Before completing her graduation, Vani got married at a young age due to societal pressure and a conservative environment. In their conservative setting, marriage meant less freedom for women to work outside the home.
Vani, always a bright student, knew that after marriage, she couldn’t pursue a profession. Despite her dreams, she accepted this reality. She married at 19 and became a mother at 21, adding more responsibilities and seemingly ending any chance of achieving something beyond her family duties. Life went on as expected. When her child turned three, Vani felt it was time to teach her something. She started with basic household objects but was unsure of what more she could do. Fortunately, her neighbor, a teacher, shared some helpful tips. When Vani learned about ThinkZone, an app for training teachers, she became interested. With this interest, she approached a coordinator from ThinkZone who was working in her slum. However, a hiccup occurred when she approached the coordinator, who initially refused, stating the training was for youths wanting to open learning centers.
Vani, at 24, convinced the coordinator that she was within the youth age range. Vani initiated her learning center with the support of Bandita.
After a few months of dedicated learning, Vani became an excellent teacher. Inspired by the training, she decided to open a learning center at home, with her
education. Vani is now teaching 11 children and saying, “I am not the mother of just one; now I am the mother of 10 more children. I also treat all of them like my sons and daughters.”
As a working woman, societal pressures often make us question if we’re doing justice to both home and profession. But I want to emphasize that we’re doing great. Thanks to ThinkZone for recognizing this and giving me the opportunity. I’m happy that my work not only impacts my own children but also positively influences ten other kids in our community. It’s empowering, and I’m thrilled that I can make it happen!
S. Vani
Despite her success, Vani faced criticism from society. People questioned her ability to manage household duties along with her learning center, despite handling both responsibilities passionately. Vani shares, “Even though I am running my learning center, I manage all the day-to-day household chores with full passion. Yet, I can’t shake off the guilt – questioning if I am doing something wrong. Why is everyone talking about this?
But, after a few months, as students start appreciating my teaching, that guilt started to fade away. When they acknowledged my efforts, it made a difference. As a married woman like me, challenges are a constant companion. The guilt of whether I am fulfilling both roles properly lingers. I want to share that you must continue with your efforts; over time, everything will change. Believe in yourself, work hard, and let the results speak to the world.
People tend to appreciate your efforts only after seeing the results; before that, it might seem like no one cares. I don’t think it’s their mistake, those who blame us. It’s just the structure of society. Changing opinions takes time; good things take time!”
