“I have been doing this work since 2000. Initially I worked at this shop for Rs1,000 a month. I was 16 years old at that time and also completed my matriculation. When I was in Class VI, I used to help my mother who worked in people’s homes. When I was in ninth, I spent two years working as a tailor. My father worked in the railways and retired in 1992. I am the oldest of my siblings - four sisters and a brother. Three of my sisters are married. My brother also works at my shop. In 2007, the owner of the copy machine shop died and I borrowed money from family and relatives and bought the machinery. I also provide mobile money transfer services. No one else in my family works. Two of my sisters have memorised the Quran. Working at the shop I also completed my BA. We have our own house. My siblings and me studied at government schools and colleges. When I used to work in people’s homes we sometimes depended on food provided by our employers. Through this business I run my house and also managed my sisters’ weddings. I also paid for the pilgrimage of my parents who are now unwell and remain at home. I am the first woman in my family to own a business. I work from 8am to 9pm. When I began this work, people, including my relatives, used to criticise me.”

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2020