Seema | India

Caring for three little ones on her own

Seema was just 27 or 28 years old when her husband of about the same age took tragically ill. A week later, he died in hospital. He left her bereft, with 3 very young children. 

Her family suggested she leave her children permanently with the in-laws and move to their village to remarry. She refused, and continued living with the in-laws, even though they resented and mistreated her. Living with the in-laws meant not only relegating her life to them, but also her children’s. 

“After my husband died, I came to understand that the word ‘support’ doesn’t exist in my life. My family wouldn’t help me. I was thinking how will I manage with three kids, how will I raise them?”

Seema felt that her life was over. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to abandon her children to either family. The only way to assure them a better life was to find work and support them on her own. 

The problem was, she had no marketable skills and very little education, so she struggled to find a stable job. “Before Generation, I had no hope,” she explained. 

A new beginning with Generation

Seema’s decision to join the Generation India’s General Duty Assistant program marked a turning point in her life. The training and guidance she received gave her the confidence and skills needed to find a job. Upon completing the program, Seema found a job that she has held for over a year and a half, providing her with consistent income and much-needed stability. She was able to move away from the in-law’s residence and to create her own home for the children.

“Generation taught me a new way of life. They taught me that with the right mindset, you can accomplish anything,” Seema told us.

Hopeful about the future

Since completing the Generation program, Seema’s life has changed significantly. Not only has her financial situation improved, but she now feels hopeful about her future and the future of her children. With a stable job, she is now able to prioritize her children’s wellbeing and education, and maintain a more balanced and positive life. 

“I am focusing on my children’s education and fulfilling their dreams. Life is a lot better, I cook what I wish, I eat what I wish, I wear what I wish. I learned to save. I learned not to give up.” 

Where is Seema now?

Seema eventually left hospital work and began a new career in sales. The mindset and behavioral skills she learned at Generation proved invaluable. So she became quite successful in this new role, was promoted, and now serves as Sales Supervisor, with her own team. She remains focused on her children, and providing them with a high-quality education so that they always have more choices in life than she once did. 

“Today, I am living my life on my own terms. I am no longer worried that my kids might go to bed hungry. I am focused on their education, so they can have a better life than I ever dreamed of.”