“I joined Pollinate to help people move out of the darkness. Nobody wants to live in the darkness, and I am determined to help people live in the light.”
Rashida, a vibrant entrepreneur from Northern Karnataka, never completed high school due to poverty. Now, she works as a school helper and has become a trusted source of solar lights for her community, ensuring children can study and women can cook safely after sunset.
Pabitra Aryal - A Beacon of Hope in Her Village
“Most homes were left in the dark after sunset and urgently needed a solution. They were doubtful if a woman could really do this job.”
Pabitra, from a community with no access to reliable energy, introduced high-quality clean energy products and became a trusted leader. She now trains other women, helping them challenge gender stereotypes and improve their communities' quality of life.
Lakshmi The power of empowering women
Lakshmi’s eyes gleam with pride as she takes me to the heart of her community. The tents get closer and closer to each other, the further we walk. We find a group of women waiting patiently for us to arrive, all excited to share how Lakshmi has helped them change their lives forever.
“A few years ago, none of us even knew about solar power. We relied on kerosene lamps to have some light in our homes. Fans were something we couldn’t even dream of in the absence of electricity. Kerosine itself is quite expensive, if we don’t stand for hours at the ration-shop. Despite this, it was not enough for our children to study, or for life to go on after sunset. Today, not only do we have lights and fans at home, but we are also saving a lot of money because we only need to invest once in these solar products,”
Lakshmi, who works as a domestic helper in the evenings to provide for her family of 6, with 4 young children started working with Pollinate Group about 8 years ago. The idea was to make some extra money to substitute her household income. Today, however, her main incentive is ensuring no house around her is left in the dark after sunset. Till date, she has already lit up over 500 homes in her community.
Moreover, she has built an incredible network of trust and reliability. She understands the pulse of the crowd, as she shows them new products and explains how they can help families take another step towards a better life. She confidently assures the group that they can reach out to her for any queries or concerns, and patiently pacifies and answers people who seem anxious about the new products. The credibility of pre-existing products and the assurance of having Lakshmi around plays a key role here.
Lakshmi herself has received a smartphone from Pollinate Group as an acknowledgement of the huge impact she has helped create, and to enable her to continue doing so. Her eyes twinkle as she asks her son to get it from the room so she can show it to me.
“At first, I was terrified to even touch it because I had never held a smartphone in my hand before. But my children have been showing me how to use it, and now I can do some basic, but useful things,” she shares with excitement.
She and her family have now moved into a beautiful small apartment right outside her community. All four of her children are able to continue their education with online classes. She visits the community every Tuesday to share newer, more efficient products, to inform new families who move in about the benefits of using environmentally safe and cost effective appliances, and to check if anyone is having any trouble with existing products.
As I leave in the evening, my heart swells with pride, watching the resilience and determination of one woman, who started out with a simple wish to add any extra money she could get to her income so that she could give her children a better life than her own. Today, she is a proud entrepreneur, who has already transformed the lives of 500 other women and their families. Lakshmi is now sending these products to her own tiny village in Gulbarga, in North Karnataka, where there is no other source of lighting for farms, fields and homes.
If this is the difference one empowered woman can create, imagine what a beautiful world we can create by empowering more women to work with Pollinate Group.
Sunita : Overcoming Adversity to Empower Others
“Sunita, an acid attack survivor, supports her family by selling clean energy products. With her husband's support, she uses Pollinate Group’s digital app and social media to expand her business. Her determination and resourcefulness
are paving the way for a brighter future.
Arbiya : Stitching a Brighter Future
“Determined to support her family, Arbiya combined her income from selling clean energy products with her stitching course. Her hard work and resourcefulness
have lightened her family's financial burden and paved the way for a brighter future.”
Ruma’s Rise: From Aspiration to Empowerment
Meet Ruma Sardar, a woman of unwavering determination from Kolkata who dared to dream beyond financial insecurity. Her journey to self-sufficiency began when she discovered
Pollinate Group’s women entrepreneurship model—introduced to her by another empowered woman. With no prior experience but boundless ambition, Ruma took the leap.
