Women Unite for the Right to Work
In several tribal villages of Trimbakeshwar Taluka, women had applied for employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). However, despite repeated applications and follow-up efforts, employment opportunities were not being provided and wage-related concerns remained unresolved.
The situation affected women from Nirgudpada, Dahalewadi, Kotamwadi, Takeharsh, and neighbouring hamlets. Many families depended on seasonal work and migration to sustain their livelihoods, making access to MGNREGA employment an important source of economic security.
Through grassroots leadership processes facilitated by BELIEFS Trust, women began discussing these challenges collectively within their Padasamitis (hamlet-level groups). Rather than pursuing individual complaints, they decided to organise a collective response.
Women leaders from different villages came together to review work applications, document pending demands, and prepare a joint representation. They organised meetings, mobilised affected families, and travelled together to submit their concerns to local authorities. The collective later approached district-level officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, seeking action on employment demands and wage-related issues.
Through peaceful demonstrations, written applications, and direct engagement with public officials, the women asserted their right to work and demanded greater accountability in the implementation of MGNREGA.
While the struggle for employment rights continued, the process itself created a significant change. Women who had rarely interacted with government institutions gained confidence in speaking publicly, engaging with officials, and participating in democratic processes. The collective action strengthened solidarity across villages and demonstrated the power of organised community leadership.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: when communities come together and act collectively, they are better positioned to claim their rights and influence public systems.
Impact at a Glance
- Women from multiple villages organised around employment rights
- Joint applications and collective representations submitted
- Direct engagement established with district-level authorities
- Increased awareness of MGNREGA entitlements
- Strengthened women’s leadership and collective action
- Enhanced participation in local governance and accountability processes