collecting small contributions, often visiting the bank and making financial decisions. work that had always been done by men. it's given them a voice, a name, literally. now we all know each one by her name. 0ur meetings are regular and with the help of the more literate members, i have learned to write my name and can manage financial transactions too. now, when we step out of the house, it feels good to know each other. we can be around in their crisis and know that they will be there for us. for usher's eldest daughter, rashmi, her mother is her hero. i saw my mother change and i thought i can also become like her.