Women's Day: Stories Of Women Who Became Their Family's Breadwinners

This Women’s Day, SheThePeople brings you the stories of four women who became the first in their families to earn, manage, and multiply their own money. They broke barriers, made tough choices, and changed their lives.  They tell us how they did it, what it means to them, and the power of financial independence.

More Than Money: Meet Women Who Changed Their Families' Futures

Earning: The First Step to Independence

Kajal Aneja, a mother of two from Kharar, Punjab, spent years devoted to her family, believing, like countless women, that her identity was tied to her relationships. But everything changed when she discovered the power of storytelling. Embracing her voice, she chose to share her story, one that speaks to millions of women. That journey led to Bazaar-E-Mohabbat, an audio series that found a loyal audience on Pocket FM.

What once was just an outlet for her thoughts turned into a full-time career, allowing her to build a world of her own, one where her imagination wasn’t just a passion, but a means of financial security and recognition

"I didn’t just start writing for money, I wrote because I had something to say. But when my stories began earning, something shifted. Financial independence gave me more than just stability, it gave me the confidence to create a life where I wasn’t just defined by my roles but by my own dreams."

When asked whether financial independence changes how much respect a woman receives in her own home, she reflected on the deep connection between money and power. "Financial independence reshapes how a woman is perceived, both at home and in society. When I turned writing into a livelihood, my opinions gained further value, and my choices earned respect. Money brings autonomy, the power to make your own decisions, support oneself, and contribute, thus giving women control over their lives and the respect that comes with it."

Kajal also wants to set an example. “Moreover, I want to set the right example for my kids, to be able to take charge. Everyone should be financially independent, I want my kids to learn that.”

Managing Finances: Taking Control of the Present

Much like Kajal, Dimna Pathan, a 24-year-old housewife from Vija, Gujarat with hidden talents, never imagined turning her passion into a source of income. For years, her talent of writing remained just a personal habit, scribbled in the pages of a diary, never meant to see the light of day. In 2021, she decided to take a chance on herself. Inspired by stories of women carving their own paths, she started writing professionally, transforming her passion into a career.

"Writing was always my escape, but I never thought it could be my independence. When my stories started reaching people, I realised I wasn’t just earning, I was building something of my own. It became more than a mere hobby, it’s my full-time profession.”

Today, Dimna isn’t just earning, she’s taking control of her future, proving that financial independence is about more than just money. It’s about choices, confidence, and the ability to shape one’s own path.

When asked about a financial lesson she wished every woman knew earlier, she shared, "Every woman, including myself, must learn to invest wisely, saving alone isn’t enough. When I started earning through writing, I thought saving meant security, but I soon realized the power of investing, smart budgeting, and multiple income streams. Financial independence isn’t enough; knowing how to manage your finances is crucial to truly grow and secure your future with confidence."

Owning the Victories: Recognising Growth

Every woman who earns and manages her own finances must also take a moment to acknowledge the quiet victories, the first bill paid without hesitation, the first step away from a situation that no longer serves her, the realisation that she is her own safety net. 

For Reena Rathore, a 21-year-old student from a small farmer family in Chhattisgarh, that moment came after six months of relentless determination. Growing up in a household where financial struggles were constant, the idea of a young girl earning her own money was met with resistance. But she refused to let that stop her.

Balancing her studies with her financial aspirations, she took charge of her own future, determined to support both herself and her family. When her first paycheck arrived, it wasn’t just money, it was validation of her resilience and strength.

"It wasn’t just about the paycheck. It was the first time I felt like I had control over my future. I could make choices for myself, without waiting for approval. Moreover, I am also taking pride in taking up responsibility for my family.”

Reena reflected on the most powerful thing she has done with her earnings, something she once thought was impossible. "One of the most powerful things I have done with my money was being able to support both my family and myself, a dream I once thought impossible. Growing up with financial struggles, I never imagined being able to earn my own money"

Upskilling: Building for the Future

Earning, managing finances, and taking pride in one’s capabilities and victories are empowering, but upskilling is what transforms stability into long-term success. Learning new skills, adapting to industry shifts, and continuously growing open doors to better opportunities, higher incomes, and greater independence. When a woman invests in her own growth, she isn’t just securing her present, she’s shaping a future where she isn’t bound by circumstances but confidently in control of them.

For Rhea Chawla, one opportunity changed everything. During her time at Newton School, she was selected to attend a conference in Taiwan, an experience that expanded her perspective and ignited a bigger dream. Inspired by the exposure, she took a bold step and applied for jobs abroad, eventually securing a position in Luxembourg with a salary six times higher than her previous one of ₹8 lakh per annum.

That single opportunity, to step into an international space, meet new people, and learn from them, became the catalyst for a future she had once only imagined. "All it took was that one chance," she shared, reflecting on how a conference reshaped her aspirations and opened doors to a world of possibilities.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Every woman deserves the chance to shape her own future, whether she’s taking her first step toward earning, learning to manage money wisely, or upskilling for greater opportunities. Where are you on your journey?