Sunita: A Project Lajja Story

For 32-year-old Sunita Madavi, these realities defined much of her life. Living with her husband and two children, her days were once centred entirely around household responsibilities and occasional farm work. She had no independent source of income and little exposure to conversations around menstrual health. “We never spoke about it,” she recalls. “It was something we were expected to handle quietly, without asking questions.”

With the establishment of the Naari Shakti Niketan hub in her village by Making The Difference NGO, Sunita was introduced to both health awareness and livelihood training through which she learned to make low-cost doormats, but what she found most meaningful was creating decorative toran ornaments. “I enjoyed making torans the most,” she says with a smile. “I could decorate my own home, and also sell them to others.” With support on how to price and sell her products, Sunita started earning steadily from her work.

“For the first time, I had money that I earned myself,” she shares. “It gave me confidence. I felt like I could stand on my own.” This financial independence not only empowered her financially but also strengthened her sense of self-worth. She could now contribute to household expenses and make small decisions without hesitation.

Today, Sunita has taken up a more active role in her community, supporting other women, sharing both her knowledge and her skills. Whether it is explaining menstrual hygiene or encouraging others to learn and earn through simple crafts, she has become a source of inspiration and change.