Nirmala Meda Leads Battle Against Gender-Based Violence In MP

Nirmala Meda, hailing from the heartlands of Jhabua, MP, emerges as a fearless fighter in the battle against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Her fervour ignites change as she boldly takes on advocacy for breaking down barriers amidst gender discrimination. With unwavering resolve, she is currently extending help and experience to those trapped in the clutches of GBV, by creating a dynamic network of Self-Help Group (SHG) members.

It was empowering talking to Meda. A woman in her mid-thirties, with a wide smile, Meda exuded a sense of victory and confidence; and why wouldn't she, she has had a difficult journey right from the time she was married up until now.

Meda, a single mother of four children, is known for standing up for other women facing violence in her village. However, only a few know that her very first fight was for her own empowerment. Nirmala Meda shares with SheThePeople how her early matrimony halted her education, why she left her traumatising marriage, how empowers her four children as a single mom, and why working for survivors of Gender Based Violence is her primary purpose. 

Survivor Of Gender-Based Violence

Meda recalled how her husband, who still remains legally married to her, abandoned her after they became parents to three children. "He married another woman and started living with her exclusively. Despite continuing to wear the traditional symbols of marriage like the sindoor (vermilion mark) and mangal sutra (sacred necklace), my main focus is on providing a secure future for my children and a sense of stability that he didn't provide."

Meda does not only raise her own kids, but she also takes care of two separate families, her in-laws and her own parents.

Championing Gender Equality And Empowerment In Jhabua

Meda remains tirelessly engaged in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through collaborative efforts with Local Police, and the One Stop Centre. Her endeavours extend to raising awareness about gender discrimination to provide assistance to several Self-Help Group (SHG) members who have experienced GBV.

Selected as a community leader in 2021, she actively supports local women who are victims of such horrific violence. Meda regularly liaises with the Local Police to seek assistance regarding gender-related concerns. Her involvement in the Gender Forum at both the panchayat and Block Levels highlights her commitment to addressing these issues, and her participation in the Block Level underscores her determination to advocate for gender-related concerns and community entitlements.

Up to the present moment, I have successfully resolved 26 out of 30 cases of gender-based violence within her local community. My ongoing objective is to assist all SHG members in Petlawad in combating gender discrimination and accessing government entitlement schemes. I am dedicated to aiding SHG members in securing land rights.

In a heartfelt reflection, she highlighted how challenges can push women towards unexpected choices. Her message echoes the experiences of many women who wholeheartedly care for their families, regardless of their marital status. "Women must prioritise their own well-being, and know that recognising their own value should be the primary focus and source of strength."

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. The event brought together a diverse group, including 10 sarpanches, ASHAs, ANMs, and village leaders from various states in India, to engage with Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The India Rural Colloquy 2023, organised by grassroots NGO Transform Rural India (TRI), prioritises the voices and perspectives of individuals at all levels, fostering dialogue between government, business, and local communities.

SheThePeople joined hands with TRI to bring these stories to the forefront. 

Suggested Reading: KisiSeKumNahi: Grassroots Stories Of Second Chances And Breaking Boundaries