Case Studies
Empowering Women: A Success Story - The Case of Malti
Malti, the wife of Ramgopal, resides in Gram Panchayat Niyamtapur, within the Harringtonganj block. She is a devoted mother to three children, comprising two girls and one boy. Despite owning 1.5 Bigha of farming land, Malti and her husband primarily relied on daily wages for their livelihood.
However, their familial tranquility was shattered by Ramgopal’s destructive habit of alcohol abuse. Each day, he returned home inebriated, subjecting Malti to verbal and physical abuse, and squandering their earnings on alcohol with friends. Malti’s refusal to part with money often led to further torment.
Overwhelmed by this harrowing situation, Malti sought solace and assistance at SATHI-UP’s Nari Sangh. With the participation of the village Pradhan, the leaders addressed the issue, enlightening Ramgopal on the repercussions of domestic violence. Initially, there was a glimmer of hope, but the problem resurfaced.
Undeterred, Malti bravely shared her ongoing struggles with the Nari Sangh leaders and members. With their unwavering support and assistance from CLW, she took a decisive step by filing a complaint against her husband at the Harringtonganj police station. The authorities promptly intervened, and Ramgopal faced the consequences of his actions.
The impact was profound. Ramgopal renounced alcohol and ceased his abusive behavior towards Malti. Through perseverance and community support, Malti’s husband underwent a transformation, embracing positive change. Today, they share a harmonious and fulfilling life, exemplifying the power of empowerment and collective action in overcoming adversity.
Empowering Resilience: The Triumph of Chaviraji Devi
Chaviraji Devi, a resident of Dheehpure Birbal Gram Panchayat in Milkipur Tehsil of Harringtongunj block, has overcome tremendous challenges with resilience and determination. Her life’s journey has been marked by hardship, but her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support.
Born into poverty, Chaviraji Devi was denied the opportunity for formal education. Married off at a young age of 14, she found herself thrust into a world of struggle and uncertainty. Despite facing mistreatment from her in-laws and enduring living conditions that were far from ideal, Chaviraji Devi never lost hope.
With limited education and prospects, Chaviraji Devi and her husband, both with minimal formal schooling, embarked on a journey of labor and toil. Working in the fields and participating in the MGNREGA scheme became their means of survival. However, the irregularity of work allocations and meager wages posed significant challenges.
As their family grew to include five daughters and a son, Chaviraji Devi faced the daunting task of providing for their education and basic needs. Despite their best efforts, financial constraints often threatened to derail their aspirations. Forced to leave their home and build a humble shelter, they persevered through adversity.
However, Chaviraji Devi’s spirit remained unbroken. In January 2020, she joined the Nari Sangh in her Gram Panchayat, seeking support and guidance. It was through this community that she discovered the Shaadi Anudaan government scheme, offering financial assistance to families like hers.
Determined to seize this opportunity, Chaviraji Devi sought assistance from the village resource center. With the help of dedicated volunteers, she navigated the bureaucratic hurdles and successfully secured financial aid for her family. This support not only relieved their financial burden but also enabled her youngest daughter to complete her education.
Today, Chaviraji Devi’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a better life for her family. Through her determination and the support of her community, she has transformed adversity into opportunity, inspiring others to do the same.
Chaviraji Devi’s journey is a shining example of the transformative power of perseverance, community support, and access to resources. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for all those facing similar struggles, demonstrating that with determination and support, anything is possible.
Empowering Change: The Journey of Ram Dulari
Ram Dulari, a resident of Baswar Khurd in the Harringtonganj block of District Ayodhya, is not only a wife and mother but also a women leader of the SATHI organization. Her life is a testament to the struggles faced by many in impoverished communities, yet it is also a story of resilience and empowerment.
Living with her husband, mother-in-law, two sons, and a daughter, Ram Dulari’s family relies solely on her husband’s income as a mason. Despite his qualifications, he struggled to secure stable employment due to poverty and circumstances beyond their control. Their hardships were exacerbated when Ram Dulari’s name was unexpectedly removed from the Antyodaya ration card list in 2021, depriving them of essential food rations. Additionally, her mother-in-law’s name was incorrectly spelled on the card.
Ram Dulari sought assistance from various avenues, including the fair shop owner, Gram Panchayat, Gram Pradhan, and Rozgar Sevak, but to no avail. Determined to find a solution, she brought the issue to the attention of the Nari Sangh, where collective action was taken. Despite facing resistance and discouragement from the fair shop owner, Ram Dulari refused to back down. With mounting debts and a family to feed, she knew she had to fight for her rights.
