"From Homefront to Forefront: The Empowering Journey of Sharmiladevi"
Ms. Sharmiladevi, a 37-year-old social worker from Vanagiri in the Mayiladuthurai district, exemplifies dedication and perseverance. Born into a modest household, she studied up to the 12th standard and briefly worked as a crunch teacher. While fulfilling her family responsibilities, she occasionally assisted in fishery-related tasks at the local seashore fish landing centre. Her role included procuring, sorting, grading, and icing fish, as well as managing logistics for the markets in Karuvi and Mayiladuthurai. Her keen sense of responsibility extended beyond her family, as she gradually became involved in her community's welfare.
A Social Work Enthusiast
Sharmiladevi’s interest in social work found an outlet through Urorganized Workers Welfare Schemes, where she began assisting women and villagers with essential administrative tasks. She helped them secure widow pensions, access marriage and education loans, and handle other formalities. Her dedication earned her respect and recognition, eventually leading her to become the leader of a women’s cooperative society.
Transformation Through Digital and Post Harvest Literacy
Recognizing her potential and passion for community development, Sharmiladevi enrolled in a digital literacy offered by the WCC. The comprehensive program introduced her to basic computer skills, equipped her with proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial management and costing, and taught her how to navigate online platforms for communication and commerce. This training marked a transformative phase in Sharmiladevi’s life. Armed with her new skills, she enhanced her leadership by efficiently managing financial records for the women’s cooperative society using Excel. Additionally, she deepened her community engagement by leveraging online platforms to help villagers access government schemes and benefits, making her an invaluable resource in her community.
Rise to Grassroot Leadership in Fisheries
Her newfound digital literacy paved the way for Sharmiladevi's nominated as the Chairperson of a Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO). In this leadership role, she revolutionized operations by integrating digital tools to ensure seamless management and improved efficiency. She utilized online platforms to market dry fish and value-added fish products, securing substantial orders and significantly expanding the FFPO's market reach. Moreover, Sharmiladevi leveraged her Excel skills to optimize costing and pricing strategies, using data-driven insights to boost the organization's profitability and create a sustainable growth model.
These advancements not only enhanced the efficiency of FFPO operations but also established Sharmiladevi as a visionary leader capable of navigating a modern, digital business environment.
Continued Learning and Innovation
Sharmiladevi actively participated in all the thematic video conferencing sessions on post-harvest technology, gaining valuable insights and expertise. These sessions provided her with in-depth knowledge of hygienic and advanced fish processing techniques, as well as practical solutions to challenges in fish preservation and value addition. Additionally, they offered her opportunities to network with experts and peers in the fisheries sector, fostering collaboration and learning. Empowered by this experience, Sharmiladevi implemented innovative techniques, significantly enhancing the quality and market demand for her FFPO's products.
Impact and Inspiration
Sharmiladevi’s journey from a housewife and occasional helper to an influential leader and FFPO chairperson is a testament to the power of opportunity and resilience. “I once managed only my home, but today, I help shape the future of my entire community,” she says with pride. Under her leadership, the FFPO has expanded its market beyond district borders and has even begun receiving and delivering orders to other states like Andhra Pradesh by leveraging ICT platforms such as WhatsApp Business groups. “We never imagined selling beyond our village, but now, our products are reaching far and wide,” she adds. Through dedicated training and thematic video conferencing, women in the FFPO have also gained critical knowledge, securing FSSAI certificate—a milestone that once seemed out of reach. “Before, we didn’t even know what FSSAI was, but now, we are certified entrepreneurs,” she proudly shares.
Beyond her success, Sharmiladevi has embraced a new role—a mentor and trainer, passing on her knowledge to other women and creating a ripple effect of empowerment. By equipping others with the skills and confidence to step into leadership roles, she is ensuring that the wave of transformation does not stop with her. “When one woman rises, she lifts an entire community with her,” she affirms, proving that empowerment is not just personal—it is a force for lasting change.
Gratitude and Vision for the Future
With heartfelt gratitude for the training and support received from the WCC, Sharmiladevi reflects on how these resources have transformed not only her work but also her role within the community. Looking ahead, she envisions a future where more women break barriers and step into leadership. She is committed to mentoring women in other coastal villages, helping them replicate her success and embrace digital tools for economic independence. Recognizing the importance of innovation, she advocates for the widespread adoption of post-harvest technology to enhance product quality. With bold aspirations, she also aims to expand the FFPO’s reach beyond national borders, tapping into international markets. Her journey underscores the transformative power of technology in fostering empowerment and innovation, proving that with the right tools and determination, one can overcome barriers and achieve extraordinary success. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and a role model, showing that when women are given the opportunity to learn and grow, they can lead lasting and transformative change in their communities.