A woman is considered a powerhouse in most homes. When she is determined, she becomes invincible. She can be the source of unflinching determination not only for her immediate family but for the community as well. Especially in rural areas, the challenges are aplenty and even unfathomable for urban dwellers. There are typical concerns that the rural women deal with, including patriarchal mindsets, limited resources and civic issues. However, women power through such hurdles and cross barriers to bring about a change not only for themselves but for their communities as well.
It was on October 15th, 2008, that the first International Day of Rural Women was observed. According to the United Nations, this day recognizes ‘the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.’
Most rural women face the challenges of limited healthcare facilities, inadequate water availability and other basic amenities, lack of quality education for children, poverty and even malnutrition in extreme situations. Surprisingly, despite such hindrances, women tend to emerge as unsung heroes and leaders, creating a positive impact in their communities. Challenging mindsets with a fierce and indomitable spirit, women take upon themselves the role of bringing about a change in their rural and mostly back dated set-ups – be it in the field of education, environmental protection, women empowerment or general upliftment.
There are innumerable examples of women who are driving change in rural societies. Here, we talk about 3 such illustrious women who have challenged hurdles to further the cause of growth and sustainable development in their communities.
Originally hailing from Odisha, Jamuna Tudu started the thoughtful practice of tying a gigantic Rakhi on trees on World Environment Day, which is celebrated globally on June 5th. Witnessing the merciless felling of trees leading to severe deforestation in Potka, a small but beautiful village in Jharkhand, she decided to protect the environment and fearlessly resist those who illegally try to cut trees.
Tudu was born into a family of farmers and became aware and passionate about protecting forests and wildlife since a young age. In fact, her many endeavours to protect the forests lead to the mobilization of fellow villagers in the saving of at least 50 hectares of forest land. This earned Jamuna Tudu the title of ‘Lady Tarzan’. Recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Padma Shree, through her tireless efforts, Tudu has established a ‘Green Army’ of 60 women who patrol forests and prevent the illegal cutting of trees.
Tudu and her army have also planted more than 30,000 trees to reverse the effects of deforestation. Her efforts have not only helped to protect the environment and natural resources but also helped women in her community get worthy livelihoods.
Her endeavours to protect the forests and mobilize fellow villagers to save 50 hectares of forest land earned Jamuna Tudu the title of ‘Lady Tarzan’.
It was on October 15th, 2008 that the first International Day of Rural Women was observed.
Siddis, a small ethnic community that has African ancestry inhabits pockets of land in the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh in India. They migrated from Africa to India as slaves, merchants or sailors, and intermingled with Indians and their culture.
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