If you assume that women in Old City are still hooked to the traditional home-based trades like tailoring and embroidery to supplement their family income, you are probably mistaken.
The changing times and improved educational standards have brought about a change in the preferences of women, especially in the last few years.
Afshan Begum (24), an arts graduate, is like any other house wife. However, this mother of two children dons the role of a tuition teacher every evening at her Falaknuma residence. As the sun sets, her house bustles with children all around. The session goes on till 8 in the evening, and around 20 students catch up on their lessons.
Interestingly, Ms. Afshan is the first woman in her family to run a tutorial centre. “My husband and in-laws are supportive and encourage me. Not only does it help me to earn money but also enables me to put my skills to good use,” she says.
More and more educated women in this part of the city are now running tutorial classes to supplement their household income. They earn anywhere between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,000 a month by offering tuitions. Masarathunnisa (22) of Misrigunj has also taken the tuition route. “I started with taking tuitions for children of my family. Later on, the locals began sending their children. Now, I give tuitions up to class X from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and earn about Rs. 4,500 a month,” she says.
Afreen Siddiqua, a graduate, has set up a0 ‘girls exclusive’ coaching centre and gives commerce tuitions. “Instead of going out and teaching in some school, I established a coaching centre at my house. My parents encourage me to do it, and my younger sisters also help me,” says Afreen.
For the fair sex in Old City, it is undoubtedly earning with a difference.
