The Resilience of Kak Juwita: A Heartfelt Journey through Financial Hardships and Entrepreneurial Growth

Kak Juwita Bt Shamsudin, a 47-year-old mother of six children, found herself facing numerous challenges in her life. Before joining Women Of Will (WOW), she struggled to make ends meet with her former business, which involved selling laksa and relying on others to distribute it. Her husband was also laid off in 2020, leaving her as the sole breadwinner of the family. Financial difficulties, lack of support, and a feeling of helplessness weighed heavily on her spirit, leading to moments of depression and frustration. 

Before her involvement with WOW, Kak Juwita's income primarily came from working as a child supervisor, earning a modest RM500. The financial situation was stable until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden loss of income left them in a precarious financial situation.The meager income she earned was barely enough to sustain her family's basic needs.

Without a proper budgeting strategy, money slipped through her fingers, and each day became a battle to make ends meet. This situation spurred her to seek new opportunities to earn an honest living and secure her family's future even though she had zero knowledge of cooking and entrepreneurship. 

The weight of the challenges affected her health, as she struggled with forgetfulness, exhaustion, and difficulty managing her own health conditions, such as diabetes and high sugar levels. Despite her own health issues, she had to wake up early to take care of the children and manage the household chores.

Amidst these hardships, the WOW program brought a ray of hope and relief. The support and assistance provided by WOW empowered Kak Juwita to manage her finances more effectively and invest in her business. With improved financial planning, she found a sense of control over her life, and her economic situation began to improve. 

With the support of WOW, she learned baking and cooking, which allowed her to diversify her business beyond laksa. Now, she sells various food items like laksa, noodles, meehon, and karipap. 

The WOW program's support in acquiring essential electrical appliances, such as a blender and freezer, enhanced Kak Juwita's operational efficiency. With these tools, she could increase production capacity and streamline her processes, ultimately leading to higher productivity and sales. 

The impact of WOW on Kak Juwita's life has been profound. Her income has significantly increased, reaching up to RM1800 to RM2000. The financial stability and empowerment from WOW have not only enhanced her business but also positively impacted her family life. She has become more emotionally resilient and can handle challenges with a positive attitude. Additionally, her improved financial situation has enabled her to provide better for her children, send them to school, and contribute to family decisions. 

With newfound enthusiasm, Kak Juwita plans to continue developing her business. She is eager to pursue her passion for sewing and aims to become a successful tailor. Diversifying her product offerings and expanding her market reach are also part of her future plans. She believes in continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive in her entrepreneurial journey. 

In conclusion, Kak Juwita's advice to women facing similar challenges is to embrace positivity, believe in their abilities, seek knowledge and skill development, take control of their finances, and cultivate resilience and resourcefulness.Kak Juwita's journey serves as an inspiring example of how determination and empowerment can lead to positive change and a brighter future. 

Kak Juwita's emotional journey with WOW serves as a powerful reminder of a mother's love and resilience in the face of adversity. Her transformation from a struggling entrepreneur to a financially empowered and confident woman reflects the impact of WOW's support. Through her

determination and WOW's guidance, Kak Juwita triumphed over the challenges that once threatened to dim her family's future. 

Her story inspires us to cherish the strength of a mother's love and highlights the profound difference that support and empowerment can make in the lives of those facing hardships.