As a young girl, Laxmi dreamed of starting her own business and becoming financially independent. But being a tribal girl from a poor and uneducated family working as farm hands in a remote village in Madhya Pradesh, India, there seemed little chance her dream could come true. Still, she remained hopeful. 

In 2019, at the age of 21, Laxmi learned about the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women and, with Mona Foundation’s support, enrolled in their six-month residential training program. Within Barli's nurturing walls, she learned to read and write, gained skills in organic farming, solar cooking, and community development, and became certified as a tailor. Most importantly, she developed self-confidence, learned about gender equality, and found her voice as a woman. One lesson that especially inspired her described men and women as two wings of a bird:

“The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment....Therefore, woman must receive the same education as man and all inequality be adjusted.”

Laxmi excelled in her courses and she returned home eager to open her tailoring shop. Instead, her parents arranged for her to marry shortly after she arrived. As a new wife, social custom dictated that Laxmi stay at home to care for the house and cooking. But she didn't give up on her dream. Drawing on the self-confidence she gained at Barli, Laxmi succeeded in convincing her husband and in-laws that she should open a tailoring shop. She even taught her husband to sew! Now there are two sewing machines in her shop, one for herself and one for her husband. They both the manage the shop together. She has even expanded their shop to sell other items such as cosmetics and jewelry.  The business has brought financial stability to Laxmi's family.  She recently became a mother and is happy that she will be able to provide a proper education and a healthy life for her son, something she missed during her own childhood.

Laxmi's husband and family are proud of her and supportive of her efforts. Initially her husband’s friends and relatives made fun of him because he was learning to tailor from his wife. However, Laxmi constantly encouraged him and talked to him about working together for the progress of their family and community.  Her husband says that Laxmi always gave importance to consultation and unity and this has strengthened and nurtured their family life. 

Today, the two are looked upon as an ideal couple in the village, consulting and working together and inspiring others to give up superstitions and rigid customs that hamper the empowerment of women. Laxmi tells the women in her neighborhood that this is the age of equality and that education and training will bring about this change.