Branch Visit

Sunday Brian and I visited one of his company's branches. They now have over 100 branches in different areas of Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata and Pune. One branch can serve up to 4,000 clients. At the moment 99% of their clients are women.

A journalist from the Houston Chronicle was in town conducting interviews with Brian and another co-worker from Houston. The reporter is doing research in India to cover several stories beginning Feb 8 in the Chronicle.

When we visited the branch she was able to interview a group of women who had taken out loans. The one woman that is shown in these pictures was a garment factory worker, as were most of the women present in the interview. As you can imagine factory workers have long hours, little flexibility and inadequate benefits. They were able to use a loan (of about $200) to purchase a sewing machine and work in their home tailoring and stitching for neighbors. Most of these women take out loans from several sources like microfinance institutions and neighborhood money lenders. This particular woman started her new business in March of 2008 and has around 50-60 clients. She has 4 older children living with her and is paying off her oldest daughter's wedding that occurred 2 years ago. Her husband is in and out of the home not providing stable financial support for the family. This is common for many poor women. The children said he has a drinking problem which is also typical in this economic level.

In the pictures you'll notice that the machine looks like an antique but it is actually only about 10 months old. It doesn't require electricity so these types of machines are still sold in abundance here.

It was wonderful to see her home (the living room where the machine was located is about 8ft x 8ft) There was a small kitchen and bed room both attached to the living room. Brian said that the women attend weekly meetings to repay loans and contribute to their savings account. Each meeting consists of 25 women which is considered a "group"(so at this branch there are 160 groups) They meet alternately in one woman's home...i really couldn't imagine having to fit 25 women sitting crossed-legged on the floor in this woman's small room but that's how it is done.

After this visit I wonder how I ever find room to complain? Somehow I do. Forgive me Lord.