respect from family members has increased. Others in the family ask for my opinion, and they have started seeing me in a new light," she says.

Looking Ahead with Optimism
Sunita is not just focused on the present but is also planning for the future. "I feel happy in my new position. Managing production and ensuring quality is important, but so is building bonds in the group," she explains. "Since we are all women, everyone feels safe to express themselves. I focus on strengthening our bonds and building on them."

Sunita Gorad's journey from a reserved artisan to a confident leader at Aakasa Cooperative is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and the power of community support. Her story inspires others to embrace change, take on new challenges, and work together to achieve shared goals.