A LITTLE (SELF) HELP CAN SOMETIMES GO A LONG WAY
Maria Luiza D'Mello might come across as just another woman from one of the many villages that makes up the soul of Goa. She's a resident of Curpe vaddo, Santan.
Santan is a sleepy village, better known for a historic old church of the same name, and almost hidden outside the highway-visible Goa that one passes through the central coastal taluka of Tiswadi (Ilhas).
But D'Mello is a woman who believes that self-help is the best help. So, she took her love for gardening and embroidery and made something useful out of it.
Today, she is also a secretary of All India Women Conference (AIWC) Goa branch and a member of Goa handicrafts. She is a recipient of two awards bestowed on her by Kala Academy and Mapusa Pranth. Inacio Fernandes of Pilar talks to her about her work, hobbies and approaches.
IF: I know that you are a florist. Can you tell me about this hobby of yours?
I had this hobby from my childhood, and I like to have a garden around my house. I love to have a flower vase on my table.
IF: Do you do this work for profit or just as a hobby?
It is for both. I earn a profit and I enjoy it as my hobby also. It's a profit-earning hobby.
IF: How long have you been in this business? Are you using your own garden flowers or you buy them?
Since 1995, after my husband's death, when I was working in Mamladar office Panjim, I had the habit of arranging a flower vase on my table as well as on my boss' table.
One fine day, an AIWC person came to meet the Mamladar, where he discovered the talent in me, and he encouraged me to join AIWC. I had my first exhibition at the Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim for three days. And from then on I have had many exhibition very often.
You will find it interesting to note that the flowers that I use are all from my own garden.
IF: Are you helped by someone in this business?
Yes, I am helped by a lady and also my family supports me.
IF: Now I have heard, that you have started what is called a 'self-help group'. How does it work?
Yes, I initiated two self-help groups in my own village consisting of 20 members each. At first, I along with my friend had to go and request the women to join these groups and then register them in the bank and get them affiliated to it.
The groups are named after St. Ann and Mother Teresa. The government also helps us through funds and policies. Members have to make a monthly contribution of Rs. 100 and then lend the money to those in need on interest. It is very helpful.
IF: What inspired you to start these groups?
Primarily, the AIWC inspired me to start these groups in my village.
IF: Do you think this will help the women to empower themselves?
Yes, it will help them to safeguard and self-employ themselves.
IF: What are your future plans?
I look forward for more exhibitions and more opportunities to empower women.
IF: Can you tell me more about AIWC and its working?
AIWC today has about 300 members in Goa. Women members have to prepare some homemade items for sale which would be a source of income for the organization. The AIWC also has a family counselling centre in Junta House, Panjim. It also has a working women hostel in Porvorim.
========================================================================== The writer is a participant of the VAVRADEANCHO IXTT journalism e-mentorship programme. If you appreciate the work behind this assignment, please send in a note to the writer: Inacio Fernandes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
