Women Leaders in Village Panchayats

Though I am not highly qualified, I have been working with people since

childhood and marriage has only helped me understand the problems of

people of different age groups and varied backgrounds better.

I belong to a Scheduled Tribe and am the fourth daughter in my family. My father

found it difficult to support our education; although I completed High School I

could not continue my education beyond that as it was proving to be a financial

burden on the family. Subsequently, I got married and am a mother to two.

Panchayat politics never really interested me but when the seat in my Ward

was declared as reserved for STs, I stood for elections and now I am working

as a member of the gram Panchayat. A major setback in this journey came

with the sudden death of my husband. It was a big shock to me but I

have not allowed this to come in the way of my involvement in politics or

working for women.

Even before I was elected as a Panchayat member, I had been active in my

village and have been mobilizing women to form SHgs. Sixteen such groups

have been formed till date, and I was successful in mobilizing a revolving

fund of Rs 1.5 Lakhs for them. I have also been training adolescent girls in

tailoring to make them financially independent. I have also been trying to

eradicate child labour from our Panchayat by talking about the issue with

SHg members and at village meetings. I have identified working children and

introduced them to bridge schools.

I feel education is a priority, and apart from ensuring educational support for

my own children, I am working hard to get children enrolled to school with

help from teachers and Aanganwadi workers. Nothing is more satisfying than

seeing children one has helped to enter school, complete their studies. I worked

hard to improve toilet facilities in our schools, supervise the quality of Mid-Day

Meals, and ensure they have adequate and safe drinking water facilities.

I have now been working in the Panchayat for two years. The trainings I have

undergone have enhanced my confidence and understanding of the functioning

Rudramma
Ward Member
Panchayat: Kudlure
Block: Tarikere
District: Chikmagalore