Impact Stories

  • Kuvarben

    Kuvarben – Mandva Village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    Kuvarben belongs to the Darbar caste that follows strict purdah (head covering) for women. To defecate, she had to go either very early or very late in the night. She suffered from insect and snakebites, and feared for her… Read More

  • Kanchanben

    Kanchanben – Amuli Village, Rajula, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    A Dalit (referred to as untouchable), Kanchanben had realized the importance of toilets and bathrooms during her interaction with the women’s federation leaders. She tried availing of a government grant that required… Read More

  • Sajedaben

    Sajedaben – Santrampur, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    The 2002 Gujarat riots had resulted in a heavy toll on Sajedaben’s family. But she fought these adverse circumstances bravely though finding a place to defecate in a semi urban area was next to impossible. The fear of attacks had… Read More

  • Shantuben

    Shantuben – Akwada Village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    Shantuben, has lived a very difficult life and faced challenges every single day. Her love for her family has driven her to do anything it takes to nurture her family. In order to keep her ill husband alive, Shantuben has donated one of… Read More

  • Bilkis-Banu-Pathan

    Bilkis Banu Pathan – Vatva, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    Bilkisbanu, is a 35-year-old mother of two visually and mentally challenged children. As a member of a cooperative, she has learned the importance of savings and through Shanti Life has received a microfinance… Read More

  • Jamila-Bibi-Ansari

    Jamila Bibi Ansari – Vatva, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    Jamila Bibi, is married to a drug addict and cannot rely on her husband to look after her and her children. For as long as she can remember, she has been the breadwinner in the family and more recently her son is contributing… Read More

  • Shaikh-Anwar

    Shaikh Anwar – Vatva, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    Anwar is 35 years old, and physically challenged. He is married and has a child. He has limited education but has been operating an auto rickshaw for the past 14 years. The high cost of renting the rickshaw and high fuel prices… Read More

  • Ramjibhai-Rajabhai-Sodharva

    Ramjibhai Rajabhai Sodharva – Guptanagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

    by Shantisheetal

    At 55 years, Ramjibhai was barely able to manage his family of 5. He operated a rented auto rickshaw and conducted odd jobs including plumbing in order to support his family. His monthly income was so low at Rs.2500.00 that… Read More

  • Training-initiative-in-Atsaliya-village

    Training initiative in Atsaliya village, Hardoi District, UP, India

    by Shantisheetal

    Shanti supported a training initiative in Atsaliya village near Sandila Block of Hardoi District, UP, India. As a result of the training and committeemen from the young adults, a sewing class has been initiated with 20 students – 16 girls and… Read More