With the support of Pollinate Group, she built her clean energy micro-enterprise from the ground up, selling essential products within her community and nearby schools. Every sale was more than just income; it was a step toward breaking generational barriers. Armed with training and confidence, Ruma has transformed not only her own life but has also become a source of inspiration for other women in her community.
Today, her hard-earned income is shaping a brighter future for her daughters, ensuring they receive the education she once only dreamed of. Ruma’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, resilience, and the unstoppable force of women uplifting women.
Rani’s Light: Empowering a Community Through Entrepreneurship
In 2019, Rani’s journey with Pollinate Group began in Hyderabad, fueled by a vision to create a brighter future for herself and her community. She ran a roadside furniture shop that provided for her family, but without electricity, its potential was limited.
Determined to change this, Rani stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, bringing life-changing products to underserved areas.
Her most impactful product? Solar lights. These not only transformed her own business—allowing her to extend shop hours and increase revenue—but also illuminated homes in her unelectrified community, improving lives in ways beyond measure. She expanded her offerings with water filters and essential household products, becoming a trusted source of change.
But Rani’s influence didn’t stop there. She became a mentor, sharing her experiences in Pollinate Group’s peer learning programs, empowering other women entrepreneurs to rise alongside her. Today, she stands as a beacon of self-sufficiency, proving that one woman’s ambition can ignite progress for an entire community.
Santoshi Kumari: A Journey of Empowerment and Transformation
In 2019, Santoshi Kumari’s journey with Pollinate Group began in Nepal, driven by a desire to create a better future for herself and her family. Managing a modest grocery shop alongside her husband, Santoshi knew there was untapped potential in her business.
Determined to make a change, she embraced the opportunity to step into entrepreneurship and enhance her business skills through Pollinate's training programs.
The most impactful change she made? Digital transformation. By modernizing her operations, Santoshi introduced digital tools to manage inventory and streamline stock requests, boosting her shop’s efficiency and growth. This digital shift not only helped her manage her business more effectively but also enhanced customer engagement, making her a well-known figure in her community.
But Santoshi’s impact didn’t stop at her own success. She reinvested her earnings into her business and used her newfound expertise to support her family’s well-being. As a result, her grocery shop became a vital part of her local economy, empowering her and her family with financial independence.
Today, Santoshi is a role model, showing that with the right knowledge and support, any woman can go from behind the scenes to leading her own entrepreneurial journey. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, self-belief, and the right mentorship—proving that women like Santoshi have the ability to uplift their families and communities.
Bhabani’s Empowerment: Transforming Financial Futures Through Digital Literacy
In 2019, Bhabani Mondal’s journey with Pollinate Group began in the rural outskirts of Diamond Harbour, driven by a vision to create a more stable and prosperous future for herself and her family.
With modest earnings from her work at a local microfinance institution and her husband’s job in Aquaguard sales, Bhabani sought greater financial independence and stability.
Her life changed when she joined Pollinate Group. Through comprehensive training in digital literacy and financial education, Bhabani learned essential skills in managing finances, handling cash, and conducting digital transactions. These tools empowered her to take control of her financial future, significantly increasing her income and expanding her opportunities.
But Bhabani’s journey didn’t end with her personal success. With her newfound knowledge, she became a role model and mentor in her community, sharing her expertise and empowering other women to manage their finances and build their own businesses.
Today, Bhabani stands as a beacon of empowerment, proving that when women are given the right resources and support, they can thrive and spark positive change in their communities. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of rural women striving for a better future.
Monoara’s Empowerment: Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy
In 2023, Monoara’s journey with Pollinate Group began in the rural areas of India, driven by a strong desire to create a better life for herself and her family..
Despite her husband’s job in sales, Monoara's family faced financial challenges, and their modest business selling clothing door-to-door lacked the tools and knowledge to scale.
Her life changed when she joined Pollinate Group. Through targeted entrepreneurship and digital financial literacy training, Monoara gained the essential skills needed to grow her business and manage finances effectively. She learned how to diversify her products, adopt modern financial practices, and take control of her financial future.
