Women cast their vote for financial independence

Women from villages yearn for financial independence and want new panchayats to open up training centres in various fields to make them financially independent. They believe family and village as a whole cannot grow and move ahead if financial independence of women is ignored.

Surinder Kaur, who was unanimously elected panch of the gram panchayat of Lalton Kalan village, said being a woman she understands what women wish for. “Financial independence is important if we want women to march ahead. A sense of self-confidence comes only after one is financially independent and she will work towards opening more avenues for the same,” she said.

She said they had a sewing training centre and a computer training centre as well. “We will add more batches in computer training institute and try to add only women batches also. Besides, I will also propose opening of parks in villages as we do not have a single park in our village. Men sit in sath, so women also need parks where they can unwind their day. Cultural programmes on festivals such as Teej and Dashera will also be planned,” she said.

Manjit Kaur and Amarjit Kaur, after casting their votes, said villages have progressed a lot over the years but still many things need to be done for their uplift. “Young generation is moving abroad and those left behind are the elderly. Since women, especially the elderly, cannot move out of their village due to many reasons, some kind of self-help groups should be formed in the village which could help them in getting engaged according to their talent and also earn some money,” they said.

Kulwant Kaur from Baddowal village said it was during the farmers’ protest at Delhi that she came to know about her capabilities in managing the field work, which she had not done earlier.

“With my husband away, I used to do the entire household work and also manage the fields. My confidence grew and I started growing vegetables in a small patch of land and now, earning my income by selling vegetables. Some refresher courses should be organised so that women can work from home, according to their interest and capabilities. The new panchayat should definitely work towards the same,” she said.