Check out the ultimate guide to 16 return-to-work programs in India for women
No matter what life throws at you, facing it with courage can turn your life around. Here are the stories of 3 such inspirational ordinary women.
Today I list the stories of three women I have been lucky to know in my life and who are a source of inspiration to me. They have lived their lives with true grit and determination and overcame various stumbling blocks and lived their lives to the fullest.
The first lady is a friend of my mom. She was tragically widowed at a young age when her husband succumbed to cancer. With no job and three school going children to fend for, life looked difficult. Living in a small city with its own limitations, at the beginning she was at a loss. The husband’s family had their own personal agenda and did their very best to oust her from the family property. But they had underestimated her.
The first thing she did was finding a job in a government organisation and ensuring her children’s education did not suffer. She then filed a court case to fight for what was rightfully hers and started her life all over again. She won the case after a long legal battle and ensured her own and her children’s future. She was blessed with intelligent and smart kids who saw their mother’s struggle and worked hard to achieve superlative success.
Today all her children are happily married with kids of their own and with brilliant careers. The lady worked till retirement, though she could afford to leave once her kids were settled, and lived alone in her small house. Now she happily shuttles between her children’s homes, each of which has a permanent place for her. She is fluent with latest technologies and apps and has maintained her friends circle. The best part is she always has a smile on her face for she knows that her journey made her a stronger woman and a better person.
The second is a friend of mine who was unfortunately trapped in a loveless marriage. She tried to make her marriage work but when her partner cheated on her, it was the last straw. Being on the wrong side of 30s did make her think twice but she followed her heart. She also knew that the stigma of a divorce will mar her reputation, however she chose to live her life on her own terms.
She moved out of her marriage into a small PG accommodation and much against her parents wishes started living alone in the city of Mumbai. She found a new job, made new friends and found new interests. Soon her career was soaring and she had a busy social life. She also found love again and got married recently. The lovely pictures of her wedding and honeymoon are testament that she got second time lucky. She beat the odds against her and built a new life.
The third lady is my house maid. A young girl of 23, she had a lovely, chirpy demeanour when she joined service at my place. My only grudge was her constant need to take leaves. One day I received a message that she will not be able to come for a month and my first reaction was obviously irritation. Then I learned that she had tragically lost her husband who had committed suicide. It was later learnt that he was a maniac depressive but his behaviour had been mistaken by all as moodiness.
Left alone in the world with a 2 year old daughter she first sank into complete despair. Luckily all the families she worked for rallied around her. We provided money and any other comfort we could and she slowly got back to her feet. She went back to her working routine. To see her bereft of her trademark bangles, anklets and bindi always startled me. Her smile and happiness was also gone. Where we were used to her chatter and laughter, now she moved like a ghost quietly.
However thanks to the support of her family and the love of her daughter she is slowly back to her usual self. She laughs, smiles and is full of her usual exuberance. She still take many offs but I don’t grudge it any more.
Three women, from three different generations, three different strata of society with somewhat similar stories. They not only fought against adverse situation but also emerged victorious. Three truly courageous woman that I respect and adore. I hope their story motivates others, for they prove that no matter what comes your way, you can handle it and have a happy, successful life.
Image source: courage woman by Shutterstock.
My first book - Second Chances has just released and is present on all online book stores. Do pick up a copy to read about the adventures of a novice ghost. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
I huffed, puffed and panted up the hill, taking many rest breaks along the way. My calf muscles pained, my heart protested, and my breathing became heavy at one stage.
“Let’s turn back,” my husband remarked. We stood at the foot of Shravanbelagola – one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage centres. “We will not climb the hill,” he continued.
My husband and I were vacationing in Karnataka. It was the month of May, and even at the early hour of 8 am in the morning, the sun scorched our backs. After visiting Bangalore and Mysore, we had made a planned stop at this holy site in the Southern part of the state en route to Hosur. Even while planning our vacation, my husband was very excited at the prospect of visiting this place and the 18 m high statue of Lord Gometeshwara, considered one of the world’s tallest free-standing monolithic statues.
What we hadn’t bargained for was there would be 1001 granite steps that needed to be climbed to have a close-up view of this colossal magic three thousand feet above sea level on a hilltop. It would be an understatement to term it as an arduous climb.
She was sure she was dying of cancer the first time her periods came. Why did her mother not explain anything? Why did no one say anything?
Sneha still remembers the time when she had her first period.
She was returning home from school in a cycle-rickshaw in which four girls used to commute to school. When she found something sticky on the place where she was sitting, she wanted to hide it, but she would be the first girl to get down and others were bound to notice it. She was a nervous wreck.
As expected, everyone had a hearty laugh seeing her condition. She wondered what the rickshaw-wallah thought of her. Running towards her home, she told her mother about it. And then, she saw. There was blood all over. Was she suffering from some sickness? Cancer? Her maternal uncle had died of blood cancer!
Please enter your email address