Sitora ’ s Story
“ I ’ m so amazed that my attitude towards life could be changed in such a short period , and allow me to start a business , make a profit . The training motivated me to improve my life and my daughter ’ s . With the knowledge I gained , I prepared a family budget plan including sources of regular and nonregular income , expenses , and how to save .”
Sitora Majnunova , 41 , lives with her brother and daughter in the Roshkala district in Tajikistan ’ s marginalized Gorno Badakhshan region . Following the death of her husband a few years back , Sitora was at an all-time low . Although she had a passion for sewing , she lost interest in life . She explains , “ I had stress and was sick after my husband ’ s death and nobody could encourage me .”
But all that changed when she decided to attend a CAI-supported training on financial literacy organized by CAI-Tajikistan . Sitora remarked , “ It was transformative . The pieces finally came together , and the group of women were so supportive and nurturing .”
Now Sitora has converted her passion into a business creating traditional Tajik garments including woolen carpets for wedding ceremonies , skull-caps for girls , and woolen socks .
The training provided the launching pad for Sitora ’ s business to take off , and she hasn ’ t slowed down since . She has continued to evaluate her business , study the market for her goods , and develop new and creative ideas .
“ I am thinking of new business ideas and doing research on product demand in the market .”