Pramila, a 46-year-old mother of three, is a self-made woman. As a child, Pramila dreamed of becoming a nurse. “I experienced the shortage of medical services and doctors in my own community in Patna in northeast India, leading to maternal deaths,” Pramila said. She wanted to do something to help.

The youngest of five siblings, Pramila’s father encouraged all of his children to study, regardless of gender.

Whilst still attending school, Pramila was married at age 16, which was the norm in her community in India at that time, and she quickly became pregnant, and experienced severe morning sickness, making it challenging to study and complete her household duties. She was vomiting before exams and missing study. Gradually her household responsibilities took over and she didn’t complete her year 12 exams.

Pramila had three children and was determined to provide a stable life and give them a better future. She took up a job in a wool production factory, where she worked for 15 years, but her salary was very low.

Pramila was working as part of the Indian Government’s rural employment scheme when she found out about the Health Leader program with Opportunity International Australia’s local partner CDOT, and was eager to improve her livelihood whilst helping her community.

During her training as a Health Leader, Pramila learned about topics including menstrual health, antenatal health, and reproductive health. The training enabled her to talk about these important health topics to women in her community, giving her a great sense of satisfaction. She easily learned to use the mobile app to conduct household surveys and understand the health needs in her community. 

“I feel proud of the fact that I have truly helped people,” Pramila said. As a Health Leader she has been able to give people in her community access to essential door-to-door services, including connecting community members to telehealth appointments and essential products like sanitary pads. She has also been able to measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels for community members. The stipend she earns has enabled her to save money and open a cosmetics shop.

All of her basic needs are now being met thanks to Pramila’s hard work. She loves her role as a Health Leader, supporting her community’s health needs.

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