Leela and her husband Deshveer have five children and live in the Dungarpur district in north-west India. Both Leela and Deshveer had labouring jobs, but their income was not enough to cover their living expenses and they struggled financially.

The Dungarpur district is mainly agricultural, with many farms in the local community. With their financial situation worsening during the pandemic, Leela decided to take out a small loan with Opportunity International Australia’s local microfinance partner to rent a tractor. With the second- hand tractor, Leela and Deshveer plough the fields on the nearby farms for a fee, helping those farmers who can’t afford a tractor of their own.

Leela also uses the tractor to transport construction materials in her local area, such as bricks, stones and soil. She has managed to create a profitable business with just one small loan of Rs. 35,000 (A$658).

^{Leela with the tractor she rents with the help of a small loan.}

Leela’s family don’t have crops of their own, but they do have chickens and cows, and sell the eggs and milk as a side business.

Since taking the loan and starting the tractor business, Leela and Deshveer have more than doubled their income.

“Thanks to the loan, we were able to survive in such tough times when our living conditions were really poor,” said Leela. “We are very thankful for this opportunity to start our own business.”

^{Leela has a side business selling chicken eggs and cow’s milk}

They plan on hiring another tractor with the help of another small loan. Their eldest son, 22-year-old Lokesh, who is now married, helps with the tractor business, giving them the capacity to increase their income with two tractors running.

Their other children, aged between 11 and 18, were able to attend a local government school, and have dreams for a future free from poverty. Her 18-year-old daughter Neeru is now studying at university. The younger three children are still in school.

^{Leela’s family - three children, Robin, Julie and Pradyam, and her husband Deshveer.}

“I want my children to be independent, and hopefully become police officers, teachers or nurses,” said Leela. “I want them to excel well in life and do good for themselves and society.”

Leela has dreams of a different future for herself as well. With one successful business already, Leela has plans to branch out into other small businesses in future.

“I hope to get another loan soon to open my own beauty parlour,” said Leela.

Thanks to Opportunity’s generous supporters, Leela is one of the millions of women in Asia who are building a better life for themselves and their families.

To support more families like Leela's with a hand up, donate today.