With access to capital, Manjuben turned a passion for sewing into a small business, making pillowcases and beautiful clothing for Diwali. She now hires six women in her community, helping her sew more and expand her business — showing the power of microfinance to provide opportunities for not just one woman, but whole communities.

Manjuben lives in Varanasi, India, and first took out a loan from one of Opportunity’s local partners over five years ago to purchase a sewing machine. She receives pre-cut material on credit and then sews pillowcases and sells them back to the supplier. She was able to make enough to take out another loan to purchase a second sewing machine and hire a woman in her local community.

_{Manjuben at her business with her child, Mishti}

Seeing potential to grow her business, Manjuben is fast becoming a thriving small entrepreneur, now operating with six sewing machines and recruiting six other women in the community to work with her out of her home. As a group they earn on average A$60 a day, with the potential to earn much more during festivals like Diwali.

Manjuben has become a leader in her community, inspiring other women to take out loans to purchase sewing machines to create their own sources of income. She provides them with material too so they can earn money by sewing pillowcases and other items.

_{The textile and clothing industry is the third largest employer in India and employs around 45 million people.}

Her life has transformed since running her own business. Manjuben was able to have her house renovated, and her husband was able to buy an auto rickshaw to help with the transport of raw materials and finished goods. He also uses it as a taxi service. Soon they will move out of the home they are in and convert their current home into a full workshop, hiring more staff and purchasing more machines.

In the future, Manjuben wants to hire more women in her community and she hopes to expand her business even further. Her business is a perfect example of how helping one woman has a ripple effect not just on her family, but the wider community.

Last year, Opportunity supported 6,055,905 families in India with small loans, financial services and training. Learn more about how microfinance is changing lives in Asia.