She decided to use the money to boost her husband's career, “I was not in good health at that time, but we were both keen to improve our lives,” she explains.

She financed materials that were used in his handicrafts workshop. As further loans were used to expand the workshop from strength to strength, Saleema and her husband focussed on building a rapport with buyers in large cities.

Today, they service large order for wooden bangles and other ornaments. The couple are strong Grameen Koota advocates - “Because we are independent, my husband and I are well-repsected in our village. So the others listen to us when we tell them that Grameen Koota can change their lives. We are very grateful to Grameen Koota,” says Saleema Banu.