Women, an epitome of strength, perseverance and patience, redefined the meaning of success while struggling through the aftermaths of COVID-19. As per studies, the impact on job losses and food insecurity has been higher for people with lower levels of education, urban residents and migrants. With GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, the CSR arm of GMR Group, initiating numerous programs to support livelihood restoration of these people, it was witnessed that a good ratio of women from low-income group families were standing up to work and support their family's income.

One such initiative, SMILE (Supporting Marginalized Individuals through Livelihoods & Empowerment), initiated by GMRVF team, focused on helping restore the livelihood of identified beneficiaries. As part of the campaign, the beneficiaries are supported with push-pull carts for various income generation activities like selling vegetables, fruits, fast food items, clothes, shoes and even transporting materials. On an average, each of these individuals is earning Rs. 500 to 800 per day and managing their family firmly.

One such case is of 53-year-old Geeta Devi, who has a family of three consisting of her husband and a daughter. Her husband was working as a daily wage labourer in a private company and was earning just enough for the survival of the family. Unfortunately, just before the lockdown, her husband suffered from hypertension and lost his job. The lockdown made their life more difficult, and they were dependent on cooked food and dry rations distributed in the community.

When the lockdown was relieved, Geeta searched for daily wages in the neighbouring areas but was unable to find any because of her age. GMRVF got in touch with Geeta Devi and during the discussion, she showed her interest in starting a roadside eatery as she felt she made good parathas. GMRVF supported her with a four-wheeler cart under the SMILE project to start her eatery.

Every morning, Geeta serves chole paratha through her push-pull cart at the nearby bus stop. Her husband also helps her in preparing food and she earns an income of Rs. 400 to 500 per day.