Sudha is 27 years old married with two kids age 5 and 2 respectively. Her husband is a soldier and based in Kargil like many other soldiears guarding the Line of Border between India and Pakistan. A very vulnerable place. I asked if she is not scared of him living so far……..and she smiles and says “No”. She loves taking pictures of herself and smiles a lot! I felt so welcome during the interview as she did not seem to mind any of my questions.
She has completed her high school and doing correspondence course in Bachelor of Arts. But she does not speak hindi or english, so Mrs. Gomathy who is the production in-charge translated for us. Hers is a joint family and so her children are taken care of by her mother-in-law. They are going to a private schools. They have a Television and a mobile; daily speak to her husband for more than 3 times in a day. I was curious to know if they know of any knowledge of the Govt. scheme and said she did not get Govt’s support during her labour (maternity) as her husband is working in the Govt. sector and has more earnings. Govt. provides a financial support of Rs. 10,000 for the first two deliveries. 
Before she joined Aaharam weavers in the quality checking department two months back, she was a housewife. Mrs. Gomathy said – “She was given only a week’s training on quality checking because she picked up easily”. Her monthly salary is INR 2000 but she is happy and her heart is at rest- translated Mrs. Gomathy. Sudha has knowledge of the organizations buying Aaharam produce but nothing about fair trade principles. The working hours at Aaharam unit is from 9am-5pm with two tea breaks in a day and lunch break for an hour. She is from Genguvarpatti village which is 1km from her work place and comes to work by walk. Even though there is no benefits from the unit, they can avail medical benefits for minor ailments from the RTU hospital by paying Rs. 2 for medicine plus check up.
Tsering Youdon
Fair Trade coordinator
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