Driven by the desperation of hunger and the determination to provide for her family, Ram Dulari navigated the bureaucratic hurdles with the support of the SATHI team and CLW Sonu. Despite enduring six months without rations during the reapplication and correction process, she persevered. Her unwavering resolve led her to call the helpline number, ensuring that not only her family but also others in similar situations received their entitled rations.
Ram Dulari’s actions are fueled by her belief that no family should suffer the anguish of hunger while their basic rights are denied. She envisions a future where women no longer have to rely on others for their fundamental needs.
SATHI applauds and shares Ram Dulari’s belief that her courage and determination will inspire others, paving the way for change in countless households. Ram Dulari’s story serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, reminding us that collective action and perseverance can lead to transformative change.
Empowering Women Through Collective Action
Jyoti Nari Sangh, a women’s Community Based Organization (CBO), was established in Gram Panchayat Baswar Khurd in the Harrington Ganj block in December 2020. It aims to address entitlement issues such as MGNREGA, ration distribution, housing, and other government beneficiary schemes for 150 Nari Sangh families. The majority of the Nari Sangh members come from marginalized communities, including MGNREGA workers, scheduled castes, and Dalits. These women have received training on leadership, rights-based issues, mobilization, and more from SATHI, a supporting organization.
During a Nari Sangh meeting, a woman raised the issue of not receiving ration for the past few months. Other members also shared concerns about the quality of food grains and unfair pricing by the Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer. One informed member explained the government-mandated prices for ration and the entitlements under Antyodaya, highlighting the exploitation due to lack of awareness. The members decided to demand ration at the government-prescribed rates.
However, when they approached the PDS dealer with the correct payment, they were refused ration. Undeterred, they recorded the incident on a smartphone and discussed it during the next Nari Sangh meeting. The group collectively decided to confront the unfair treatment and visited the fair price shop again. Despite facing resistance from the dealer, they remained resolute.
One Nari Sangh leader suggested filing a complaint through the helpline number 1076. Ashiya Bano made the call and reported the matter. The following day, she received a call from the PDS dealer, who reluctantly provided ration. He even offered additional supplies, which Ashiya rejected, insisting on fair treatment for all members.
Now, the Nari Sangh members purchase ration collectively in groups. However, challenges persist, with issues recurring every few months. Despite these obstacles, the Nari Sangh remains committed to securing their right to food.
The members of the Nari Sangh dream of creating a Gram Panchayat where no one sleeps without food—a vision that drives their ongoing efforts for justice and equality.
Anshu's Struggle: Overcoming Adversity with Support
Anshu, a resident of Gram Panchayat Baswarkala, hails from a small family. Despite facing opposition from both sides, she married her love, Bhola. However, their marital journey was far from smooth, as family members from both sides disapproved of their union.
After discovering Nari Sangh and SATHI-UP in 2021, Anshu became an active member, regularly attending their meetings. However, as time passed, cracks began to appear in her marriage. Bhola’s drinking habits escalated, leading to frequent arguments and fights at home. Anshu’s participation in Nari Sangh meetings dwindled as her husband forbade her from attending.
One fateful day, Bhola’s aggression reached a breaking point, and he forcibly evicted Anshu from their home, leaving her to spend the night outdoors. Feeling isolated and helpless, Anshu faced numerous challenges in her married life.
Despite her attempts to seek help from her family, fear of her husband’s reprisal kept her silent. It wasn’t until Nari Sangh leader, Manju, encountered her in the village market that Anshu found a glimmer of hope. After sharing her ordeal with Manju, she was encouraged to file a complaint against her husband.
Facing a lack of access to a phone, Manju arranged for Anshu to borrow one, enabling her to report the abuse to women helplines (1090) and 112. Subsequently, the police intervened, taking Bhola into custody and advising Anshu to seek refuge at her mother’s home.
In the police station, Bhola realized the gravity of his actions and expressed remorse. After his release, he sought reconciliation with Anshu, eventually convincing her to return home. Today, they are rebuilding their relationship, with Anshu continuing her active involvement in Nari Sangh meetings.
Grateful for the support she received, Anshu acknowledges the vital role Nari Sangh played in her journey to safety and happiness. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
