In the quiet village of Chandu near Gurugram, a powerful transformation began not with slogans or protests, but with courage, conviction, and community. At the heart of this change stands Pooja Sharma, a woman who dared to step beyond traditional expectations and, in doing so, opened doors for hundreds of others.
Breaking Barriers, One Step at a Time
Like many women in rural India, Pooja Sharma grew up in an environment where women’s roles were largely confined to the household. Financial dependence, limited opportunities, and deep-rooted social norms often restricted women’s aspirations. However, when circumstances demanded that she support her family, Pooja chose action over acceptance.
What began as a personal necessity soon evolved into a collective mission.
The Birth of Kshitiz: A New Horizon
Pooja founded Kshitiz, a self-help group (SHG) that would soon become a symbol of women-led entrepreneurship in the region. With a focus on skill development and self-reliance, Kshitiz started a bakery unit producing healthy snacks, tapping into both local talent and growing market demand.
What makes Kshitiz remarkable is not just its business success, but its social impact. Today, the initiative employs over 150 rural women, many of whom had never earned an income before joining the group.
More Than Employment: A Movement
For the women of Chandu, Kshitiz is more than a workplace. It is:
- A space of financial independence
- A source of self-confidence and dignity
- A platform to challenge long-standing patriarchal norms
Women who were once hesitant to step outside their homes now contribute to household incomes, make financial decisions, and serve as role models for younger girls in their communities.
National Recognition: Nari Shakti Puraskar 2022
Pooja Sharma’s extraordinary work did not go unnoticed. In 2022, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, one of India’s highest civilian awards for women, recognizing her contribution to women’s empowerment and grassroots entrepreneurship.
The award stands as a testament to what women can achieve when given opportunity, trust, and support.
Why Pooja Sharma’s Story Matters
Pooja’s journey reminds us that empowerment does not always begin in boardrooms or big cities. Sometimes, it begins in small villages with women who choose to believe in themselves and lift others along the way.
Her story challenges the notion that rural women are merely beneficiaries of development. Instead, it shows that they can be leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
A SheLit Reflection
At SheLit, we believe that stories like Pooja Sharma’s deserve to be told not as exceptions, but as inspirations. Her journey reflects the spirit of countless women across India who are quietly reshaping society through courage and community.
Pooja Sharma did not just create a business.
She created possibility.