With her newfound knowledge, Monoara’s income grew significantly, adding approximately 3500 rupees per month to her family’s earnings. This financial stability improved their quality of life, allowing Monoara to reinvest in the business and create even more opportunities for growth.
But Monoara’s success didn’t stop at her own business. As she grew, she became a mentor, sharing her story and empowering other women in her community to take charge of their financial futures and entrepreneurial ventures.
Today, Monoara stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, proving that with the right education and support, rural women can transform their lives, their families, and their communities. Her story demonstrates the profound impact of entrepreneurship and financial literacy in driving sustainable economic growth.
Tagori’s Empowerment: Overcoming Struggles Through Entrepreneurship
In 2023, Tagori Gayen’s journey with Pollinate Group began in a rural community in India, driven by the desire to create a better life for her family. Despite her husband’s modest income of ₹6000 INR per month, Tagori faced significant financial challenges while trying to support her two children in school.
Her life transformed when she joined Pollinate Group. Through targeted training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, Tagori gained the crucial skills to manage her finances and grow her business. She learned how to sell essential products in her community, such as solar lights, clean cookstoves, and sanitary products, enabling her to create new income streams for her family.
With her newfound knowledge and skills, Tagori’s income increased by approximately ₹1500 INR each month. This additional income helped her afford her children’s education, basic needs, and provided greater financial security for her family.
But Tagori’s success didn’t stop there. As she gained confidence, she became a role model and an advocate for other women in her community, showing them how entrepreneurship could change their lives and create new opportunities.
Today, Tagori stands as a shining example of what’s possible when women are empowered with the right tools and support. Her journey proves that with the right guidance and determination, rural women can overcome financial struggles and lead their families to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Mallamma’s Determination: Building a Brighter Future for Her Family
In 2023, Mallamma’s journey with Pollinate Group began in a rural community, fueled by a mother’s desire to create a better life for her children. Once a construction laborer, Mallamma faced immense challenges, working long hours with little to no financial security.
But she dreamed of a future where her children could have the education and opportunities she never had.
Her life took a powerful turn when she joined Pollinate Group. Through specialized training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, Mallamma gained the knowledge and tools to generate a sustainable income. She started selling essential products in her community, such as solar lights, clean cookstoves, and sanitary products, creating a new path for herself and her family.
With her new skills, Mallamma’s income increased, and she began to reinvest in her children’s education, ensuring they could thrive without the financial struggles she had faced. Her eldest daughter, now in grade 10, is excelling in school, achieving higher marks than ever before, and dreaming of an even brighter future.
But Mallamma’s success isn’t just about her own transformation—it’s about the ripple effect she’s creating. With the support of Pollinate Group, Mallamma is not only securing her family’s future but also setting an example for others in her community. She’s teaching them the power of financial literacy and entrepreneurship, showing that with determination and the right support, any woman can rewrite her story.
Today, Mallamma stands as a beacon of hope, proving that women can rise above adversity and create lasting change. With continued support, we can empower more women like Mallamma to transform their futures and provide a better tomorrow for their children.
Ganga Kumari Bohora
In 2024, Ganga Kumari Bohora’s journey with Pollinate Group began in a remote village in Nepal, where she once ran a small shop struggling to keep pace with the challenges of daily..
business life. Despite her unwavering determination, limited resources and traditional barriers often restricted her growth. But Ganga’s life transformed when she received a smartphone from Pollinate Group—an unexpected gift that became a powerful gateway to new opportunities.
With the smartphone in hand, Ganga embraced the digital world and revolutionized her business. She expanded her reach beyond the village, streamlined her operations, and tapped into the endless possibilities of technology. This tool was more than just a device—it symbolized her newfound independence, allowing her to run her business on her own terms without depending on her husband’s availability.
Through digital empowerment, Ganga’s entrepreneurial spirit soared. Each transaction she made strengthened her household income, and every service she offered inspired others in her community to believe in the power of self-reliance. Today, Ganga stands as a shining example of how technology and support can uplift marginalized women, turning dreams into reality and creating lasting change.
