I was also nominated to the Village Education Committee, along with two
other women. I had improved the quality of teaching in schools by ensuring
the teachers received proper training. Infrastructure was monitored closely
and we initiated a pre-nursery school in the village.
In my life and work, I have never faced any resistance from my village. I became
a member of the Panchayat Adalat due to reservations but rose to the post of
Chairperson solely because of my own qualities and efficiency. Throughout
my term in the Panchayat Adalat, however, the government has given me
no official training on the duties of my post or legal structures. I gathered
knowledge by myself, by attending various workshops conducted by civil
and social organisations. In August 2005, I had participated in the Training
Of Trainers (TOT) organised by The Hunger Project, and was groomed as a
trainer to conduct WLWs.
When elected women leaders from all over India were invited by THP for
the Seventh Sarojini Naidu Prize ceremony (2007), they elected me as their
spokesperson. I told an audience of more than 500 people about the problems
my village faced regarding shortage of water for irrigation and the lack of
water supply. I also spoke of the responsibilities of an elected woman leader
and the importance of finding a balance between a woman’s life and work.
My family supports me completely and when I visited Delhi, they looked
after my two year-old child. The elders of my village told me to speak boldly
and fearlessly, and encouraged me no end. I feel my people trust me and that
is important, for I cannot get much accomplished alone. They have instilled
in me a sense of self-confidence and determination, and with their support, I
plan to stand for the upcoming Panchayat elections.