Sudha, a resident of Malanpur, was coerced into marriage while still in high school. Today, she lives with her husband, in-laws, and two children, and works as a community worker with Zenith’s Samudayik Adhikar Kendra.

Growing up, Sudha recalls subtle but persistent caste discrimination. At school, she had to sit on her own mat, bring separate utensils for the mid-day meal, and wait to use the water tap until others were done. Teachers rarely acknowledged her efforts, and classmates treated her differently, sprinkling water to purify items, including books, shared with her. Despite this, she completed her education and resolved to become independent.

Sudha ji (top right) at a Community outreach event

After marriage, her marital family, none of whom had received any formal education, pressured her into caste-based work like manual scavenging and sweeping. Determined to work with dignity, she took up sewing, encouraged by women in the village. She began earning a modest income stitching clothing for women in her community.

Wanting to do more, in 2021 Sudha joined Zenith. Even now, some people avoid her during field visits due to her caste. But many trust her guidance. Her calm, persistent approach, sharing information respectfully and accepting people’s boundaries, has gradually shifted attitudes. Slowly people changed their attitudes when they noticed her leadership, expertise and knowledge about various government schemes and entitlements, leading to more mindful and considerate interactions.

Sudha often encounters reluctance from community members to engage with government schemes due to either lack of awareness or frustration with bureaucracy. Still, she supports them, bridging the gap between policy and access, gaining trust where she succeeds.

Sudha ji, (left) helping women during a field visit

Determined to broaden avenues for her community, Sudha helped her aunt-in-law leave caste-based labour for animal husbandry. She is relieved to see that her children do not face the discrimination she once did. Sudha believes the future lies in education and unity, where caste does not define anyone’s role, and every person is treated with respect.