Reshma Parmar

TAILOR AT WARE COLLECTIVE

When Reshma joined WARE in 2015 it was the first time ever that she stepped out of her house for a job. Neither she nor her husband was enthused about her getting a job. But they wanted a better future for their only child, their daughter Mahek, and these hopes and goals overcame any trepidation.

Reshma's plans for finding employment received some support from her sister-in-law, who not only encouraged Reshma's actions, she also had a strategy. She knew an artisan at WARE and approached her to ask her to put in a word with the group. As luck would have it, there was an opening and Reshma was in! "I was a little scared to step out and work but everyone at WARE was so supportive. Even though I knew tailoring, I was not that skilled. At WARE the other tailors all helped me to improve, and today I even do samples with confidence," Reshma shares.

Not long after Reshma joined, WARE decided to start a group savings plan. Many of the artisans chose to contribute Rs. 1000 to start their savings. She heard Suvarna, the social worker, speak about how important it is to start saving for the future of their children. "I was still new," relates Reshma, "and not yet earning that much. But Suvarna encouraged me, saying that even Rs. 50 or 100 was okay as you are beginning somewhere."

Reshma's husband agreed with her that this was a good way to start saving. Reshma opened the account with Rs. 1000, with an eye to Mahek's future. In the next two years, she kept adding small amounts based on her earnings. "Even though it was a small start, before I knew it, I had collected Rs. 10,000. I felt proud and positive about my daughter's future. Our goal is to have enough saved so that no matter what field she chooses she should be able to pursue it. I never want my daughter to give up on her dreams because of money."

The first Rs. 10,000 was converted to a Fixed Deposit (FD) for a period of 3 years to earn better returns. In the meantime, Reshma continued to add to her savings account. Last year the FD matured, and by that time Reshma had put away another Rs. 10,000. At the same time, her husband had an additional Rs. 10,000 from an investment which he wanted put aside for Mahek. Their new FD, then, is in the amount of Rs. 30,000!

Understanding money management is now a part of Reshma's household culture. She has taken responsibility for expenses related to Mahek's education. Her husband's salary covers the other household bills. They are making sure that their daughter also understands the value of money and how to handle it. "Even though I want to fulfill all my daughter's wishes," says Reshma, "I make sure to not buy her everything she wants, and I never give in immediately to her demands. I want to make sure Mahek understands the value of money and hard work, and she seems to be learning these lessons."

WARE Collective
One of the older groups, WARE stands for Women Artisans' Rehabilitation Enterprise. It was established in 1995 by a former longtime Share employee, Joseph Jacinto. Originally located in Joseph's home, WARE later was able to afford a rental space of its own. Finally, with savings and loans from the members themselves, the group was able to purchase their own workshop.

This space is just a 10-minute walk from MarketPlace's Mumbai office. Its 29 members do all the sewing, embroidery and cutting and are involved in all aspects of operating their business. They are also enthusiastic about participating in all the enrichment programs, with Yoga being a particular favorite. This group has very strong bonds, working together to make decisions, discuss issues and assist one another. They also love celebrating everyone's birthday.