We love sharing stories of the women who, as part of a skills-training program, sew together PUNJAMMIES®. The Sudara Stories series highlights a few of these strong, amazing women. Today, we are honored to introduce Anju.
Anju’s Story of Hope and Freedom
Anju is the provider for her family, both financially and in caring for her two young children, a son and a daughter. If you ask her about her husband she’ll tell you that the hardships began early in her marriage. She’ll tell you that her husband is an alcoholic and he physically abuses her, especially in the evenings after he’s had too much to drink. She’ll tell you that most of the time he refused to give her money and she lived in fear. She lived in fear for her family’s safety and their future. And, whether she could provide for them on her own.
About a year ago, she asked friends and neighbors whether they knew of anyone who was hiring. After a few weeks of not finding a job, a friend told her about one of the Sudara partner sewing centers and the tailoring classes offered there. She joined right away. She told us that she became interested in sewing and tailoring as a child, but her family could not afford for her to take classes. After several months of classes, though, she started to sew dresses and blouses for friends. And, soon after, she accepted a full-time job offer with the sewing center and began to sew PUNJAMMIES™.
Anju tells us that although her husband is still struggling with an alcohol addiction and refuses to work, she no longer fears for her future. She tells us that she experiences peace and joy when she comes to work. And, she gets excited when she talks about being able to provide for her children, their education and their future, too.
Thank you for continuing to invest in and empower women like Anju to create a new life for herself and her children. Read more Sudara Stories here. And, find the PUNJAMMIES® we named in honor and celebration of Anju here.
Thank God for this opportunity to have security in your lived. Each story is so touching. May you gain strength, love and peace knowing there are many people like me, praying for you!
Thank you for the kind words and comment, Ann!
These stories are so painful to read. It may be outside of what you can offer, but do you think you could offer Al-ANON groups to these women? It sounds like many have addiction and alcoholism in their family.
Anyways, keep up the good work. Can’t wait zo get my order.
Hi Andrea — Thank you for the comment and support. We aren’t sure if there is an Al-ANON type group available throughout India, but our partner centers do offer individual and group counseling.
Al-Anon is a free program with materials available in all languages to provide meeting formats and guidance. It is self supporting based upon its own contributions and owes nothing to any organization or structure, requires no professionals, only a space to meet and a willingness to share and respect the guidelines. http://www.al-anon.org has everything to get you started.
And I just found this resource for Al-Anon in India: http://www.al-anonalateenindia.org/
Thank you, Ann!
Alanon is a lifesaver. They certainly saved mine years ago. I too was married to an alcoholic and abuser. I was able to get the strength to leave and find a way to support myself and my child. Thank you for all the good work you do . It is heartwarming to hear the stories.