To Her Dreams

Even in today’s time, the identity of a woman is often formed as a mother, grandmother, or wife. Her talents and capabilities are measured by the food she cooks and how far the house is cleaned. So how do we see women as individuals, individuals with an identity, individuals with their talents, capabilities, desires, and aspirations? We never get time to sit and talk about what she likes and what makes her happy. Seldom do we move beyond questions like “Aaj khane mein kya banana hai” or “ye saman Kahan Rakhahai”. Sanchetana has been working with women for a very long time. Their interaction and discussion include all women across the banner of class, caste, religion, social-economic division, educated, uneducated, etc. Some women join centres for short-term vocational courses, some come for health groups, and some as health leaders. Sanchetana has been connected to a thousand families. Its close association with women helped the team understand society and women better. Many women have been part of the Sanchetana vocational training programme and Health Group. Initially, they can come as mothers or wives, but they leave as individuals, individuals with their own identities and independence. Sanchetana nourishes them with skills and creates a space where they can talk. Talk about her body, her feelings, emotions, well-being, desire, and fascination, and rediscover the identity that she had forgotten long ago. It never ceases to amaze the team how much untapped and limitless potential women possess; how quick-witted they are; how bold they are; and how bold their choices are. They are kind and strong at the same time; they’re self-sufficient; and they dream of the sky, mountains, and beaches. They are fighters and multitaskers. They have stories and histories of strength. They are fearless, they have opinions, and they want to talk about art, politics, and everything else. And some even want to challenge gender stereotypes. During the interaction, team Sanchetana met one such 19-year-old, Modan Nargis, from Bombay Hotel (Narol), Ahmedabad, who is an inspiration to all. A second-year B.Com student from Gujarat University is quite quick-witted with a charismatic personality and fills the room with enthusiasm and excitement. She constantly pushes herself to be stronger and better every day and strives hard to bring her desires into reality and desires to learn everything. Initially, she joined Sanchetana Vocational Training…