Rural India is home to more than 70% of India’s population and despite its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, it remains one of the country’s most marginalized and underdeveloped regions. Women in rural India face numerous challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare. However, amidst these challenges, many inspiring women are breaking barriers and making a difference in their communities. NGOs like Auroveda focus on empowering underprivileged women and pushing them in the right direction. In this blog, we will highlight a few of the women in rural India you need to know about.
1. Arunima Sinha
Arunima Sinha is a former national-level volleyball player who became the first female amputee to conquer Mount Everest in 2013. She lost her leg in an accident while trying to save a fellow passenger from robbers on a moving train. Despite her injury, Arunima was determined to pursue her dream of climbing Mount Everest. She trained hard and eventually made history by reaching the summit of the world’s highest peak. Arunima’s story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination.
2. Kalpana Saroj
Kalpana Saroj is a self-made entrepreneur from Mumbai who grew up in poverty. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including child marriage and domestic violence, Kalpana was determined to succeed. She worked hard, starting as a tailor, and eventually became the owner of one of India’s largest furniture manufacturing companies. Kalpana is a true inspiration to women everywhere and a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anyone can succeed.
3. Kamal Kisan
Kamal Kisan is a social entrepreneur from rural Maharashtra who is dedicated to improving the lives of women in her community. She founded the organization “Empower Women” which works to provide women with access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Kamal is a tireless advocate for women’s rights and is helping to create a brighter future for women in rural India.
4. Jyoti Amge
Jyoti Amge is the world’s shortest woman, standing at just 24.7 inches tall. Despite her small stature, Jyoti has a big personality and is determined to make a difference in the world. She has been featured in several TV shows and movies and is a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. Jyoti is a true inspiration and is proof that size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a difference in the world.
5. Sushmita Banerjee
Sushmita Banerjee was an Indian author and social activist who fought for the rights of women in Afghanistan. Despite facing numerous challenges, including death threats and imprisonment, Sushmita was determined to make a difference in the lives of women in Afghanistan. She wrote several books on the subject, including “A Kabuliwala’s Bengali Wife” which tells the story of her life in Afghanistan. Sushmita was a fearless advocate for women’s rights and her legacy lives on.
6. Sunita Narain
Sunita Narain is a prominent environmentalist and social activist who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of people in rural India. She is the director of the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi and has been a strong advocate for sustainable development and environmental protection. Sunita’s work has had a profound impact on the lives of people in rural India and she is a true inspiration to us all.
Women in rural India play a vital role in their communities and should be celebrated for their strength and resilience. As more privileged citizens of our society, it is on us to empower these women. By empowering and supporting underprivileged women in rural India, we can create a brighter future for them and their communities.