A Widow's Journey of Resilience

Prasadini Paik, a 34-year-old woman from R.Udayagiri block of Gajapati district, faced sudden and unexpected tragedy when her husband passed away, leaving her alone to care for their two young daughters. Overwhelmed by grief and shock, Prasadini struggled to cope with her new reality. Thanks to the timely intervention of Gender Community Resource Person (GCRP), Gender Point Person (GPP) and Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Prasadini received much-needed support, preventing her from being rendered helpless and allowing her to fulfill even the most basic duties, such as laying her husband to rest.

Prasadini’s married life was filled with challenges. Despite her membership in the Maa Tarini SHG, her income couldn’t support her family. Adding to her difficulties, her mother-in-law constantly subjected her and her husband to verbal abuse due to demand of a son hire and money. Prasadini persevered for her children, but her husband, battling alcoholism and mental trauma due to poor financial status, tragically took his own life in December 2021.

The suddenness of my husband’s suicide had left me feeling as though the earth had crumbled beneath my feet. I was lost and unsure of what the future would look like. However, for the sake of my daughters, I knew I had to keep moving forward and provide them with a better life than I had,

Prasadini.

In her moment of crisis, Prasadini discovered hope through the GCRP who learned of Prasadini’s dire situation in January 2022, through the efforts of her SHG group’s GPP. The proactive approach of GCRP linked with Gram Panchayat Level Federation (GPLF) members who stepped in to immediate action by providing her financial aid from Gram Panchayat (GP) office. Prasadini received crucial funds for her husband’s final rites through the GP’s Harischandra Yojana, offering her much-needed solace during a tumultuous time.

Prasadini, being illiterate, had no awareness of government welfare programs like pensions, the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), widow oension or her daughters’ sponsorship through District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). As the sole provider for her family, she desperately needed guidance and support. Fortunately, the GPLF members guided by GCRP and Panchayati Raj Instituion representatives (PRIs) stepped in, guiding her towards income-generating activities, helping her obtain her husband’s death certificate, and applying for a widow’s pension. Additionally, she was counselled seek loan from SHG than any Bank to start any livelihood means. And she received a prompt loan to boost her goatery business from Cluster Level Federation’s (CLF) VRF fund.

Initially deemed ineligible for the NFBS due to lack of a BPL card, her situation improved considerably when the matter escalated to Block office by GCRP. As suggested by Block Social Security Officer (BSSO), Sarpanch supported her by providing necessary document to get enrolled under NFBS. In addition, she’s been actively participating in the gender program at Gender Facilitation Center (GFC) since January 2022, gaining valuable insights and knowledge on responsible parenthood strategies with a gender lens. With GPLF’s assistance, Prasadini could access government schemes i.e. widow pension, NFBS to meet her family’s needs which took almost six months time since she applied for the same.

Prasadini is now planning for more promising business venture to save for her children’s future, no longer living hand to mouth. She aims to sell the goats and use the money to open a shop and work as daily wage labour for extra income, a goal that once seemed unattainable. With GPLF’s unwavering support, Prasadini’s future is brimming with potential and renewed hope.