A life of simple means and subsistence is all Sonal has known her 19 years.

• After a few years of marriage, Sonal's first husband said she "looked too nice" and suspected her of bad character.
• Her second husband, to whom she's been married for three years now, is gentler, but lacks ambition to find a job. In fact, Sonal says she often cries because of his lack of ambition...
• Food is scarce for Sonal's family, and she often misses meals simply because there's not enough to go round.
• As an outlet and escape from the pains of her normal life, Sonal has organized a group of women in her community who regularly meet to laugh and support one another.
• She'd love to have a baby, but has fertility complications and no finances for treatment.

You may think that a life like Sonal's would leave little room for happiness, but Sonal has proven otherwise.

• She takes pride in the group of women she's organized and loves meeting with them to mutually-support one another.
• She dreams about having even more work and being able to contribute money for food.
• Having children is a dream for Sonal, but a seemingly far-off dream due to her fertility problems.
• Sonal lives on hopes, dreams, her own hard work, and the support of the women in her community.

Embroidery makes a significant difference in Sonal's life, far beyond the mere financial impact.

• Although Sonal still must skip meals sometimes, the money she earns from embroidery provides more constant funds for food.
• Aside from money, embroidery has given Sonal a sense of purpose, direction, and ambition.
• Sonal's "compensation" includes a food security that means she can buy wheat and spices to use sparingly.
• Sonal is incredibly grateful for the work she's been given and thanks you again for taking an interest in her work and her life.