SALT enabled her to study even after marriage

[Jayashri Kamble]

SALT process is being implemented in Nandwal village, Maharashtra, India under the project Gender Equality through Avani organization. This work has reached many people in the village.

Six months ago when village panchayat elections were held in Nandwal village, a woman named Trishala (name changed) stood in our ward as a woman candidate. She used to visit my house (Jayshree’s house) for the purpose of campaigning. So we got to know each other more and our contact increased. Trishla was elected as a member in the election, and she was very excited about it. After that, she met me two or three times and I shared with her what I do.

Trishala also wanted to do something but could not do it due to family restrictions. At that time I (Jayshree) realized that there was a need to take SALT with her. Because Trishala had a lot going on in her mind and she wanted to express it somewhere, and she needed someone's support in what she wanted, I had a SALT conversation with her.

SALT creates a space for people to open up and share what is disturbing them. They are happy to share their story. Trishala also shared with me what she had done in her school life. After talking with me, Trishala was very motivated that she had the power to fulfill her dream. She told me, “I am now going to boldly tell my family that I want to pursue further education”.

Trishala then told her husband that she wanted to pursue further education but her husband refused. He said, “It is not possible because you are now a Gram Panchayat member, so how will you learn? What will the family say, what will people say in the community, is an age to study?" He was very angry with Trishala. But Trishala, however, was firm on her point, constantly explaining to her husband. She did not give up and told me that SALT gave her the strength to do this. She had this desire in her heart since the completion of six years of marriage, but she never expressed it to anyone. After SALT, she started convincing her husband about her college admission and finally, her husband paid the fee for her admission for further education.

She was very happy about this, and she called me first (to Jayshree) and informed me about her admission in BA first year from open college She came and met me and said thank you very much, “Tai I was able to do it because of you. She is very happy that her wish will come true. She said that I am very happy that it has been six years since my marriage, but I have not been able to share my dream with anyone. After a conversation with you, I realized my strength and convinced my husband.

Lessons: NGOs sometimes miss girls who got married and never completed their studies, but have unfulfilled aspirations. When it becomes community-led, community members are quick to take up what is important to them.