Her story is a call to action: by supporting women like Ganga, donors can help unlock the potential of countless others, fostering economic independence, dignity, and hope for families across Nepal. Together, we can transform lives—one smartphone, one entrepreneur, one community at a time.
Rajia
In the bustling city of Kolkata, Rajia’s journey with Pollinate Group is a powerful story of resilience and empowerment. As a woman entrepreneur, Rajia has not
only carved out a sustainable livelihood for herself but also taken on the vital responsibility of funding her children’s education and contributing significantly to her family’s expenses.
Before joining Pollinate Group, Rajia faced the common struggles of limited financial independence and uncertain income. But through specialized training, access to essential products, and the unwavering support of Pollinate Group, she transformed her aspirations into reality. Today, Rajia runs a thriving business that sustains her family and inspires hope for a brighter future.
This International Women’s Day, Pollinate Group celebrates Rajia and countless women like her whose determination and spirit shine through adversity. Their journeys exemplify how the right support can unlock women’s potential, enabling them to uplift their families and communities.
Rajia’s story is a testament to the ripple effect donor contributions can create—empowering women entrepreneurs to build stronger families and shape a more equitable society. By supporting women like Rajia, donors become partners in a movement that transforms lives and fosters lasting change.
Sarita
In the heart of Nepal, Sarita’s journey with Pollinate Group is a powerful testament to resilience and courage. Living with a disability, Sarita faced numerous barriers that many might see as insurmountable.
Yet, her spirit refused to be defined by challenges. Instead, she chose to rewrite her story through entrepreneurship, determination, and the support of Pollinate Group.
Sarita’s path was not easy, but with specialized training and access to essential products, she stepped into the role of a woman entrepreneur, creating opportunities for herself and her family. Each small victory—whether making a sale or managing her business independently—added up to a larger transformation of confidence and self-reliance.
Her story shines especially bright as Pollinate Group celebrates International Women’s Day, honoring women like Sarita who embody strength, determination, and hope. Sarita’s success is not just a personal triumph but a beacon inspiring others in her community to overcome obstacles and embrace empowerment.
For donors, Sarita’s journey highlights the profound impact that support and opportunity can have on marginalized women. By investing in their potential, donors help break down barriers, build independence, and fuel the dreams of resilient women who refuse to be held back. Sarita’s story is a call to action to stand with women rewriting their futures and creating lasting change.
Manisha Choudhry
In the quiet village of Kailali, Nepal, a powerful wave of change is taking root, led by Manisha Chaudhary—a woman whose simple decision has sparked hope and transformation..
For years, Manisha relied on traditional cooking methods using LPG cylinders and firewood, enduring the cost, smoke, and hazards that came with it. But everything changed when she learned about induction cookstoves, locally known as induction chulha, from a fellow woman entrepreneur, Prativa.
Manisha embraced the induction chulha and described the impact as nothing short of transformative. “Not only have I saved time and money, but cooking has become a joy. The smokeless kitchen and ease of use mean I no longer worry about fuel or constant flame monitoring,” she shares. This shift has brought safety, convenience, and peace of mind to her home.
Manisha didn’t keep this life-changing discovery to herself. Through warm conversations and informal gatherings, she became a beacon of awareness in her community. Her story inspired three neighboring families to make the switch to induction chulhas, igniting a ripple effect of healthier, more economical cooking practices throughout the village.
With the money saved from fuel costs, Manisha and her family are now better able to invest in their children’s education, securing brighter futures that once felt out of reach. Her journey is a testament to how a simple innovation, combined with community spirit and support, can uplift entire families and villages.
For donors, Manisha’s story is a vivid reminder that investing in clean, affordable technology empowers women and families to break cycles of hardship. Together, we can fuel more transformations like Manisha’s, lighting the way to healthier homes, empowered women, and hopeful futures.
