Semalpani, a small village known for its hardworking women, had long witnessed their absence from public decision‑making. For years, Gram Sabha meetings were seen as male‑dominated spaces, leaving women confined to domestic roles. That changed on 2 October 2025, when RJMS community worker Kiran Udke, freshly trained in civic rights and governance, attended a neighbouring village’s Gram Sabha and noticed only men were present. The moment sparked her determination to transform her own village.
On returning, Kiran gathered Semalpani’s women for a meeting. Initial hesitation was strong, with many questioning their role in such forums. Through simple, heartfelt conversations, Kiran and other trained leaders encouraged them: “If we do not speak about our problems, how will the system know? We too are citizens of this village.” Gradually, the women united and demanded a Gram Sabha in their own community. They negotiated to shift the meeting time from morning to afternoon to accommodate household responsibilities, a sign of their growing confidence.
On 5 October, history was made. Around 50 to 60 women assembled at the Anganwadi centre, marking their first collective participation in the Gram Sabha. Though shy at first, they soon raised pressing issues such as poor drainage and muddy roads. Their voices had immediate impact—the construction of a drainage system began soon after.
Today, Semalpani’s women proudly say, “We went to the Gram Sabha, we raised our voices, and our problems were solved.” While a single drain may seem a small achievement, it symbolises a profound shift. The experience has instilled confidence, dignity and a sense of citizenship among women, laying the foundation for a larger social transformation.