Unsung heroes — A day with 400 women SHGs

Picture This …

1000+ rural women from over 50 villages gathered together… In an event impressively put together by a handful amongst them … For a campaign designed, paved and led by them …

Last year, I was invited to attend the 14th Annual Aam-Sabhaa of the ‘Janshakti Mahila Vikas Sangathan’ in village Arainpura (Karnal) which saw rural women from over 400 self-help groups participate and pledge to the cause of sustainable living. These women raised the alarming situation caused by the over consumption of single-use plastic and the uncleanliness in the villages today.

The dialogue did not revolve around what help could they seek — it revolved around finding solutions and leading action by themselves, for themselves. So heartening to see these women leave the boundaries of their households on a Sunday afternoon, participate and listen so intently and taking an oath to become their own heroes for the village, for the people and most importantly, for themselves. Participation is the first step towards creating an identity and action is the second towards being empowered. And these women are beyond empowered. They are already powerhouses waiting to be tapped.

What courage, passion and resilience it must take to dedicate one’s life towards a cause. We may not change the world, we can change ourselves and we can definitely start small. I was fortunate enough to spend the day with an insanely inspiring crowd today. An inspiring journey of 14 years, hundreds of women and an undying passion to bring about a change by the Arpana Trust family. Kudos to them.

We are in awe of these women for being such powerful changemakers and smashing the patriarchy — one step at a time.

-A