Iramma Malagavi is 19 years old. She is unmarried and lives with her parents, brother, and grandmother. Her three sisters, aged 22, 24, and 26 are all married and live with their own families. Her brother is 28 years old and lives at home while working as a driver. Her father is 50 years old and works temporarily as a mechanic. Her mother is 40 years old and is a housewife, although she used to hand weave cotton dhotis (traditional Indian men’s skirts). The monthly income for the entire family is Rs 3500 (€50 per month). Due to each sister giving birth to children, the family obtained a loan to cover the high hospital costs. They are still trying to repay the loan.
Iramma belongs to the low middle class Hindu Nekar caste, a vegetarian caste. She received ten years of schooling and then completed a six month tailoring training course at Mann Deshi, followed by a cooking course. In two years she will get married.
Iramma found about the Satara Fashion Project through a fellow participant, Lalita, who was also taking part in the cooking course. She joined to help repay the family loan and invest in skills with which she can build a future.
“I do not have any problems so far, I’m just really enjoying the course.”
Iramma’s dream is to start her own shop from home.
