MARIE LOURDES MANOOVALOO

The entrepreneurship training by Gender Links was very inspiring. It has changed my life. I joined the training in 2014 and I attended all three phases. In this training, I learnt how to create a business plan and how to carry it forward. I learnt many things that is now of great use to me. The training was exceptional. I spent the best moments of my life there. My most memorable experience is the friendship tie that was born. I got connected with other women who were facing similar challenges as me. We communicated very well with each other. I also met other women who, after much hardship, succeeded in their life. This motivated me. I then believed I can improve my life. And I did it. Today, I am independent and I have my own business.

Before the training at Gender Links, I worked as a maid. This job was very demanding and tiring. I could not do a proper planning. I did not have much time for myself.  Now, I am very pleased with my life. I am a well-organized woman. I am still working as a maid and I also have my own business. After my working hours, I sell ‘Farata’. I am very proud of myself as I can stand on my own. I am now financially better off than before. Gender Links has continuously supported me to be where I am today. The councils did not support me at all. I have learnt about my rights and where I stand in the society. I can now face any difficulties in my personal and also professional life.

I am married. My husband was very violent. He used to beat me. Sometimes, he insulted me and made me feel bad about myself. After the training at Gender Links, I learnt how to defend myself. I now know my worth as a woman. My husband has changed and he cooperates with me. I am now experiencing much less violence and abuse than before. I feel satisfied. My family has always supported me and they still stand by my side. In fact they are happy with my progress. They encourage me to go further and expand my business. And I have the same dream. I want to sell ‘farata’ on a larger scale and obtain higher profit. I can then enlarge my business. I will double my effort and I know I will achieve success.