Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111758220300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Women sustain families

Deepa H Ramakrishnan

PHOTO: M.KARUNAKARAN

Initiative: A resident of Kannagi Nagar, who runs a petty shop in the area. —

CHENNAI: In most homes in Semmanchery and Kannagi Nagar Slum Board tenements, it is the woman who ensures that there is enough food for the family.

Struggling to run microenterprises such as small petty shops, selling saris, supplying water cans, roadside eateries, growing plant cuttings for a nursery, selling flowers and grinding idly dough, each day is a battle for them.

Some women also work as domestic helps and daily wage labourers. Many of them are part of self-help groups but do not function as a group when it comes to running these enterprises. They utilise the groups to get small loans to run the family.

“I am still waiting for wet grinders and push carts promised when I joined self-help group. At the moment, the group only saves. I pay Rs.110 a month,” says R.Selvi of Semmanchery, who grinds about three kg of idly dough every day.

“When we came here two years ago, I had to quit as a housemaid and my husband also had to give up work as a mechanic. We found it difficult with the children. Then a friend suggested that I sell idly dough. I am now content with Rs.100 I make a day,” she added.

For A. Anjali of Kannagi Nagar, whose husband does not contribute to the running of the family, a job as domestic help is a boon. “Though my present employers are being transferred next month, the salary has helped me all these months. My daughter makes embroidery and supplies to a company. I am on the lookout for another job now.”

Investment is a major hurdle for many women, who manage the show on their own. V.Karpagam, originally from Thiruvanmiyur, lost her husband a few years ago. A small petty shop helps her make Rs.30. “If I invest more, I can earn more. For every Rs,100 that I sell, I make Rs.10 and because I sell eatables and some condiments for Rs.300 a day I make Rs.30. My youngest son has an autorickshaw but we do not have money for repairing the vehicle for the fitness certificate.”

Geetha John Peter of Kannagi Nagar, who sells breakfast, says she does not have enough water to cook food and supply thrice a day. “I manage with just selling breakfast to children and adults who go to work.” Lalitha, also a resident of Kannagi Nagar, runs her family, selling water in pots.