Renuka Jungali is 35 years old. She has a son of 12 years who wants to become an engineer. She married at the age of 19, but after 8 years of marriage her husband died. She belongs to the Hindu Kurbar caste, which is lower middle class. She enjoys cooking Indian dishes, especially roti, and making bags.
She received a modest education where she learnt to read and write the Kannada language. She followed a ten month tailoring course and a six month boutique course where, for instance, she learned the art of tie-dying. Since the age of 25 she has earned her income as a tailor.
Renuka received a microloan of Rs 10,000 (€140) from Mann Deshi, which she used to buy sewing machines. Working from home, which also acts as her own shop, she makes traditional Indian clothes, earning between Rs 500 and Rs 2000 per month (€7 - €28 per month) depending on demand and the season.
Renuka joined the Satara Fashion Project to earn a stable income and to escape family problems. She wanted to learn and acquire new tailoring experience.
“At first I found the course difficult but now it’s much better. I am really enjoying it now.”
Renuka’s dream is to move from lower class to middle class and to grow her production, whether it be alone or through an employer.
