Julekha Bibi’s Journey as a Leader for Change

Salbi Kumari . September 5, 2017

Working with SHG women on various issues faced by the community transforms the shy and soft-spoken Julekha Bibi into a vocal and active spokesperson, displaying hither to untapped capabilities for tackling the day-to-day problems villagers face.

I FIRST MET JULEKHA BIBI WHEN I WAS promoting the SHG ‘786 Jeevika’ in Thari Noniyatari village in Chakai block, Bihar. She was very shy and appeared to be a typical rural woman, wearing a light red flower-printed saree, her head covered with one end of it, the aanchal. She had a good physique, medium height, a fair complexion and her wide eyes that were lined with kajal. When I asked her what her name was, she gave a shy smile and a dimple appeared on her cheek. She replied in a soft voice, “Mera naam Julekha Bibi hai (My name is Julekha Bibi).”

That day, about 15 SHG members discussed the concept of collectivization. Four of them, however, were silent; Julekha Bibi was one of them. At the end of the meeting, I asked the silent members why they had not participated in the discussion. Julekha replied with a light voice and a little smile, “Didi ji, jo aap mahila ko sangathan me shaamil hone ka baat kar rahe ho hum use samjhane ka kosish kar rahe hain (Sister, I am trying to understand what you are saying about recruiting women for the collective).” Somehow, I had formed a different opinion of Julekha because of my experience with her when I met her first. I was apprehensive that she would not be able to express herself in the Federation, or carry out her responsibilities as a Federation member.

Somehow, I had formed a different opinion of Julekha because of my experience with her when I met her first. I was apprehensive that she would not be able to express herself in the Federation, or carry out her responsibilities as a Federation member

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