From the confines of home to the village assembly – Sushma Abhijit Howal’s journey of self-confidence

Sushma Abhijit Howal, a resident of Hatid village in Sangola taluka, was an educated but socially isolated housewife. She had completed her graduation, but after marriage, her life became limited to family responsibilities, household chores, and taking care of her children. Participating in public events, village assemblies, women’s meetings, or social discussions was not a part of her life. Except for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, she had never participated in any public event. She had little knowledge about what a Gram Panchayat (village council) is, what decisions are made in the Gram Panchayat, what are the rights and entitlements of women, what schemes are available for women, or that women should also raise their issues. She was unaware of what role women could play at both the societal and governmental levels.

Sushma has two children. Both her children regularly participated in the constitutional dialogue sessions conducted by the village’s constitutional facilitators. Upon returning home, these children would discuss the constitution, its values, village problems, rights, and responsibilities. Sushma would quietly listen to these discussions. Through her children’s conversations, she realized for the first time how closely connected to her life were the things she had stayed away from until now.

During this time, constitutional dialogue meetings for women began in the village. One day, Sushma also attended one of these women’s group constitutional dialogue meetings. Initially, she only listened, but seeing the open communication among the women, their way of raising questions, and the support they offered each other, she too felt like speaking up.

She says, “When I first went to that meeting, I had decided to only listen. But when other women openly expressed their problems, I felt that my problems were also important.” In the last few days, Sushma’s hesitation in speaking has decreased. Their confidence in speaking increased, and they developed a mindset to learn new things. They started actively participating in women’s group meetings. They began expressing their opinions on issues such as women’s problems, other village issues, the repair of the community hall and its lighting arrangements, children’s education, water, and sanitation. Sushmatai, who previously shied away from public speaking, has now become an active participant in discussions. The discussions on the constitution and continuous dialogue further strengthened Sushmatai’s confidence. She participated in a rangoli competition organized in the village under the watershed development program on the theme of ‘Conserve Water – Recharge Groundwater’ and won first prize. She also participated in women’s elocution and essay competitions. She secured first place in the essay competition on the topic “Women and the Constitution.” This success significantly boosted her self-confidence. She says, “After winning the competition, I realized that I too can do it. We just need opportunities and proper guidance.”

Through continuous discussions on the constitution and fundamental rights, Sushmatai became aware of her own identity and rights. She now feels that this awareness should not be limited to herself but should reach other women as well. Today, she is working to encourage other women to attend women’s meetings, engage in dialogue, and find solutions to their problems. She is taking the initiative on women’s issues and playing a leadership role. She is now also actively participating in Gram Panchayat and other village programs. “Until women step out of their homes and become aware of their rights and entitlements, true development for women will not be possible,” she asserts. Today, Sushmatai is also striving to create a value-based, egalitarian, and communicative environment within her own home. She is trying to instil the constitutional values ​​of equality, justice, freedom, and fraternity not just in discussions, but in everyday life. With the strength of knowledge, communication skills, and self-confidence, Sushma Abhijit Howal is establishing herself as an emerging leader among women. Her journey is an example that with proper guidance, continuous dialogue, and opportunities, any woman can step out of the confines of her home and become an agent of social change.