Sardha Kumari Chaudhary
In a humble farming community in Nepal, Saradha’s life is blossoming with new possibilities thanks to Pollinate Group’s innovative impact model.
As a marginal farmer, Saradha faced daunting challenges—most notably the high costs and limitations of traditional diesel water pumps, which drained around NPR 30,000 every three months during cultivation.
Saradha’s journey took a hopeful turn when she installed a solar water pump on her farm. This game-changing technology not only eliminated costly fuel expenses but also unlocked the power to diversify her crops. Where once she was confined to a single crop, Saradha now cultivates paddy and wheat, enhancing her farm’s resilience and opening doors to multiple streams of income.
This diversification protects her from the risks of monoculture and boosts her earning potential beyond NPR 1 lakh—a significant milestone that promises a more stable and prosperous future. Beyond financial gains, Saradha’s embrace of solar power also contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing her carbon footprint and promoting sustainable farming.
Saradha’s story embodies the transformational impact donors can help create—empowering women farmers to innovate, thrive, and build greener, more resilient communities. By supporting women like Saradha, you are investing not only in individual livelihoods but also in a healthier planet and a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Prativa
In a quiet village nestled in rural Nepal, Prativa once lived a life shaped by tradition and limited opportunity. Shy and reserved, she rarely stepped beyond the boundaries of her home.
husband lost his job, everything changed. Faced with the urgent need to support her family, Prativa stepped into an unfamiliar role becoming the sole breadwinner and decision-maker for her household.
Her turning point came with Pollinate Group.
Through their entrepreneurship training, Prativa launched a clean energy micro-enterprise that now serves more than 25 households in her community. With determination and grit, she turned hesitation into confidence, and limited means into a thriving, sustainable business.
As her success grew, so did her tools. She earned a smartphone through Pollinate, empowering her to manage customer relationships, take orders, and track sales digitally. What once felt unreachable is now part of her daily life efficient, connected, and confident.
Prativa’s income doesn’t just sustain her family it transforms it. She now cares for her physically challenged in-laws with dignity and ensures her children receive proper nutrition and access to a better education. Her home is no longer defined by struggle, but by resilience and opportunity.
And her story is far from quiet. In her small village, Prativa has become a symbol of possibility, inspiring other women to step forward, learn new skills, and lead.
Prativa’s journey is living proof of what happens when women from marginalized communities are given the chance to rise. By supporting women like her, we’re not only investing in individual lives we’re creating ripple effects of hope, leadership, and lasting change.
Ramadevi
In a small town in Andhra Pradesh, Ramadevi’s story unfolds as a powerful example of transformation through opportunity and resilience.
With just a 7th-grade education and the weight of financial strain due to her mother-in-law’s medical expenses, Ramadevi faced mounting pressure to support her family on limited means.
Everything began to change when she became a Suryamukhi—a woman entrepreneur empowered through Pollinate Group. With her new source of income, Ramadevi was able to afford vital medical care for her mother-in-law and manage household expenses, lifting a burden that once loomed large over her family.
But her growth didn’t stop at financial relief. With support and training from Pollinate Group, Ramadevi embraced digital tools that opened new doors for her small provision shop. She learned to set up UPI payments, making it easier for customers to buy from her and in turn, boosting her income and reputation in the community. What began as a simple business skill became a catalyst for change, not just for her, but for her family.
Initially skeptical, her husband an auto driver soon followed her lead. Inspired by her confidence, he adopted digital payments himself, improving his service and deepening trust with younger, tech-savvy passengers. What started as Ramadevi’s personal growth sparked a ripple of transformation in her household, bridging generations and redefining what’s possible.
Ramadevi’s journey is proof that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit. Through knowledge, courage, and opportunity, she turned financial hardship into stability and inspired change far beyond her own front door.
By supporting women like Ramadevi, you help create not just individual success stories, but movements of progress that lift families, communities, and futures.
Renuka
In the heart of a bustling community, Renuka, a devoted mother and one of Pollinate Group’s resilient Suryamukhis, is holding fast to a dream that many take for granted: seeing her children graduate.
