5 uplifting tales of women from the countryside
Besides playing a big role in helping Isha volunteers, many women are going through great lengths to fortify the people of their own communities. Armed with kindness, strength and resilience, they are the backbone of the community’s efforts to #BeatTheVirus.
Always at the heart of their communities, rural women do not just run the house and home school their children; they also play a pivotal role in most agricultural and farming activities. But when the Coronavirus pandemic crept into the hinterlands, they emerged stronger than ever. As the experiences of women in these areas many times go unheard, here are five uplifting stories of women showing the true spirit of unity in these difficult times.
1. Woman power
Bavanya, who has been balancing her studies while volunteering for our field team. Her passion to serve her community is second to none. She has been integral in spreading awareness about the campaign to #BeatTheVirus. But, her efforts don’t just stop there; she now has plans to put her tailoring skills to work. “I want to stitch protective masks and hand it out to the people of our village. If I get sanitizers, I will distribute that too,” she says.
2. Overcoming all odds
In Parameswaran Palayam, an elderly woman, Nanjamma, is the mother of six children. Before the lockdown, she ran an idly shop to provide for her family. Her vocation has stood her in good stead even during the crisis. She has fought back and continues to be the sole breadwinner of her family. Despite her advanced age, Nanjamma epitomizes a woman who has battled odds to care for her family. Her story finds an echo in another village of Coimbatore where Kamala, the mother of three children, has been taking care of her family. Since her husband is handicapped and is unable to work, she carries the burden of responsibilities at her household. Braving these adverse conditions, she is taking care of her husband and children almost single-handedly. Kamala said: “We were facing a lot of hardships when the lockdown was announced. But, now with Isha’s help, we are feeling much more secure.”
3. Gestures of appreciation
Our volunteers felt the soothing touch of compassion when they were in Vedapatti panchayat. Theivambal, a local resident, showed her care and gratitude for our Isha volunteers by offering them refreshing cool drinks. She said, “You all have been working under the sweltering heat, please take a break and drink some juice.” The act was replayed by another woman, a resident of Mathuvarayapuram panchayat, who gifted a wood apple to a volunteer to help him beat fatigue.
4. Selfless in a crisis
Jothi and Kokila, two women from Theethipalayam, have been a pillar of support for our Isha volunteers. The duo is always there when the volunteers need a hand in sticking posters, handing out pamphlets or distributing food. According to the volunteers, the women gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to look out for their people.
5. Heartwarming donations
Understanding the troubles of those affected by the pandemic, Nalayini, a woman from the Theethipalayam panchayat, donated 30 kg of rice to be used for the vulnerable. In Devarayapuram, dozens of women showed their community spirit by coming up to our volunteers and offering their help in carrying out their daily activities. Similar acts of generosity resonate in nearby villages too. A trend that our volunteers notice is that most of the locals are always willing to assist our team in more ways than one.
In all these incidents the women have demonstrated emphatically what it means to be strong and compassionate in a time of crisis. With the global threat looming large, rural women are playing a key part in the wellness of their communities.
(The images used in this blog are for representational purposes only)