Padma Shri Phoolbasan Bai Yadav epitomizes grassroots leadership and women’s empowerment. Emerging from humble beginnings, she overcame formidable socio-economic challenges to become a catalyst for social change in her community. Yadav embarked on her journey in 2001 by founding the self-help group (SHG) network, Maa Bamleshwari Janhitkari Samiti, now a beacon of hope and progress for rural women.
Under her stewardship, the organization has catalyzed significant advancements in health, education, and financial independence for local women. Through SHGs promoting savings, microcredit, and income-generating activities, women are empowered to sustain their families and foster community development. Yadav’s initiatives have resulted in the construction of toilets, the elimination of open defecation, and enhanced school enrollment for girls.
Her steadfast commitment to social upliftment culminated in accolades such as the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2012. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav’s journey underscores the transformative influence of collective action and the profound impact of empowering grassroots women.
In an open and heartfelt conversation with The Interview World at the 3rd NAREDCO Mahi Convention, Padma Shri Phoolbasan Bai Yadav underscored the importance of women’s empowerment. She shared insights into her Self-Help Group (SHG) and illustrated how women, driven by determination, can bring about significant societal change. Here are the key takeaways from her inspiring discussion.
Q: What significant social and financial initiatives or movements have you introduced or supported in your state?
A: In 2001, I established the Maa Bamleshwari Janhitkari Samiti. Starting alone, our organization has grown significantly: we now boast 2 lakh women members in our district and 8 lakh across Chhattisgarh. Our primary focus is on empowering women socially and financially.
We tackle critical social issues such as child marriage, domestic violence, and alcoholism. Through our Self-Help Groups (SHGs), we offer small loans that enable women to initiate or expand small businesses, promoting economic independence. Recently, we successfully raised a corpus of Rs. 2 crore through small contributions from individuals.
From these humble beginnings, we’ve expanded our operations substantially. Today, our business exceeds Rs. 1500 crore, supported by bank loans. Despite our modest educational backgrounds, we effectively manage this vast enterprise through cooperative efforts.
Our activities span diverse sectors including dairy farming, goat farming, poultry, organic farming, and more. Women under our initiative also manage clothing shops, grocery stores, and ayurvedic ventures. Our SHGs are now established throughout Chhattisgarh, amplifying our impact across the state.
Q: What does women’s empowerment mean to you, and how do you believe it can be effectively achieved in today’s society?
A: True women empowerment requires a holistic and multi-dimensional approach that addresses personal, social, economic, and political dimensions. This begins by guaranteeing equality and fairness, which includes granting women the same legal rights as men. These rights encompass property ownership, voting rights, and protection against discrimination and violence.
Crucially, achieving workplace equality is paramount. This involves ensuring equal pay for equal work, providing opportunities for career growth, and fostering a workplace environment free from harassment.
Education and awareness play pivotal roles. It is essential to ensure that girls and women have access to quality education from primary through tertiary levels. Simultaneously, educating both genders about gender equality is necessary. This includes promoting the empowerment of women and challenging harmful stereotypes and cultural norms.
By adopting such a comprehensive strategy, true women empowerment can be achieved, fostering a society where women can thrive in all facets of life.
Q: What cultural changes are necessary in society to effectively promote and achieve women’s empowerment?
A: Cultural and social transformation is imperative to confront norms that uphold gender inequality and foster inclusive communities where women can flourish and uplift each other. Genuine empowerment of women entails establishing environments where they have the autonomy, opportunities, and necessary resources to make impactful decisions that benefit both themselves and society. Achieving this goal demands collaborative action from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to dismantle systemic barriers and advance gender equality.
Q: What advice would you give to other women who aspire to make a positive impact in society?
A: To all the women striving to drive societal change, embrace your potential fully. Believe in your ability to influence and inspire. Your voice is crucial, capable of sparking significant change. Stay informed about issues you’re passionate about; knowledge is your most potent tool. Continuously seek to expand your understanding; an educated mind challenges norms and innovates solutions.
Build a network of like-minded individuals; together, amplify your impact. While change may entail challenges and setbacks, remain resilient. Each step forward, no matter how small, signifies progress amidst the journey’s inevitable hurdles.
Lead by example; speak out on issues that resonate with you. Your voice raises awareness and mobilizes action. Empower those around you, particularly fellow women. Collective empowerment fosters stronger communities.
Act with integrity and authenticity; these virtues underpin effective leadership, nurturing trust and credibility. Embrace diverse perspectives; they enrich problem-solving and drive innovation toward more robust solutions. Celebrate every milestone achieved. Small victories propel momentum and sustain motivation. Remember, change unfolds gradually, requiring persistence and dedication. Your contributions, however modest, hold immense value, capable of igniting positive societal transformations.
