In a world where commitment and hard work are often admired, there are individuals who embody these qualities to an extraordinary extent. One such inspiring figure is Ms. Priya Ramasamy, a 27-year-old Health Facilitator working on the Indostar Home Finance project of our women empowerment programme, Swabhiman.
Priya’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and relentless pursuit of positive change have made her a beacon of hope for the community in Sriperumbudur, Chennai. This blog explores Priya’s remarkable journey, her ability to overcome challenges and her commitment to serving others in her own words. She talks about her earlier project of DOW ERG which shaped a lot of her learnings and actionable measures.
A Heartwarming Journey of Compassion
Priya’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for her soft-spoken nature and caring demeanor, she has touched the lives of countless individuals in the community. Her exceptional networking skills and genuine compassion have made her a well-known and respected figure in Sriperumbudur. People from all walks of life recognize her as a symbol of hope, trust, and support.
“For the past eleven months, I was fortunate to be part of an incredible initiative led by Swabhiman & Dow ERG, making a significant difference in rural areas across six villages in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram district. Swabhiman’s main focus is on promoting reproductive health among women and adolescent girls through awareness programs, door-to-door counseling, and the provision of antenatal and postnatal care. Through workshops and education on health and nutrition, we strived to enhance the well-being of women and girls in these communities.
Our aim is simple yet profound, to empower women and adolescent girls through reproductive health education sessions. By equipping them with knowledge and awareness, we hoped to enable them to make informed decisions about their health and lead fulfilling lives.
Through our dedicated field visits, we reached and positively impacted the lives of over 5000 women and adolescent girls. Witnessing their transformation and newfound empowerment has been immensely rewarding.” shares a hopeful Priya.
My Journey with Swabhiman
“As someone with a master’s degree in Social Work and currently pursuing a part-time doctorate, my journey with Swabhiman has been one of personal growth and resilience. Raised by a single parent, I faced financial challenges after my father’s untimely passing when I was just seven years old.
However, an opportunity to work with Smile Foundation paved the way for a new chapter in my life. Building strong connections with rural women and adolescent girls, I gradually became an independent individual, embracing new experiences and adapting to a different city. Despite the inevitable struggles and hard work, I find immense joy in the work I do and the lives I touch.” says an almost tearful Priya who looks back at her journey with immense pride and gratitude.
A Tale of Success
“During one of our field visits, I encountered Ms. Rahini, a remarkable 25-year-old woman who held the position of Vice President in her village. Rahini had been battling irregular periods and significant weight loss for over a year, desperately seeking solutions to her health issues. Through consistent counseling and guidance from our team, we discovered that she was anemic. Regular follow-ups, along with advice on diet and fluid intake, resulted in a significant transformation. Rahini regained weight, her anemic levels improved, and she has been experiencing regular periods for the past two months.
Inspired by her own journey, she has now taken it upon herself to raise awareness among other women in the community. Becoming an active member and a role model, she shares the intervention techniques provided by Smile and actively refers others experiencing similar symptoms. Moreover, she plays a pivotal role in mobilizing support for the programs conducted by Swabhiman.”
Priya’s Closing Thoughts
Meditating on her own inward transformative journey, Priya warms up, “My journey with Swabhiman has been nothing short of life-changing. Witnessing the positive impact on the lives of women and adolescent girls in rural communities has reinforced my belief in the power of education, awareness, and compassion. Through Swabhiman’s initiatives, we aim to break barriers, empower individuals, and foster a brighter future for these communities.
As I continue this meaningful journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a catalyst for change, helping women like Rahini overcome health challenges and become champions of their own well-being. Together, we strive to create a society where every woman and adolescent girl is equipped with the knowledge and resources to lead healthy, empowered lives.”
A Proactive Force of Empowerment
Priya’s proactive approach to her work sets her apart. Always eager to learn and discover new things, she leaves no stone unturned when it comes to mobilizing resources, conducting informative sessions, managing budgets, and meeting project requirements. Her dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed, as she was applauded by the donors of the DOW ERG project for her outstanding contributions. With the project’s successful closure, she has now embarked on a new endeavor, working with Indostar Home Finance Pvt. Ltd., driven by her deep-rooted commitment to the community she serves.
Breaking Barriers, Creating Change: Swabhiman for Our Women and Girls
Working in a community plagued by caste discrimination was no easy task for Priya. However, her determination to bring about a positive shift in attitudes and eliminate such prejudices has been truly inspiring. Through her relentless efforts, she has fostered an environment of inclusivity, where every individual feels respected and valued. Priya’s unwavering belief in the power of change has transformed lives and created a ripple effect of empowerment within the community.
As we continue to witness her remarkable journey, we are certain that Smile Foundation‘s future shines brightly with exceptional individuals like Priya, who embody the values of hard work, creativity, sincerity, sensitivity, and unending compassion.
