“Grassroot level work is an inspiration for many” Jijabai
“Now, women are empowered and have the knowledge and confidence to participate in Gram Sabhas, and speak to government officials to further development in the village”, says Jijabai Wad, from Madki village in Nanded district, Maharashtra.
Jijabai Wad, an Arogya Sakhi associated with SSP since 2019, has been working with women to improve their health and nutritional status as well as improve awareness of government schemes in her village – particularly those that benefit women. When Jijabai started working, she realized that very few women had bank accounts and proper documentation, even if they were eligible for government schemes. They did not keep track of available schemes and follow-up on their applications.
With the guidance of SSP she spent a lot of time conducting home visits, and locality meetings to change this mindset of both women and their families. Jijabai supported women in getting their Aadhar cards updated, PAN cards made and even went with them to the bank to start their accounts. While hesitant in the beginning, after seeing some women get the benefits of various schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (a conditional cash transfer scheme for first time mothers), more community members began to trust Jijabai and showed greater interest in participating in her efforts. She helped 25 pregnant women get the Matru Vandana Yojana in her village since 2019.
Jijabai also empowers other women in her village to attend meetings, practice speaking in public and attend dialogues with local leaders and government officials, so that they become more independent. Due to the recognition of her work in reaching the most vulnerable community members, Jijabai has gained the respect of her community members, and participates in local governance issues. She has advocated the Loha Block Development Officer, Gram Sevak and Gram Panchayat successfully in the past. The impact that jijabai has had with her grassroot level work is an inspiration for many.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
26th April, 2022