Anganwadi Worker Gayatri Solanki Aids Rural Women To Find a Voice

In her earlier days, within the confines of Gayatri Solanki's community, the notion of equal education for all, irrespective of gender, remained a distant dream. An Anganwadi worker, Solanki's undeterred work in creating equal opportunities for women in education in rural villages of Madhya Pradesh is a testament to the transformational change in how people view education there. 

This awakening of why education is the stepping stone to change bridge equality aided her in ensuring no woman is left behind.

Solanki comes from the heartland of Singhana, Madhya Pradesh, and through her resolute dedication, she has become a forerunner of empowerment for the young girls who hold the future of her community.

"Are we women not humans too? Shouldn't we also have the same opportunities? Education is our right," she declares passionately. Residing in a village nestled within a population of 12–15 thousand, where a significant portion comprises women, she tirelessly dedicates herself to their cause. Her unwavering determination represents a strong voice, fighting for every single one of them to have their rightful chance at education.

Gayatri Solanki's Journey 

In a conversation with SheThePeople, Solanki shares that over sixteen remarkable years, her impact has radiated far and wide. Her work towards 80 Ladli Laxmi Yojna registrations now stands as a testament to the lives she has touched and the futures she has ignited. 

Solanki's impact goes beyond the boundaries of education. In the village of Singhana, she witnessed families migrating, leaving their children behind to fend for themselves, and battling against the odds. With persistent compassion and in collaboration with her supervisor, she took it upon herself to erase hunger from the lives of these vulnerable children.

Utilising her reserve of supplementary nutrition, she initiated a daily ritual of feeding these young souls, an act that continues to this day, ensuring no child goes to bed hungry under her watchful care.

Image Credit: Transform Rural India

She recently participated in a significant session titled 'The Citizen View: Experiencing Governance with the Citizen’s Roundtable' during the India Rural Colloquy in Delhi organised by Transform Rural India (TRI), where SheThePeople spoke to her about the change she works for every day.

When asked about the impact of highlighting rural women's experiences on breaking gender stereotypes, Lyndee Prickitt, Director of Village Square and Communications Director of TRI, responded, "There's an outdated notion that all rural women are quiet and repressed, lacking a voice. While they may not always have equal agency or respect as men in their villages, it's a misconception that they are always submissive. This was evident here as confident and assertive rural women showcased their voices, challenging stereotypes even in the capital."

Regarding the role of storytelling in empowering rural women, Prickitt emphasised, "Storytelling is a powerful yet often underestimated tool for development. Stories foster connection, empathy, and memorability, surpassing mere statistics. Sharing the narratives of rural women is crucial for driving change."

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