Ruma Devi is a fortune changer for 22,000 women who were once living in extreme poverty, but are now financially independent.
“The financial empowerment of women is the key to unlocking human potential and driving economic growth.”
In a world where gender equality continues to be a pressing issue, there are individuals who rise above societal norms and become beacons of change. Ruma Devi, an exceptional social activist and entrepreneur from Rajasthan, India, is one such individual. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, and resilience in empowering others. Let us delve into the inspiring story of Ruma Devi and how she has transformed the lives of countless rural artisans.
Born and raised in a rural community, Ruma Devi witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women in her village. Married at the age of 17, Ruma Devi hails from Barmer, Rajasthan. She lost her mother at the age of 5 and dropped out of her studies in 8th grade.
Limited opportunities and the lack of financial independence were prevalent issues that struck a chord within her. Inspired by the stories of strong women who defied societal norms, Ruma Devi embarked on a mission to create lasting change. With 10 women from the village, she started a self-help group in 2006. They bought clothes, threads, etc. for making cushion covers and bags. They sold their products to the villagers and found their production boosting.
Founding Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS):
With a vision to uplift rural artisans and promote traditional handicrafts, she founded the Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS). Through this non-governmental organization, she aimed to provide skill development training and support to women in her community. GVCS became a platform where rural artisans could enhance their skills, preserve ancient art forms, and earn a sustainable livelihood.
Sustantislly, GVCS saw a fast increment in its members and all of them were women. Furthermore, Ruma now has her own foundation named Ruma Devi Foundation which supports over 30,000 artisans. Ruma Foundation is a platform for traditional handicraft artisans. Today this foundation sells wearable clothes, bedsheets, bags, cushions and much more.
Ruma in the fashion industry
Ruma Devi’s impact extends beyond the realm of social activism and entrepreneurship, as she has also made notable contributions to the fashion industry. She got offers for Lakme Fashion Week from Anita Dongre. She also displayed her works in fashion weeks organized in London, Singapore, Germany and Colombo.
Ruma Devi was also awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar by ex-President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind.
Certainly, her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one person can create ripples of empowerment that resonate far beyond their immediate surroundings. Moreover, Ruma stands tall as an inspirational figure, demonstrating the true meaning of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of empowering others.
Visit the Ruma Devi’s Website
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