BEYOND THE NUMBERS:

When I first began working to improve women’s livelihoods in the rural areas of Mecheri, Salem, I quickly realized the importance of understanding their daily routines and responsibilities. As my fellowship journey progressed, I discovered that the path ahead was filled with unpredictable experiences, each offering its own lessons. From conducting initial field studies to building trust and navigating unforeseen challenges, the journey toward fostering meaningful change took many unexpected turns. Yet, through it all, the women gradually embraced these changes.I approached the community with the belief that creating strong bonds with rural women required trust, respect, and a deep cultural understanding. Despite the patriarchal norms present in Mecheri, I found the women to be inherently empowered, demonstrating natural leadership qualities and a commendable sense of responsibility.

At my first Self-Help Group (SHG) meeting, I was warmly welcomed by the Panchayat Level Federation (PLF) head and SHG members, making me feel included from the very start. Through regular meetings, I observed that although the villagers had concerns—such as living in a polluted environment—they were eager to collaborate and genuinely tried to understand the project’s objectives. Many of the women, though primarily homemakers, contributed to their families’ livelihoods in various ways, from tending to cattle and poultry to tailoring and farm work. However, despite these contributions, they often remained confined to their homes, lacking the freedom to explore further opportunities.This became particularly evident during focused group discussions, where many women struggled to attend meetings, even for an hour, due to household duties such as collecting milk or picking up their children from school. Yet, they expressed joy in stepping out for these meetings, as it gave them a much-needed break from their routines and a brief taste of freedom.

To celebrate their resilience, I organized an event on International Women’s Day under the banner “Celebrating Womanhood” as part of Project Pragathi. Women entrepreneurs, along with the Block Mission Management Unit—a women-led team—elevated the event, where many women felt empowered to engage in open discussions and debates. At the event’s conclusion, we planned a one-month tailoring skills training program, and to my delight, the community women wholeheartedly committed to participating.

The training sessions, however, were not without their challenges. Many women faced backlash at home for being away during the day, and some even endured blame when family disputes occurred. Despite these obstacles, they remained dedicated, often practicing their stitching skills late into the night after long days of training.Against all odds, 27 out of the 35 enrolled women successfully completed the training, and 10 of them have already started sewing clothes independently.The success of Project Pragathi is not measured by numbers, but by the resilience and determination of these women. Through mutual support and perseverance, they are leading the way toward a more dignified and sustainable future.

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