By Manisha Bhalerao, YouthAid Foundation
When people hear the word “carpenter,” they often imagine a man. However, here’s a story that challenges this stereotype. Meet Anita Eknath Shelke from Shingote village in Nandurbar, Maharashtra-a woman who entered the male-dominated field of carpentry and carved her own path to success with the support of the YouthAid Foundation.
Challenges
Anita’s journey as a carpenter was full of difficulties. Despite her hard work, she struggled to earn a steady income and grow her business. Limited financial resources made it hard for her to invest in better tools or expand her reach. Competing with others was tough, especially since she lacked knowledge about modern business practices. Her income would drop during the off-season, and her customers were mostly from her village. Without proper marketing, it was hard to attract new clients. One of the biggest challenges she faced was learning to use digital tools to promote her work. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she also had to prove herself constantly, which added extra pressure.
Intervention
In 2020, Anita’s situation began to change when YouthAid Foundation (YAF) launched its Entrepreneurship Development Program in her village in collaboration with the local Gram Panchayat. The three-day training helped Anita and others learn about business planning, saving, financial management, marketing, and government schemes. The program also introduced her to the Vishwakarma Scheme, through which she received a voucher worth Rs. 15,000 and became eligible for a loan of up to Rs. 3 lakh at a lower interest rate.
With this support, Anita bought high-quality tools and materials, which helped her improve the quality of her work. Increased customer satisfaction boosted her confidence. Initially unsure about using digital platforms, she was guided by the facilitators of YAF, who taught her how to use social media to promote her carpentry work. Slowly, she learned how to post about her services, reach out to new customers, and make her business visible beyond her village. She also began managing her money better and quoting her prices smartly. These small steps brought significant changes.
Impact
Anita’s monthly income doubled and grew from Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 15,000. Her work became more efficient. This enabled her to take more orders and deliver them on time.. Due to her online presence, she now gets orders from nearby towns as well, which has helped her avoid income drops during the off-season. Most importantly, Anita now feels confident, skilled, and in control of her business. Her journey shows how guidance and support can empower women to succeed in fields where they are often overlooked.
