CHANDIGARH: Every Sunday this group of 166 strong-willed women venture out in their respective villages and teach their peers about their rights. In some cases, like where a girl is not allowed to pursue studies or is not allowed to work, the family is counselled. Brainchild of ex-sarpanch of Bibipur village, Sunil Jaglan, Team Laado is trying to bring about a change in how the rest of the country sees Haryana. The state has long faced flak for a skewed sex ratio, child marriage, not to mention ill-treatment of women under a patriarchal society largely ruled by Khap Panchayats.
The group began functioning two weeks back. As many as five teams have been formed, each comprising 30-odd members from school students to college girls, married women, and even elderly women.
A12-minute documentary has also been prepared and will now be showcased in the villages every Sunday. A WhatsApp group has been formed by the name of ‘Smart Gram’. The activities of all the teams are posted in the group and discussions are held and instructions given accordingly.
Jaglan said, “At present these teams function in five villages (Naya Goan, Ghoshgarh, Ghari Bajidpur, Dhamdooj and Damdma). All these villages had been adopted by former President Pranab Mukherjee under the Smart Gram Yojna. We will spread this scheme to all the 100 villages adopted by the President in Haryana.”
Most of the girls in the team study, so Sunday is the only day they are relatively free. “We are planning to hold functions and felicitate the girls,” he added. The women folk are also given the telephone number of the women police station of their respective areas. Beside, the numbers of the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police are also circulated.
At the same time, the 66 members of the group who own cell phones have also distributed their numbers so that they can be contacted as and when needed. A woman, on condition of anonymity, said, “I was being beaten up by my alcoholic husband. I called up the police and the matter was resolved. Besides, the team also came to my rescue.”