By Bill W. Cooper
Weala, Margibi County, a region where economic opportunities have often been limited for women, a transformative shift is underway, all thanks to the recent takeover of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) by Indian businessman, Upjit Singh Sachdeva or Jeety.
This change is not just about business; it is about empowerment, opportunity, and the bridging of the gender gap in Margibi County, and as women in the area share their success stories, it becomes clear that Jeety’s leadership is fostering an environment where female voices are not only heard but celebrated.
The Salala Rubber Corporation, once a struggling and problematic environment has experienced a series of protests from employees in Liberia’s agricultural sector. But the past trend of events has seen a resurgence since Jeety’s acquisition.
With a vision to revitalize the company, Jeety has implemented innovative practices and sustainable methods that might not only increase productivity but will also create a ripple effect of economic growth in the surrounding communities.
Jeety’s approach emphasizes inclusivity, particularly focusing on empowering women, who have historically been marginalized in the workforce, and his commitment to gender equality is now evident in his hiring practices.
The Indian businessman has also made it a priority to recruit women with good salaries for better living conditions, coupled with recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and a more robust business model.
This shift has since inspired many women in Margibi to pursue careers in the rubber sector that has traditionally been dominated by men, thus breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms.
As the company is poised to flourish under Jeety’s leadership, women residing in Weala are now taking advantage of the opportunity being provided through job creation, as their stories reflect resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of opportunity.
Mary Johnson, a mother of one, is one of such success stories, and after years of struggling to provide for her family, Mary has now been hired as a cup cleaner at SRC, making double what she was earning during the previous management.
“I am happy today because of Jeety. Honestly, this man really believes in women’s empowerment more than our previous employer. Now, I’m making some good money that is enabling me to pay my son’s school fees, save and feed my kid and myself, something I never thought would have happened since my husband left me” she said.
She explained that with her new income, she has been able to make life easy for her and her son, and added, “All along, I wanted my son to have opportunities I never had, and today, Jeety has made this wish come through.”
Some of the women also narrated that they were earlier earning US$15 monthly after being contracted by tappers which they used to find it very difficult to get at the end of every month, making life difficult for them.
According to them, since taking over the company, Jeety was able to recruit all of them, giving them a dignified life through the increment of their salaries from US$15 to US$85 monthly after taxes and social security coupled with the provision of a 25kg bags of rice each.
Another female, known as Grace, who was not doing anything, prior to her employment has not only changed her life but also the lives of those around her. She said, “I used to be cleaning cups from the morning to night, and not taking pay even though I was to make US$15.00 monthly.”
“To find food and eat or even send my children to school was very difficult for me, but since our father Jeety took over this company, now, I have a stable job with benefits, and I can support my family, feed myself, and pay my children school fees,” she noted.
Also, these women’s stories further highlight the importance of women’s empowerment through job creation as well as bridging the gender gap.
The rise of the women in SRC, paves the way for future generations, creating a culture of empowerment that extends beyond the workplace.
Meanwhile, Jeety’s leadership at SRC extends far beyond the company itself. As SRC thrives, the local economy is experiencing a much-needed boost.
Increased employment opportunities for women have led to greater financial independence, enabling women to contribute to the local economy.
Giving his perspective on the ongoing transformation of SRC, Jeety noted that the decision is a moral necessity and represents the beginning of a long-term commitment by the new SRC management to improve the dignity of its workers.
He said, “Our workers are the backbone of this company, and they deserve to live in safe, clean, and comfortable environments. So, improving their living conditions is not just a business decision but a moral imperative.”
According to him, the SRC under his management is building a future where employees feel valued, respected, and supported, adding that the investment is driven by the belief that when workers are treated well, the company thrives.
He also attributed his generosity towards Liberians to the three principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which include Naam Japna, which has to do with meditating on God’s name, or Waheguru, through chanting, song, and recitation, as these principles emphasize keeping one’s thoughts and life directed toward God.
Also, Kirat Karna which calls for earning an honest living through hard work and accepting God’s gifts, encourages Sikhs to be truthful in all they do, especially in their careers.
And Vand Chakna has to do with sharing with others or practicing “seva,” which means selfless service. This principle encourages Sikhs to share their income, resources, and food with everyone, regardless of caste, creed, color, or sexuality.
These principles are also known as the three pillars of Sikhism or the three duties, and they are an integral part of the lives of Sikhs around the world.
Jeety also acknowledged the challenges ahead, thus assuring of his commitment to addressing them through ‘God’s Help’, and asserted, “We are not just here to make a profit; we want to make a difference.”
“We are investing in education programs for our young children especially boys and girls, providing scholarships, and supporting local health initiatives. Our goal is to create a sustainable model that empowers women and uplifts the entire community,” he added.
As the women of Weala continue to share their stories, they inspire others to dream big and break free from the constraints of tradition. With each success, they are not just bridging the gender gap; they are building a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their community.
