Case Studies.

SHAISTA RAZA KHAN – TIMARGARAH – HONEY BUSINESS

“Through my NGO I want to encourage women to start their own business and create mobility as opposed to running a micro enterprise” --- Shaista Raza Khan

Mrs. Shaista Raza Khan, 25, was married at the tender age of 14 while still in primary 5. The tradition of that locale is for females to relinquish all responsibilities when getting married, which implies quitting your job and putting a halt to your education, which is demanded by the men in that area. Shaista’s husband, who had formal education up to matriculation and national exposure of metropolitan cities, understood the need for education and hence encouraged Shaista to complete her education. This led her to do her matriculation privately, majoring in arts.

Shaista was a victim of low self-esteem and believed that due to a lack of quality education, she would not be able to start or sustain a business, so when the ILO came to Talash she took up the training on the encouragement of her husband despite her reluctance. When the time came to decide which training she would opt for her entrepreneurial qualities shone and set her heart on bee keeping. As opposed to syrup manufacturing which is seasonal, she recognized the potential in bee keeping due to the year round sustainability, higher profit yield and familiarity with the bee keeping culture.

Shaista has provided employment to about 20 women; each member has an average sale of 1250 kg to 1500 kg per annum, which translates to net profits of approximately Rs 2500 to Rs 3500 per month.

Since Shaista has setup this business, she feels she has gained a lot in terms of exposure and education. This timid Pushto-speaking woman, who lacked confidence, has managed to mobilize her community and setup an NGO by the name of DEWA, Development Empowerment Women’s Association in 2002. Shaista provides training in bee keeping, embroidery and food preservation.

In the future Shaista wants to expand the business by establishing a small factory and supplying to areas beyond district level. Furthermore she wishes to have her own bottle packing, packaging, and product promotion of the honey.

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