Born in Push, Osmanabad, Sapana Choughule’s journey has been one of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. From an early age, she struggled with the deep-rooted societal norms that failed to accept her true identity. Misunderstood by her own family and isolated by a world unwilling to embrace diversity, Sapana chose to carve her own path. Determined to live authentically, she stepped away from societal expectations and built a life on her own terms. For the past four years, she has faced every challenge head-on, proving that true empowerment comes from within. Her story is a testament to the strength it takes to rise above barriers and embrace one’s true self.Battling societal bias
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face prejudices, including the stereotype that their roles are limited to begging or sex work. Sapana refused to conform to these societal expectations. She was determined to break these stereotypes and showcase her community’s potential to succeed in any field through hard work and dedication.
“I did not want to follow the paths people expected of me. I wanted to prove that we can succeed in business if given the chance,” she stated.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for flower decoration. Observing a growing demand for cultural items like torans and garlands during festivals, she decided to start a small business. However, her limited resources posed a significant hurdle.
Overcoming challenges with CYDA’s support
Starting a business was far from easy. Sapana faced numerous challenges, including marketing her products, building trust among customers and suppliers, and navigating lack of technical skills and business knowledge.
CYDA’s interventions began with a two-day business training program, where Sapana learnt vital skills such as marketing, profit calculation, publicity and customer communication. These lessons equipped her with the tools to run her business more efficiently and expand her reach. CYDA also provided her with a grant of Rs.10,000/-, enabling her to purchase artificial flowers, decorative threads and other essential materials. CYDA also provided her with platforms to showcase her products, helping her gain visibility and connect with potential customers. The guidance and support she received from CYDA became a turning point.
Using the knowledge gained from CYDA, Sapana leveraged social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to market her flower decorations. She also participated in local events organized by CYDA, where she displayed her creations and interacted with a larger audience. These opportunities boosted her confidence and also allowed her to grow her customer base as well.
A transformative Turning Point
A major breakthrough came during the Dussehra festival when Sapana received an order for 560 torans. This large order doubled her income and validated her capabilities as a businesswoman. The success of this project boosted her self-confidence and expanded her network, leading to more opportunities for growth.
With CYDA’s continued mentorship, Sapana aspires to scale her business further, hire more employees and establish a brand synonymous with quality flower decorations. Her journey exemplifies how targeted interventions can empower marginalized individuals to break societal barriers and achieve their dreams.
The broader impact of CYDA’s Interventions
Sapana’s story is a testament to CYDA’s commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment among youth, particularly those from marginalized communities. By providing financial support, skill-building programs, and platforms for visibility, CYDA has transformed not only Sapana’s life but also set an example for others to follow.
The ripple effects of CYDA’s interventions extend beyond individual success stories. Initiatives like these challenge societal norms, promote acceptance and create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. For Sapana, the support from CYDA enabled her to break free from societal limitations and pursue her dreams on her terms. For the larger community, her success story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Inspiring change among youth
CYDA’s work emphasizes the importance of empowering youth through education, mentorship and access to resources. Sapana’s journey illustrates how these interventions can ignite a spirit of resilience and self-reliance among young individuals. Her success showcases the transformative potential of such initiatives and also highlights the available potential of marginalized groups when given the right opportunities.
By targeting issues like financial inclusion, skill development and societal acceptance, CYDA’s programs provide youth with the tools to overcome barriers and redefine their narratives. Through stories like Sapana’s, CYDA underscores the significance of investing in young leaders who can inspire change and drive progress within their communities.
Sapana Choughule’s journey from societal rejection to entrepreneurial success exemplifies the power of targeted interventions. CYDA’s support played a crucial role in equipping her with the resources, skills, and confidence to break barriers and build a thriving business. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within marginalized communities and the transformative impact of inclusion-focused programs.
Project: Leaving no one Behind