Despite relentless financial pressure, Renuka has worked tirelessly to keep her children in school. When her family insisted on marrying off her daughter, Renuka stood her ground choosing education over outdated expectations. With strength and determination, she used her income from selling solar lights to pay school fees and secure her daughter’s college admission. It was more than just a transaction it was a declaration of her belief in a better future.
But today, that dream is at risk.
With rising living costs and limited resources, Renuka faces the heartbreaking possibility of being unable to keep her children in school. The very future she fought to protect now hangs in the balance.
Renuka’s story is not just about one mother’s struggle it’s a reflection of what so many women across marginalized communities face every day: the battle to keep hope alive.
But there’s something we can do.
By supporting women like Renuka, we’re not just funding businesses we’re investing in girls’ education, in women’s leadership, and in generational change. Together, we can ensure that hard work leads to opportunity, not exhaustion. That ambition is not sacrificed to poverty. That dreams don’t die because the cost of living went up.
Savitri Narayana
Two decades ago, Savitri Narayana and her family left their hometown of Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, and moved to Bangalore with a single hope: a better life.
With no formal education and limited opportunities, Savitri did what she could—helping her husband run a small knife shop while managing the demands of home and family.
But Savitri’s turning point came when she joined Pollinate Group. In just two years as a Suryamukhi—a woman entrepreneur empowered with training, tools, and support—Savitri has done far more than transform her own life. She has illuminated an entire community.
Her most powerful contribution? Light. By introducing solar lights and fans in her neighborhood, Savitri made the streets safer for children after dark and helped reduce mosquito breeding grounds during hot, stagnant nights. These clean energy solutions not only improved health and safety but also uplifted the community’s environment and spirit.
For someone who once had no access to a mobile phone, Savitri’s embrace of technology is a remarkable part of her story. Through Pollinate, she received a phone that opened up a world of possibility enabling her to take online orders, manage inventory, and run her business with newfound confidence and efficiency.
Today, Savitri is more than a small business owner. She is a respected community leader, a role model for other women, and a vital contributor to her family's growing income. Her journey reflects a profound truth: when women are empowered with the right tools and support, they don’t just improve their own lives they uplift everyone around them.
Savitri’s story is a beacon of resilience and change, reminding us that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact. By supporting women like Savitri, you help build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities one empowered woman at a time.
Sital
In the fertile heartland of Chitwan, Nepal, Sital, a 29-year-old woman with a quiet resolve, is creating waves of change far beyond her years.
After completing high school, financial hardship threatened to stall her dreams—but Sital refused to let circumstances define her future. Five years into her marriage, she made a bold move to step into the workforce, becoming a deposit collector and serving over 250 households in her region.
But for Sital, earning income was just the beginning.
While working in close contact with families, she noticed a deeply rooted challenge many women and girls in her community were still using unhygienic rags during their menstrual cycles, unaware of safer alternatives. Sital saw an opportunity not just to serve, but to educate. With compassion and courage, she began raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and promoting access to sanitary pads.
Her efforts sparked real change. Women and girls began adopting healthier hygiene practices, leading to a significant improvement in their dignity, well-being, and confidence. What began as a small act of education has grown into a powerful movement one that continues to shift norms and elevate the health of an entire community.
Today, Sital’s business continues to thrive. And with ongoing support from Pollinate Group, she looks ahead with hope, ready to expand her impact even further.
Sital’s story is a shining example of how economic empowerment, when paired with education and heart, can transform not just one life but an entire community. Her journey reminds us that lasting change often begins with one woman who dares to lead.
Suguna M
In the heart of Hyderabad, Suguna M’s journey is a story of quiet determination blossoming into confident leadership. Living with her supportive husband and two sons,
Suguna always believed in the power of education—an investment that paid off when her younger son became a college hockey coach in the city. But her own path to empowerment wasn’t always clear.
Initially filled with apprehension, Suguna’s transformation began when she joined Pollinate Group three years ago. With consistent training and encouragement not just from the organization but from her husband as well she gradually stepped into her potential. What started as hesitation gave way to action, initiative, and pride.
