Mumtaz Hebblli is 28 years old. She married at the age of 18, but her husband passed away two years ago. She has two children. Her son, Irshad, is eight years old and her daughter, Fatima, is seven years old. They are both very intelligent and studying in the Urdu language at primary school. Once Mumtaz’ husband died, his family stopped giving her food and abused her. She fled to her mother, where she now lives with her two children. Her Muslim caste forbids her to remarry.
Mumtaz only completed primary school. She speaks Urdu and Kannada. At the age of 13 she started working for her family’s tailoring shop. She then followed a six month tailoring and embroidery course at Mann Deshi. Once married, Mumtaz stopped working. Five years ago, however, she started her own shop. From this she earns Rs 1000 per month (€14 per month).
Mumtaz joined the Satara Fashion Project as a means to provide her children with financial support and a better future. She is keen to learn and expand her tailoring skills to make her shop successful.
“So far the course has been quite easy. I am really happy with it.”
Mumtaz’ dream is to get her children through university and to be socially and financially independent.
