My journey into feminism began in my tribal community, where I observed how deeply entrenched gender norms led to girls dropping out of school and women being left behind. As a young girl, I found myself questioning this unequal treatment of women and the societal barriers that kept them from realizing their potential. This curiosity about gender inequality propelled me into grassroots activism, where I started organizing women’s groups to combat trafficking and educate women about their rights.
Through these efforts, I realized that feminism isn’t just about achieving gender equality; it is about addressing the intersecting forms of oppression based on caste, class, religion, and other marginalized identities. Over time, I began practicing feminism not just through formal activism but also in my everyday life. I refused to accept the rigid gender roles imposed on women and actively worked to challenge stereotypes within my community. In my family, I took on roles traditionally assigned to men, showing that women could lead, make decisions, and care for the household with equal capacity.
Professionally and personally, I began to see that feminism is about solidarity and collective power. When I started working with different women’s groups, I saw how caste, class, and religious identities shaped the way women experienced discrimination. This intersectional understanding became central to my work, helping me see the nuances of oppression.
Through the Feminist Youth Leadership Program (FYLP), I gained deeper insights into how to organize and mobilize communities by integrating an intersectional lens into feminist leadership. During the Regional Cohorts (RCs), I learned that true leadership isn’t just about leading a group but about creating spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and respected. This understanding of leadership pushed me to empower women from different socio-economic, caste, and religious backgrounds to come together, recognize their shared struggles, and work towards collective solutions.
I also learned that leadership doesn’t come without challenges. Resistance to change, particularly in conservative regions, was one of the key challenges I faced. The task of changing long-standing cultural norms wasn’t easy, and I often encountered opposition. But I learned that transformative change requires patience, empathy, and consistent effort. I also realized that leadership must be inclusive—my leadership style evolved from a more individualistic approach to a collaborative one, ensuring that everyone, especially those from marginalized groups, had a seat at the table.
While my work has been filled with successes, such as empowering women from marginalized communities to stand up for their rights and creating solidarity across caste and religious divides, it has also come with lessons. One key lesson was realizing that not all resistance can be overcome in one step; some change takes time, and it requires building trust and understanding within the community. I also learned the importance of inclusivity within leadership structures. Failing to include diverse voices can alienate those who need support the most, and it can undermine the collective efforts towards change.
In conclusion, my feminist journey has been shaped by both successes and setbacks. Through the FYLP, I have emerged as a more inclusive, resilient, and strategic leader, committed to creating a more just and equitable society. My journey continues, but my belief in the collective power of women and the importance of an intersectional approach to feminism, remains unwavering. I am driven by the hope that through collaboration, empathy, and patience, we can create lasting social change that benefits everyone—regardless of gender, caste, class, or disability.
