“Never give up on your dreams. Believe in yourself. I never imagined I could create my own identity, but today, my skills have earned me respect, appreciation, and financial security.” – Noor
In the bustling lanes of Sangam Vihar, Delhi, lives Noor Jahan, a woman whose life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-reliance. Born and raised in a deeply patriarchal society, Noor’s journey has been fraught with hardships, yet she has persevered against all odds to carve a future of dignity and financial independence.
A Life of Struggles and Sacrifices
Noor Jahan’s life has been anything but easy. A mother of three—two daughters aged 12 and 8, and a 10-year-old son—she battled societal norms and financial instability at every step. Married into a family in Uttarakhand that devalued daughters, she faced unimaginable cruelty when her firstborn daughter was taken away from her and left to die within 14 days of birth—simply because she was a girl.
Enduring years of domestic violence and neglect, Noor was eventually forced to leave her marital home and return to Delhi with her children. However, her struggles were far from over. She was separated from her youngest son, whom she later fought tirelessly to bring back.
Determined to provide for her children, she took up a job as a security guard at a girls’ hostel, working gruelling 12-hour night shifts for a meagre salary of Rs. 10,000. The exhausting routine left her drained, unable to care for her children properly, and still struggling to make ends meet. Often, she had to borrow money from her mother just to survive.
A Ray of Hope
In 2021, Noor’s life took a transformative turn when she came across ETASHA Society’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (WEP). With nothing to lose but an unshakable will to stand on her own feet, she enrolled in the program, determined to turn her sewing skills into a sustainable livelihood. At ETASHA, she received advanced training in tailoring, business management, market trends and financial support .Beyond just skill-building, the program empowered her with confidence—enabling her to navigate corporate spaces, communicate with clients, and present her products professionally.
With financial assistance and mentorship, she launched her own boutique with Rs. 10,000 in seed capital from ETASHA. Her hard work soon paid off—within a month, she began earning between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 16,000 per month. Her income soars even higher when she participates in corporate stalls, reaching up to Rs. 26,000 in just a week. Today, she has also employed a skilled artisan to help manage production, further expanding her business.
Building a Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Noor has carved a niche for herself by specialising in handcrafted, eco-friendly products such as jute bags, laptop sleeves, and fruit covers, all made from upcycled materials. She has showcased her work at prestigious exhibitions, including those at IIT Delhi, the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, and various government and corporate events in Gurugram and Noida.
The woman who once feared rejection now confidently sells her products at government-sponsored stalls and interacts with entrepreneurs from across India and beyond. Her proudest moment came when she won the Best Product Award at a high-profile exhibition hosted by the District Magistrate’s office—an achievement she once believed was beyond her reach.
Leadership and Empowerment
Beyond her personal success, Noor is now paving the way for other women. She currently serves as the President of Samriddhi Multipurpose Cooperative Society, leading 31 women towards financial independence. Under her leadership, the cooperative not only provides training but also helps women secure orders and establish their own businesses.
She has personally mentored a single mother, teaching her tailoring skills and employing her in her boutique—proving that true success lies in uplifting others.
Looking Ahead – Dreams and Aspirations
Noor dreams of scaling her business to secure government contracts, expand her market reach, and increase her monthly income to Rs. 80,000. She is determined to establish her brand and inspire more women to break free from economic dependence.
A Message to Women Dreaming of Independence
For Noor, this journey is not just about business—it’s about reclaiming dignity, self-worth, and financial autonomy. Her message to women struggling with self-doubt:
“सपने मत छोड़ो, खुद पर भरोसा रखो। मैंने सोचा भी नहीं था कि कभी अपनी पहचान बना पाऊँगी, लेकिन आज मैं अपने हुनर से इज्जत, तारीफ और आमदनी तीनों कमा रही हूँ।”
This blog is written by Shweta Sethi.