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For Varalakshmi, a young girl living in a remote village, the opportunity to pursue a better life was cut short when she was married at just 15 years old. And when her husband passed away, she was left to raise their three children, two daughters and a son, alone, bringing any feelings of financial security to an abrupt end. The burden of poverty settled heavily upon her. Providing meals was a daily battle and the dream of educating their children soon faded. The weight of loss, compounded by the harsh realities of their situation, pushed Varalakshmi into isolation. The judgmental stares from some in the community only deepened her despair.
Children Believe Partner-Integrated Rural Community Development Society’s (IRCDS)’s intervention arrived like a lifeline. They understood poverty wasn’t just about money; it was a tangled web of challenges that choked opportunity. They began by addressing Varalakshmi’s emotional well-being. Through counseling sessions, they helped her navigate grief and rebuild her confidence. This emotional support was crucial. It allowed her to face the future not just with pragmatism, but also with a renewed sense of self-worth.
“I used to believe women needed men to survive. Now, I’m filled with self-confidence, knowing women can achieve anything.”
“Born a girl, I once struggled for food. Today, I stand as an example thanks to the achievers who empowered me through IRCDS/Children Believe. My deepest gratitude to them.”
Next, Children Believe partner-IRCDS ensured that Varalakshmi received a widow’s pension from the government. This financial assistance provided a much needed safety net, a foundation upon which she could rebuild her life. It meant less worry about immediate needs, allowing her to focus on long-term solutions.
Financial security alone was not enough, so IRCDS equipped Varalakshmi with skills that would empower her to generate immediate income. Skill development programs, designed with the specific needs of women in mind, provided her with the ability to work in a shop. This practical solution offered a tangible means to put food on the table, alleviating the constant pressure of daily survival.
Empowered by this newfound confidence, and the knowledge gained from the IRCDS programs, Varalakshmi embarked on a bold venture – establishing a small-scale bread batter-making business. This new direction became a symbol of her newfound independence, and a testament to her determination to overcome her circumstances.
The impact of Children Believe and its local partner- IRCDS’ intervention extended far beyond Varalakshmi’s individual success. Her story became a beacon of hope for other women in the community. They saw how her self-belief, coupled with the support from the IRCDS, paved the way for her economic empowerment. Varalakshmi, once ostracized, became a role model, her story a call to action for breaking free from poverty. Today, Varalakshmi stands tall, a thriving entrepreneur earning a steady income. Her children are back in school.
Varalakshmi’s story is a powerful reminder that an intersectional approach and understanding multidimensional effects of poverty and gender is required to empower women in need.
Read more from our 2024 Annual Global Programs and Policy Report.
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.
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