Every person has a one-of-a-kind story, full of personal victories, challenges, and moments of strength. By connecting directly with those we aim to help, we not only gain a deeper understanding of their journeys but also build trust and empathy, which are vital for our future initiatives. Our goal is to create a secure and encouraging space where beneficiaries can openly share their experiences, knowing that their voices are respected and their stories are incredibly meaningful. It is through these genuine narratives that we shape our work, ensuring that we provide the support and opportunities that truly make a difference in their lives.
Recognising the importance of capturing authentic voices and narratives, the purpose of our unique interview module named, Soul and Substance is to share open-hearted conversations.
This innovative interview module goes beyond the traditional approach of data collection and offers a more holistic understanding of the different perspectives. By adopting a human-first approach, this module aims to delve deeper into the lived experiences, providing invaluable insights into the effectiveness and relevance of social development initiatives.
The interview module has been carefully designed to foster an environment of trust, respect, and empathy, ensuring that beneficiaries feel comfortable sharing their stories and perspectives. It aims to create a safe space where individuals can express their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations freely, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Smile Foundation’s social development programmes on their lives.
Here is the story of Rajni Singh, centre coordinator of Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme, located at Shri Ram J.J.Colony, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi in her own words.
Rajni, it’s amazing to hear about your dedication to teaching and empowering women from the very beginning. Could you share a bit about your background and the challenges you faced along the way?
Certainly! Coming from an orthodox family, my father wanted me to get married right after my 10th standard. However, I had a different vision for my life. I lived in Sarita Vihar, and although my father wasn’t supportive at all, I continued studying. My parents had a very traditional mindset, often considering me ‘parai’ or an outsider.
Despite their mentality, I developed a deep interest in stitching and found great joy in learning it. I started my teaching career in Julena, Jamia Nagar, where I taught basic reading, writing, and stitching to women right after completing my 10th grade. I used to teach in the locality for a salary of just 100 rupees. That was it, my journey started there.
It’s inspiring to see how you pursued your passion despite the obstacles you faced. How did you become involved with Swabhiman, and what has your journey been like since then?
In 2007, I was called to join Swabhiman by Ira ma’am, who was impressed by my nature and communication skills with other women. Since then, I have been working tirelessly, connecting with around 200 women from the community who come to me for any issues they face in life. At the centre, we have around 20-25 women every day who come for stitching and other activities. I truly love the sense of community and the opportunity to empower these women.
That’s remarkable! It’s clear that your dedication and ability to connect with others have made a significant impact. Can you tell us about your personal journey of empowerment and the challenges you overcame?
Of course! After getting married at the age of 25 in 1999, I continued stitching and working, which made me more independent, since I did not expect I would be able to work the same way. I took various stitching classes and even taught kids basic English and other subjects.
However, due to family circumstances, I had to take a break for four years and face the challenging living conditions at my in-laws’ house, where around 10 people lived in just two rooms. It was much more difficult because whatever I earned, I had to hand it over to my mother-in-law, and I was given only 20 rupees out of the 100 that I earned.
Joining Swabhiman in 2007 was a turning point for me. I have always been an introvert and quiet woman who struggled to express her opinions and talk about things that interested her. However, through Swabhiman, I gained confidence and learned to take a stand for myself. I even managed to convince my husband to shift to Rohini for our child’s education.
It was a challenging time when my child went through depression and faced bullying in school, that was the most difficult phase of my life but hearing the stories of other women at the centre reminded me that despite difficulties, I am blessed and living a better life than many others.
Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring. How has Swabhiman impacted the lives of the women in your community, and what changes have you witnessed over the years?
When I first started with Swabhiman, girls would often drop out of school after the 8th grade and be enrolled in stitching classes before being married off at an early age. However, things have changed now. Girls prefer readymade clothes, and there is more emphasis on education and empowerment. Only those who have dropped out of school are learning stitching.
The mentality of mothers who used to work as maids in other households has also transformed. They now want their daughters to study and become independent which is the biggest change that I have seen in my so many years of working in a community.
It’s wonderful to hear about the positive changes in your community’s mindset. Finally, could you share with us your dreams and aspirations for the future?
My biggest dream is to send my child abroad for education because that is what he desires. I have faced numerous difficulties in life, and now all I want is his happiness. Looking ahead, I hope to continue spreading the message of empowerment in the community. It was challenging at first, as people didn’t care, but over the years, those same women who used to slam the door in my face now greet me with respect. I have taught women about family planning, menstruation, and organised training sessions that include counselling for men, emphasising their roles in caring for their sisters, mothers, and wives and all of this was taught to me during the training and counselling sessions of Swabhiman. Happiness and never giving up are the two guiding principles in my life.
Looking back on your journey, can you pinpoint one decision that played a pivotal role in shaping the woman you are today?
The decision that truly transformed my life was the choice to leave my house and take a stand for myself, even without any support. Despite my father’s disapproval and his constant belittling of my work, I found the courage to defy him. As a child, I was scared, but as I grew older, I realised that I had the strength to stand up against his oppressive mindset. I would hide from him and go to work, refusing to be confined by societal expectations. This decision empowered me to overcome my fears and set the foundation for the woman I have become today.
As we wrap up our interview, could you share a message or piece of advice for women who may be facing similar challenges or seeking empowerment?
To all the women out there facing challenges and seeking empowerment, I would like to say this: Believe in yourself and your abilities. No matter how difficult the circumstances may seem, remember that you have the power to shape your own destiny. Surround yourself with supportive individuals and organisations that can help you along your journey. Most importantly, never give up on your dreams. Each small step you take towards empowerment creates a ripple effect of change not just within yourself but also within your community.
