The first time Asma Shiekh left her house on her own without any male supervision was for YAF’s training due to the patriarchal set up. We were witness to her determination as she carried her toddler for 2 km in the sun to and fro just to learn. She was able to pay her daughter's school fees because of the extra income she earned after our training and revived her dreams of becoming a doctor . The main reason why she wants to grow her business is to educate her daughter “I want to educate her because she will understand her human rights and not simply bow down to the patriarchy like I did. It was so embarrassing that my daughter was not allowed in the exam hall because we couldn't pay her fees but thanks to YAF that changed ” she said.
Her journey to freedom started from being scared to talk to strangers. She was scared to even greet a customer as she was afraid of what they thought about her. “Training made me realise that we as humans perceive threats when they are not even present. I used to think the customer would be thinking ill about me but then realised she was not.” she said. Yes we go deep into psychology. “ I am a living example of how if you put your mind to it you can do it but if you believe that your worth as a woman is in the kitchen then you can't do anything about your condition.” she added
Her husband used to shame her and call her useless but as her income increased, he became more progressive and started helping her in doing tasks. He gifted her a QR code scanner only months after denying her the opportunity for online transactions saying she is useless. “There was a time when my business was in loss due to family commitments and everyone around me was telling me to sell off my stock at a cheaper rate and shut shop but I told them that I have the persistence even though you won't . I will show you.” she said proudly as she bounced back. She used YAF’s financial literacy and digital literacy to do so.
We took participants for an exposure visit to a manufacturing unit, for which she said “After that day I realised a business idea comes from the solution of a problem as the manufacturer curated his millet ladoos to satisfy his diabetic mothers. Now I want to set up a photocopy machine business due to its lack in my area. I need funds to build a shutter and make my shop into my house as it looks unprofessional selling on the floor.