Boundless Courage – Hema

There are some people that never give up no matter what the odds. Hema, a resident of Purani Kondli in east Delhi, is one of them. After having lost two brothers over a period of few days when she was in class VIII, she had to leave her studies to support her parents at home. She did that uncomplainingly, refusing support from her teacher who wanted to help her with studying further. She did manage to do her Xth from open school though. Married off when she was 18 years old, she soon learnt that her marriage was not what she was led to believe. Her husband was earning only Rs. 1500 per month by making the ‘chics’ (traditional blinds for windows). After paying for food and shelter and loan repayment, they were left with only Rs 100 to survive. Hema had lost her 6 month boy to diarrhea and almost lost her daughter too because of not being able to pay for the medical care. That jolted her into ‘doing something about her life’. So five years ago, after hearing about Women on Wheels from another trainee Poonam, she courageously decided to learn driving.Despite her life being a series of endless chores taking care of her four children and her youngest son, being then only one and half years old, she was determine to succeed. It took her 10 long months. But her husband supported her through this, looking after the youngest till she got back home. We could say he was only doing his share of the work, but as Hema says ‘if your husband does not drink, does not bash you up whenever he feels like venting, and on top of it helps you with household chores – you have to consider yourself blessed!!’ Hema knows this, as she has been witnessing life of her elder sister whose husband is the opposite case. After appearing for a couple of interviews, Hema landed her first job. She says joyfully, that by then her third born daughter was getting ready to go to school – and she decided to get her admitted into a private school. Later on, she was also able to put her youngest son into a private school, where hopefully both will get better quality education. In 2013, Hema got her commercial license and joined Sakha Cab Hire services. She used to be very scared of driving at night, given the neighbourhood she lived in. Today, her inner demons are at rest and overcoming her fear has made her so strong and self-confident. With the income she has been earning as a chauffeur, Hema invested into two small plots of land. She got a loan of Rs. 60,000 from Sakhato register the land that she purchased in her name. She is hopeful that in the coming years, she will be able to build her own house. She is proud that today she can meet all her needs and support others. Earlier this year her husband got injured at work and was unable to work for a month and half. Hema did not worry. She managed his treatment, and ensured the household functioned without any problem. There used to be days, those hardest ones, when there would be nothing to cook for two three days at a stretch. Recently, Hema threw a celebration for her son’s birthday, managing it all with her own resources. But there is no bitterness in Hema’s mind for all the difficult times she has had. She is thankful to be where she is at now – a supportive husband, four joyful children and a job that has given her self-esteem, security and ability to support her children fulfill their dreams and aspirations.