Farmers Movement Archive

Illiteracy no bar, rural women excel in multitasking at home

Thanks to the ongoing Delhi protest against the Central farm laws, a majority of villages have new “multitasking managers” now. Though many of them are illiterate, tough circumstances have taught everything to rural women. Despite sending their male members to Delhi, rural women are keeping the protests going at 13 places in the district in biting cold.For many, it’s a first-time experience as apart from participating in protests and performing all household chores, they are also taking care of the fields, elders and boosting the morale of their husbands and sons to remain in Delhi till the rollback of laws.“Though my husband and mother-in-law were regularly attending the protests, it is the first time that both have gone to Delhi together. My son, daughter and I are at home. Since I could not compel my children to work in the fields as it would have affected their studies, I am taking care of everything fields, buffaloes and household chores,” said Balwinder Kaur while protesting in front of the house BJP leader Satwant Singh Punia at Gurdaspura village.Their day starts with the break of dawn and hard work goes on till late night. Many have visited Delhi while others could not go due to family compulsions.“I wanted to participate in the Delhi protest as it is a historic movement, but since my husband is already there, I could not go. We are requesting our leaders to call all women there at least for a day while the men should stay here,” said Parmjit Kaur, another resident.There are many who are happy to have got a chance of a lifetime. “Since my son and husband have been busy in the protest, I have visited the Sangrur main market twice for shopping, which was beyond imagination earlier,” said Malkiat Kaur, another elderly woman.Sangrur BKU block president Gobindar Singh said the role of women in the present agitation was no less than men. “The support of women has given immense strength to our protest,” he said.

The Tribune

2021-01-02

Sangrur