Madhu Khoiwal: From Adversity to Achievement

Jul 28, 2023

Madhu Khoiwal, a 55-year-old woman from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, had a journey filled with challenges and empowerment. Growing up in a village where education for girls was not considered essential, she dropped out of school during the 5th standard. After getting married and having children, she felt demotivated and resigned to the role of a homemaker. However, her perception of women's roles in society and her children's encouragement inspired her to dream bigger.

Thirty years later, she decided to return to school and pursue education once again. With determination and hard work, she successfully passed her 10th examination. Supported by the Manjari Foundation, she aimed to become a LIC Agent. Although she faced failure in her first attempt, she persisted and eventually cleared the exam in her second try. Recently, she started her own agency and has been learning about running a business with great enthusiasm.

Madhu's story serves as an inspiration to women of her age, emphasizing that age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and achieving financial independence. Felicitated as a grassroots entrepreneur by UN Women India, Madhu hopes for a future where no woman is deprived of the opportunity to learn and become self-reliant.

In her own words, "We can pick up any hobby, any work, or any purpose whatever stage we are at in life; what remains common is the determination to pursue it. Being financially independent at this age is a huge example of the same."