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The Transformative Journey of Ramsar Palawala Women
She Dares: Empowering Women through Leadership
Reading time: 5 min
In the quiet village of Ramsar Palawala, the winds of change are blowing, fueled by the remarkable initiatives of local women under the She Dares program.
This program has not only empowered these women but also created ripples of transformation that are now spreading from the training center into the broader community.
The most recent example of their empowerment is a remarkable pilgrimage to Mathura-Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna—a journey that these women planned, organized, and executed without the involvement of men, challenging deeply ingrained societal norms.
The Spark of an Idea: A Self-Sufficient Journey
After successfully completing a large order for 25,000 rakhis for Indigifts—a company that has an exclusive MoU with PANS for making seed rakhis—the women of Ramsar Palawala were riding a wave of success.
Their hard work had paid off, and they earned a significant sum from their venture.
But rather than resting on their laurels, the women had an even more ambitious idea: to organize a pilgrimage to Mathura-Vrindavan.
Overcoming the Challanges: A Test of Leadership
Traditionally, such pilgrimages are planned by men, with women merely accompanying them.
This time, however, the women were determined to change the narrative. They wanted to take charge, plan the trip, and prove to themselves—and their community—that they were capable of leadership and independence.
The idea of women organizing and executing a pilgrimage on their own was met with skepticism. It was unprecedented for an all-women group to embark on such a journey without male supervision.
Family members were hesitant to allow the women to travel alone, and concerns about safety and logistics loomed large.
However I gave the women an important message: "You are empowered enough to go alone and don't need the support of men to plan things."
My words served as a catalyst, encouraging the women to move forward with their plans.
The Day of Travel: A Milestone in Empowerment
The committee quickly got to work, showing remarkable leadership and resourcefulness. Their first decision was to offer a 50% discount on expenses for members of the She Dares community, while non-members would need to cover full costs. They negotiated with a bus vendor to secure a reasonable price and finalized the date for the trip: August 30th.
But their planning didn’t stop there. Knowing that the pilgrimage site is often crowded, the women divided the larger group into smaller ones, each with its own leader to ensure no one got lost. They also arranged for local transportation, meals, and other essentials, ensuring that every detail was taken care of.
Despite initial resistance, the committee’s careful planning and persuasive efforts won over the hesitant family members.
The women were ready to embark on their journey.
When the day finally arrived, the women of Ramsar Palawala boarded the bus with a sense of excitement and anticipation. For many, it was more than just a pilgrimage—it was a symbol of their newfound independence and leadership.
The journey went off without a hitch, with every detail unfolding exactly as planned.
The pilgrimage was not just a spiritual experience but a practical lesson in leadership and self-sufficiency. The committee members had successfully organized the entire trip, and the satisfaction of seeing their plans come to life was palpable.
A Message to the Community: Women Can Lead
The success of this pilgrimage sent a powerful message to the village of Ramsar Palawala: women are capable of making big decisions and leading important initiatives.
The She Dares program had succeeded in its mission to empower women to take bold steps and embrace leadership roles.
The trip to Mathura-Vrindavan was not just a journey—it was a statement of self-reliance and a demonstration of the women's capacity to break free from traditional gender roles.
At its core, the She Dares program is about much more than individual success stories. It is a movement aimed at empowering women to take control of their lives, their futures, and their communities.
The program encourages women to challenge the status quo, break free from limiting societal norms, and take on leadership roles that were once considered out of reach.
Mission Accomplished: A New Era for the Women of Ramsar Palawala
The pilgrimage to Mathura-Vrindavan was a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning for the women of Ramsar Palawala. By organizing and executing the trip themselves, these women have proven that they are capable of handling complex tasks, making important decisions, and leading with confidence.
The success of this initiative was a true testament to the empowerment and resilience of the women involved. What started as a simple desire to visit a sacred place turned into a journey of leadership, community-building, and personal growth. The women of Ramsar Palawala, through the She Dares program, have set a new precedent, not only for themselves but for women across the region.
This pilgrimage has shown the community that when women are given the opportunity to lead, they can rise to the challenge and make significant contributions to society.
The She Dares program continues to inspire and uplift, showing that empowerment is not just about financial success but about the ability to dare, to lead, and to create lasting change.