She gave up her job to help others

HYDERABAD: Armed with a post-graduate diploma in Management Information Systems and Computer Applications, A Madhavi Latha gave up a lucrative job in CMC, Mahbubnagar, to work with women in the Old City.
"I faced a lot of opposition, from my husband and in-laws when I announced my decision to work for society, especially with women in the Old City," she told The Times of India.But Madhavi Latha stood her ground and today her husband and in-laws are proud of the work she does.
Most women, especially of the Old City, are not educated and a number of them do not even step out of the main door when the postman knocks to deliver a letter, she said. "It needs regular visits to their homes to tell them that you have come to their houses only to help them, so they can help their children," Madhavi Latha narrated.
During the first few visits of Madhavi Latha and her team, almost all members of a family sit around to listen to what the social workers have to say.
"Later, they sit in the next room and listen to the conversations and we as well as that lady we are visiting know this. But the idea is you should not be deterred by this because you have gone there to help and change, especially for the better, is met with stiff resistance," she said.
Madhavi Latha helps women find a vocation and then help them save. "We make a group who have a common vocation. Then we help them start a business, where we encourage saving of money. This money is given to another group of women who begin another business," she explained. "It is a mutually aided credit thrift society," she added.
"And when women of all communities work together, they share more than just profits. They share their lives, which helps them bond closer and build a communally harmonious society," Madhavi Latha said.