From Silence to Self-Reliance

Growing up in a poor Dalit community, I witnessed deep gender and caste discrimination, where girls and women were denied equal opportunities and respect. My time at Grihini transformed my outlook, teaching me about women’s dignity, equality, independence and rights. I gained practical skills such as tailoring, knitting, handicrafts and food processing, which helped me earn a livelihood and stand up for fair wages. I also completed a B.A. through correspondence and shared my knowledge with others in my village. Despite facing the hardship of being abandoned by my husband, the confidence and skills I gained at Grihini helped me rebuild my life, secure employment and educate my daughters. Today, my daughters are pursuing higher education and I continue to empower others through the knowledge and skills I acquired at Grihini.