 "Inspite of realizing that people will leave us and join us too, I have been worried about maintaining the unity of our collective under any circumstances. Now, after meeting various groups and learning from them, I realize that this is part of the process. The issues we raise and the struggles we undertake are important other things will fall into place as we proceed on our journey." Richa started her work on women's empowerment and related issues with an organization in Uttar Pradesh, rising through its ranks to become the district-level coordinator in Sitapur. She facilitated a journalling project with 7 field-level staff members and Richa Nagar, a Women's Studies professor at the University of Minnesota. Working on this project, which culminated in the publication of a book 'Sangtin yatra' ('Playing with Fire' in English), the women developed a voice and perspective on the local and global issues affecting their lives. A few years ago, they had formed an organization, Sangtin, and begun operating schools in the area. Now they decided to do more. Income generating activities such as a milk collection center and chikan work were taken up. Richa quit her job in order to focus more on Sangtin's activities. Through sustained discussions with villagers, the availability of water was taken up. Two of the women in the group have contested local elections. In August 2005, 5 members of the collective went on an exposure trip to Gujarat and Maharashtra to visit 3 NGOs/Peoples' movements and learn from their work. | |||
| |||