VSO's impact: Shaista’s story

As one of the younger daughters of a family of five children living in Chowagujar, Pakistan, life had always been tough for Shaista but when her father lost his job, the family’s situation became even harder. The family struggled and Shaista's father's faced the stigma that he could not afford to pay for the marriages of his two eldest daughters.

Shaista desperately wanted to help her family but with no education her ability to find work was severely hampered. Determined to help her family, and with just fifty rupees, Shaista started her own business doing something she did everyday - making samosas. Today Shaista provides samosas to schools and parties and is thinking of expanding her business to selling textiles. As a result of her hard work, her family’s situation has improved dramatically and as well as supporting them she is also able to save money for her future.

Shaista says of her success “I didn't have an education but I did have a skill, so I thought 'why not use it?'“

Shaista established her business with the help of a small loan from Khwendo Kor, a local organisation that promotes the rights of women in rural communities. As well as supporting the women to develop businesses they also help them to access healthcare and education. Currently there are two VSO volunteers working at Khowendo Kor who are sharing their professional skills with local colleagues enabling them to provide a better service to the communities they support.

Shaista’s business has changed her role in the family for the better. She says, “My father and brother respect me more and give me more importance”.