A resident of Naseer Abad and a mother of four, Nusrat struggled with financial hardship. Her husband’s income from a local factory was barely enough to cover household expenses, forcing the family to rely on loans to meet their basic needs.

Nusrat attended a theater performance organized by a local Community-Based Organization (CBO) member in collaboration with Community Support Concern (CSC). The play emphasized the importance of women using their skills for financial independence. Inspired by this message, Nusrat realized she had the talent to contribute to her family’s income but a lack of knowledge and resources to start.

Despite her handicraft skills, Nusrat faced major challenges a lack of business knowledge, financial resources, and market access. Determined to change her situation, she reached out to CSC for support. Through CSC’s business training, she learned practical strategies for starting and managing a small business. With CSC’s encouragement, Nusrat began creating handcrafted decorative fans (Punkay) and baskets (Chhabiyan).

To help her gain visibility, CSC provided her with the opportunity to set up a stall at a local fair, where she showcased her products to a wider audience. Her talent quickly attracted customers not just from Naseer Abad but also from neighboring areas. Soon, orders started coming in from homes, hotels, and local markets bringing her a stable source of income.

Through hard work and perseverance, Nusrat became financially independent, eliminating the need to borrow money for daily expenses. Her success not only transformed her own life but also inspired other women in her community to recognize their potential. Today, Nusrat encourages women to acknowledge their own abilities and take proactive steps toward self-sufficiency. Her journey is a powerful reminder that skill development and opportunity, when combined with determination, can lead to financial empowerment and long-term success.