I used to hesitate even to talk to people, let alone convince them to buy our products
Bela Oraon, a determined woman from a remote Kotpali village of Bero block, Jharkhand, had always nurtured the dream of becoming financially independent. She was aware of the social and economic barriers that constrained rural women like her. However, she was firm in her resolve.
Bela Didi’s journey began as an active Self-Help Group (SHG) member. Her leadership qualities and commitment soon led her to become the President of her Village Organization (VO), where she started working closely with other women to promote savings, credit linkages, and access to government schemes.
When a Palash Uttam Agro Processing Unit was established in her vicinity, Bela Didi saw a new opportunity. Despite initial hesitation and lack of training and marketing experience, she joined the unit and took charge as the Marketing In-Charge.
The transformation was not easy. In her words, “I used to hesitate even to talk to people, let alone convince them to buy our products.” However, after receiving multiple training sessions on marketing, management, and communication, Bela Didi overcame her fears. She not only learned the technicalities of sales but also mastered the art of delivering compelling sales pitches.
Today, Bela Didi stands as a pillar of strength behind the success of the Uttam Didis from the Murto CLF, one of the most remote and tribal clusters in Bero block. Before working with enterprise, she earned Rs 2000 (USD20) per month and today earns Rs 8000 (USD80) per month. As the Marketing In-Charge, she plays a pivotal role in transforming the capacities and confidence of 22 Uttam Didis across 22 villages. She provides dedicated handholding support, ensuring that each woman becomes self-reliant in promoting and selling Palash Uttam products.
Bela Oraon now dreams of taking Uttam products beyond village. Her immediate goal is to see these products on the shelves of local kirana stores. She says proudly, “If a woman from a remote village like Kotpali can become a marketing leader, so can others. We just need the right support and belief in ourselves.”
