“Hum” is a powerful anthology that chronicles the extraordinary journeys of resilient women across India, each trailblazing a path of transformative change in their communities. These stories delve into the myriad ways women have challenged and reshaped societal norms, overcoming personal and communal barriers with unwavering determination and courage.
This collection is a mosaic of diverse experiences, ranging from grassroots activism and environmental stewardship to breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields and advocating for social justice. The narratives reveal the profound impact of women’s leadership in driving sustainable change, showcasing their ability to not only confront but also transcend the challenges posed by gender discrimination, cultural constraints, and economic hardships.
“Hum” is more than a book; it is a compelling call to action, inviting readers to engage with and support the ongoing movement towards a more equitable and empowered society.
INTRODUCTION
URVASHI BUTALIA
As you turn the pages of this book, you will meet women from all corners of India. Confident, strong, smiling, focused, they invite you to read their stories, meet their communities, ‘listen’ to their voices. We are women, they tell you, single, mothers, aunts, daughters, grandmothers. We do many things: we’re farmers, we fly planes, we’re technicians and scientists and engineers, we teach, we embroider, we’re activists, we work with water, and seeds, and crops, with trees and forests, with disability and marginalization and so much more. Sometimes our families support us, at others they don’t, sometimes they learn, over time, to do so. Our journeys haven’t been easy, but they have been worthwhile. And we’re only a miniscule, a tiny fragment of the enormous pool of talent that exists among us.
The stories here, are gathered and put together by another set of women, listeners and writers and photographers, designers and editors. As you read them and meet the women in their beautiful photographs, you will become familiar with words such as ‘courage’ and ‘determination’, ‘barriers’, ‘difficulties’, ‘support’ and not least, ‘dreams and desires’. Every woman here carried a dream in her heart—sometimes it was as simple as wanting an education, sometimes it was seeking a better life for her family, at others it was wanting to touch the skies. And as these stories tell us, all it takes for a woman to fiercely own and work to make her dream come true, is the smallest of opportunities. Give her that and she will surmount even the most formidable of obstacles.
The 75 stories here mark 75 years of India’s independence, a fitting moment to pay tribute to half its population. They also direct us to the wisdom that lies in women’s stories. They remind us of the ways in which these stories, ostensibly ‘small’, touch on so many of the wider issues of our time. When a woman saves and works with seeds, or she harvests water, she is addressing climate change, when she seeks education, she’s asking for the knowledge that will enable her to be a citizen in full measure, when she begins to earn an income, she contributes to the overall economy, both personal and private.
In many ways, these are inspirational stories. Young and old women reading them will know that given a chance, for women, the sky is the limit. Their power lies not only in the individual story, but in that of the collective, the ghĕ of the title, the ‘we’ and ‘us’ of our lives, the coming together of the many little stories that make up the experiential base of women’s lives.
Read them, you will not be disappointed.
NEEHA NAGPAL
New Delhi
Neeha Nagpal has carved a niche in the legal world, contributing to significant cases such as the decriminalization of homosexuality in India. Her leadership model is one of courage and innovation, creating a positive and supportive environment for young women in her firm. Neeha’s persistence in the face of adversity is captured in the following reflection: “When I started out in law, the field was so hostile. No one took me seriously or believed I was capable of anything.”
We are delighted to share that our Partner Neeha Nagpal has been featured in “Hum: When Women Lead” by UN Women India.
“Hum” is an anthology that chronicles the journeys of resilient women across India, each trailblazing a path of transformative change in their communities.
It is an absolute honour to get featured amongst the powerful women. Thanks to Ford Foundation and UN Women India.
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