A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. —Eleanor Roosevelt
Through long cold nights when hundreds of young boys and girls try to make a living by working incessantly in call centres or crave for their mother’s food, Samim tries to ensure that they don’t go to bed on an empty stomach. She and her army of home cooks deliver tiffins or dabbas to these hungry souls.
William Shakespeare was correct when he believed that while some are born great, some achieve greatness! Samim Sultana’s tale is that of a woman who was not just born a fighter but her incredible journey proves that she’s also the ultimate survivor after being plunged into the depths of misery.
When Samim wasn’t allowed to step out of her house, she decided to break tradition. Despite coming from a conservative Manipuri Muslim family, Samim broke barriers to make something out of her life. After she graduated college, she started working at a beauty parlour to make ends meet. She wasn’t content.
When she came across Kutchina Foundation and found out about the work they do, she found her calling. Through Samim’s initiative called Lunch Box, she now helps women from marginalized families or victims of domestic violence become self-sustainable by cooking food and getting them delivered to people who are either too stressed to cook for themselves after a hard day at work or are missing home cooked comfort food.
However, Samim didn’t stop at that. With the knowledge and experience she has gained by working at the beauty parlour, Samim has started a professional beauty parlour training institute to help aspiring women become independent and thereby live with dignity in a society marred with viciousness against women. Samim adds, “I’m at the beginning of an incredible journey and I want to learn from the women I work with. They are such an inspiration. When I listen to their stories, I get all the more stubborn and determined to do something good for them. They build hope in me!”Over the next 6 months, Samim looks at expanding her business manifold and hiring more people to help her scale up. She also plans on getting more women under her guidance. She says, “I’m a small fish in a big pond. The road ahead may be bumpy, but my determination is rock solid. With the kind of support I’m getting, I’m sure I’ll be able to achieve what I desire. ”
Over the next 6 months, Samim looks at expanding her business manifold and hiring more people to help her scale up. She also plans on getting more women under her guidance. She says, “I’m a small fish in a big pond. The road ahead may be bumpy, but my determination is rock solid. With the kind of support I’m getting, I’m sure I’ll be able to achieve what I desire. ”
As the role and status of women change in the Indian society, may such unheard voices as Samim’s be heard for the good!
