Fight for Equal Pay

Geeta Pakhre, who works as a constitutional communicator, is to instill constitutional values in the society, especially in creating awareness of equality and social justice among women. Inspired by this goal, she organized a counseling session for the women of Akiwat village. In this session, Geeta Pakhre gave detailed guidance on equal pay for equal work, equal opportunities for men and women, and the rights granted by the Constitution. She told the women that these are not only moral but also constitutional rights, and it is our responsibility to raise our voices for this.

Sangeeta Pandare, who is participating in the session, is a woman working in a local company that manufactures bardaan (grandchildren). She also goes to work in the company along with other women in the village. She was impressed and inspired by Geeta Pakhre’s guidance during the village women’s meeting. They realized that it was unfair that I and my female colleagues had accepted less pay even though I had done the same work as men. They brought all the female colleagues together, made them understand the right to equal pay and inspired them to take organized action. They met the company owners along with other women and directly demanded equal pay. Our work is as much as men’s and sometimes more. So why do we get less pay? We also want equal pay. The women presented their position confidently. They provided evidence of the nature of the work, responsibilities, and the current wage disparity. The company owners took the issue seriously and assured that they would discuss it with other directors and take the right decision. The voice of the organized women, the calmly presented position, and the constitutional framework were put before the management.

As a result, women have gained confidence and have a mindset that change is possible if they raise their voice or take the right action. Constitutional counseling has created a sense of rights among women. Sangeeta’s leadership has become an inspiration for other women in the village. The fact that women have understood their rights and demanded them is a sign that the constitution has awakened. The place where Sangeeta lives is part of the Gairaan land. About 300 families live here and they will now make organized efforts to regularize the houses in Gairaan. An unorganized group has been organized through constitutional counseling and under the leadership of Sangeeta Pandare. The values of the constitution - equality, freedom, justice - have not remained just bookish ideas but have been put into action.This struggle is not limited to the village of Akivat, it is the beginning of a social change.