I am the head of my family and one of the two women who were nominated
for the post of Ward Member in my village, Likir. The other woman left the
village after getting married but I continued as the only woman Member in
the six-member Panchayat body of the village.I am 47 years old and have three children. My husband passed away some
years ago, and I was left to take care of my family in addition to fulfilling my
responsibilities as a Panchayat representative. It was very difficult for me to
take over this new role but I was determined to fight it out because of which I
have been recognized and acknowledged as a community leader.I have always stood my ground against corruption and have openly criticized
it. I have taken up issues of women’s rights and have motivated women
to challenge oppression. My role as a Panch has made a difference in the
development of the village despite there being a lack of funds. I was, along with
the support of other women, able to get Rs. 50,000/- from the Councillor’s
fund to construct three toilets in the village. The Council agreed to construct
the toilets and I used the money to organize Adult Education Programmes for
six months in my village. I hired teachers and today most of the women in
Likir are able to read and write in the local language. The Army has also played
a significant role in ensuring that this initiative continues and more women
gain access to education.All these initiatives have brought the women of Likir together. The women
have organized themselves and have successfully been able to put an end to
regressive social practices like the exchange of bread during social occasions
and alcoholism.Apart from this, I actively take part in Panchayat meetings and speak out in
the interest of the village. I pay from my pocket to travel in buses to attend
meetings in Leh town. Members elected to the Panchayat, especially women
who are nominated, do not receive any honorarium from the government; we
have to fend for ourselves.Sonam Dolma
Ward Member
Village: Likir
District: Leh
Ladakh