Sampada Devali

CO-OP MANAGER AT SHRAMIK MAHILA MANDAL COOPERATIVE (SMM)

HER LEADERSHIP STYLE: "I like to do things perfectly. I used to get upset if an artisan did not follow the rules or the schedule. I am still strict about the timeline, but have improved how I communicate."

BECOMING A LEADER: "I completed a two-year tailoring course but never used those skills. In 2015 when MarketPlace came to my area, I joined. After a year, the manager left and I started helping with accounts. Before long, I was appointed the new manager and it was difficult! There was a lot of traveling to check the samples and fabric. I pushed forward and never said no."

CO-OP SUCCESS: In four years, SMM has repaid the initial loan taken to start the cooperative, has bought new machines, and established a group savings program that has allowed them to distribute two large bonuses to members.

WIDER IMPACTS: "Earlier, we always worried about money. Now we are confident of our finances as a group. We celebrate birthdays and festivals, and even go out for picnics. We encourage family time and not working after 6:30 pm. I am extremely proud that we have achieved all this without any compromise on quality and delivery deadlines."

Sampada moved to the Mumbai area from a village near Goa after her marriage. She had completed a 2-year tailoring course before then and had hopes of pursuing this work. However, she found herself in a new town without connections or friends. When a representative from MarketPlace came to her area to set up a group, she discovered the answer to both problems. She realized she could earn money to help with expenses, and the flexible schedule would allow her to take care of her small son. Looking back at the beginning of her relationship with SMM she reflects, "There were too many favorable circumstances for me miss this opportunity." It turned out to be a brilliant decision as it brought new accomplishments and joy into her life - as well as many friends.

Sampada's skills and responsibilities developed along with SMM. At first the group would only get small and simple orders. This was a way to acquire skills and also to learn to adapt to many new requirements. For example, Sampada was not accustomed to traveling on her own, but quickly discovered it was required for her work. She learned to take trains and buses to go for training, deliver products and attend production meetings. This kind of work increased when she was asked to take over when the first Cooperative Manager left.

As a leader, she has had to learn to balance her perfectionist tendencies with the need to manage a group of opinionated artisans. She has stuck to her standards but learned to communicate better. "It is easier now as the group supports me completely," she admits. The group realized that smooth relations could yield better on-time results.

Sampada has recently taken on the position of mentor to a new cooperative recently set up in the area. "I am glad everything worked out there and now 10 more women will have better opportunities to earn," she exclaims.

Shramik ("Hard Work") Mahila Mandal's name says it all. This group of 14 women was started in 2015 in Nallasopara. This rural area north of Mumbai has little public transportation and poor employment opportunities, especially for women. These highly motivated women established SMM so that they could work and earn while taking care of their children and homes.

After establishing their workshop, the artisans hit the ground running. They repaid the loan given by MarketPlace to start their cooperative in record time. Plus, they have been so efficient that they have started profit-sharing more quickly than any other group. Their hard work has resulted in an impressive record of on-time deliveries and has allowed them to double their production. They also participate in social programs, although they often have to travel a long distance. Yet they are always on time!