Once helping her husband sell utensils, Suguna now leads her own thriving clean energy micro-enterprise. She brings safe, affordable solar lights and essential hygiene products to households in underserved communities, many of whom face frequent power outages and lack access to basic necessities. Her work not only contributes significantly to her family's income, but also addresses critical needs in her neighborhood.
Through Pollinate Group’s programs, Suguna also deepened her understanding of government schemes and learned how to navigate formal banking systems skills that empowered her to make informed financial decisions. Her new confidence in managing finances even led her to encourage her husband to open a bank account, laying the foundation for long-term savings and stability.
Suguna’s story is one of evolution from uncertainty to assurance, from selling on the streets to lighting up homes. She is no longer just a contributor to her household she is a beacon in her community, leading with purpose, creating access, and showing what’s possible when women are given the chance to rise.
By supporting women like Suguna, we invest in leaders who build resilient families, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for all.
Jyothi B
In the bustling city of Hyderabad, Jyothi B’s story shines as a testament to determination, transformation, and the power of opportunity.
A sanitation worker by profession, Jyothi’s days once began before sunrise and ended long after sunset, filled with the physically demanding tasks of waste collection and segregation. Despite her tireless efforts, she struggled to make ends meet often finding it difficult to cover her family’s household and educational expenses.
In 2019, driven by a desire for a better, more independent life, Jyothi joined Pollinate Group. Through their support, she launched her own micro-enterprise, offering clean energy solutions and essential household products within her community. After installing a solar light in her own home, Jyothi personally experienced the difference saving hours previously spent sorting waste in the dark, and discovering new time for growth and rest.
With growing confidence, Jyothi embraced digital tools like a Learning Management System (LMS) and mobile app to expand her business. She diversified her offerings and began conducting sales and transactions online an impressive leap that set her apart as a modern entrepreneur in her community.
The impact has been remarkable. Jyothi’s rising income and professional success have elevated her family’s status within their neighborhood, transforming perceptions that once stemmed from her role as a sanitation worker. More than a business owner, Jyothi is now a community leader a beacon of possibility for women and girls who aspire to create independent, dignified lives.
Jyothi’s journey reminds us that empowerment begins with access and when women are given the tools to lead, they lift not only themselves, but their entire communities. By supporting entrepreneurs like Jyothi, you help turn hard work into lasting impact, and dreams into reality.
Parveen
In a bustling corner of Bangalore, Parveen—a determined single mother originally from Tamil Nadu—is building a legacy defined by resilience, innovation, and love.
Running a small provisions store, Parveen carried the weight of a big dream: to provide higher education for her younger son. But with limited income and mounting responsibilities, the path ahead seemed uncertain.
Her turning point came with Pollinate Group. Inspired by her children and fueled by hope, Parveen took a bold step—introducing solar lights to her shop. This simple yet powerful upgrade allowed her to keep her store open longer into the evening, attracting more customers and increasing her daily income. What started as a small innovation quickly became a cornerstone of her thriving micro-enterprise.
Through Pollinate’s training, Parveen also embraced digital tools to elevate her business. She adopted UPI transactions, adding a QR code to her shop and making purchases easier for customers. This move not only improved her sales but gave her the financial stability she needed to inch closer to her ultimate goal supporting her son’s education.
Parveen’s story doesn’t stop at business success. Her quiet strength and relentless spirit have become a source of inspiration for her family and community. Even in the face of adversity, she now looks beyond the present, dreaming of creating a better future for her granddaughter.
Her journey is a living example of empowerment in action how access to opportunity, combined with determination, can spark meaningful, lasting change. Parveen shows us that when women are supported, they don’t just lift themselves they lift generations.
By standing behind women like Parveen, we’re not just funding enterprises we’re fueling futures filled with education, dignity, and hope.
Bhagyamma
In a vibrant yet underserved neighborhood of Bangalore, Bhagyamma, a determined mother from a marginalized community, was doing everything she could to support her children’s future.
with rising costs for education and wedding expenses, she took on loans hoping to provide her family with a better life. But the burden of repayment soon became overwhelming, plunging her household into financial strain.
