Asha is mother of seven children, four daughters and three sons whom she has raised alone after her husband passed away. Asha was married at the early age of 16. Not only was the loss of her husband emotionally devastating, it was magnified by the long term struggle for basic needs, their human rights, and dignity. Single mothers who live in poverty have specific, urgent needs, and their voice and circumstances are often absent from policies that impact their survival.
Asha is 47 years old and she works as a cook and assistant at Project Help India’s City Slums Centre. She was struggling with severe depression and high blood pressure since losing her partner. It’s been 15 years now that she is a widow, overwhelmed at the prospect of providing for herself and her children on her own. She lived in a rented single small room and once described her life as miserable.
Asha describes the importance of SHINE Conference and her job;
“not only has Project Help India enabled me to provide for my children, it has become my sanctuary. I am surrounded by children who are also overcoming similar situations. We become each other’s support system. I also hope other women find inspiration in my story, seeing how far I have come as a woman, despite the circumstances. SHINE Conference is one of the highlights of my life every year."
Before her job as a cook in Project Help India Asha had been a domestic worker, spending long hours at her employer’s home, caring for their children, and away from her own. This was not enough earnings to meet all the needs of her family. Now with her new job as a cook she makes enough of a handful of money (3500rupees = $70AUS) per month with which she can fill the basic needs of her family of 7 kids and she can spend time with them too.
Because of SHINE Conference and the things she learns as a Project Help team member Asha says that she can push through the barriers in pursuit of a life with dignity, joy and positive aspirations for the future.