Her turning point came when Bhagyamma joined Pollinate Group as a Suryamukhi a clean energy entrepreneur. With access to products, training, and ongoing support, she began to earn consistent income. Slowly but steadily, she started repaying her loans. More than just settling debt, she began working toward a deeply personal dream: building a home for her son a symbol of stability and hope.
But Bhagyamma’s impact didn’t stop at her doorstep.
Through her micro-enterprise, she introduced solar-powered solutions in her neighborhood, where unreliable electricity posed serious risks. Her solar lights enhanced safety, particularly for women and children walking after dark, while reducing health hazards caused by kerosene lamps. Her products have brought comfort and security to dozens of families.
And most remarkably her journey has inspired others. Watching her resilience, other women in the community began to believe in their own capacity to create change. Bhagyamma became more than a businesswoman she became a role model, a spark for empowerment in the lives of others.
Her story reminds us that when women are supported, they don’t just change their own lives they light the path for entire communities. By investing in women like Bhagyamma, we’re building futures powered by dignity, self-reliance, and sustainable impact.
Her husband is doing agriculture and she helping him and some limit access for coustomer and other now she going 6 to 7 villages and selling products
Bhagyamma CB
Community Name Mudhenahalli Tumkur location
As she working with Digital Saki Project in her location she is educating village women's in coming to digital platform and also joined pollinate for liking our products and training she doing her business to balance her income and spending her children tuition fees and other personal expenses and she is very good at working in mobile and digital Financial literacy Image in folder
SUR Rathanamma
In a quiet corner of Hanchihalli, lives Rathanamma, a determined Suryamukhi whose strength shines as bright as the solar lights she shares. Balancing family and work with grace, she has raised two children into adulthood—her daughter proudly completing an M.Com and her son stepping into the workforce after his B.Com.
What makes her story remarkable is not just what she has achieved for her family, but how she has embraced change. Without owning a smartphone herself, she began learning digital skills on SSO Srinivas’s phone. Today, she navigates it with confidence, a powerful symbol of her resilience and will to grow.
Her earnings are carefully used to secure her family’s needs, but her vision extends beyond her own household. By referring three other women to join as Suryamukhis, she has sparked a ripple of empowerment in her community—proof that one woman’s courage can multiply into collective progress.
Rathanamma’s story is not only about lifting her own family—it’s about creating pathways for others, showing how knowledge, opportunity, and determination can transform entire communities.
Nagarathna Honnurswamy
In Honnurswamy’s household, Nagarathna carries the weight of both care and ambition. A devoted mother of three two daughters and a son, all still in school her days revolve around ensuring they get safely to and from the classroom.
Though family duties prevent her from seeking outside work, her spirit to grow found a home in her role as a Suryamukhi.
At first, even a smartphone felt out of reach. But through training and perseverance, Nagarathna transformed hesitation into confidence, mastering the device that once intimidated her. Today, she not only manages her household with strength but also contributes as an active Suryamukhi, proud of the independence she has gained.
When we met her, her face lit up with joy as she shared her journey. For Nagarathna, the change is more than digital skills it is the pride of progress, the belief that she can balance care for her children with her own growth.
Narita Basumatary From Gawahati
In a small farming household, Narita Basumatary has been quietly rewriting her own story. While her husband works the fields, Narita has built a business from her home and community, determined to contribute in her own way.
What once felt out of reach like using a smartphone she has now embraced with enthusiasm. Through digital training, Narita gained the skills to place stock requests on her own, a milestone that filled her with pride. Her recent earning of ₹500 may seem modest, but for Narita it marks something far greater: the first step toward financial independence and a growing confidence in her abilities.
Narita’s journey is a reminder that empowerment often begins with small victories each one lighting the way toward a stronger, more self-reliant future.
Join us in supporting these incredible women and their communities. your contribution to the Changemakers circle makes a world of difference.
