Dhirja Bai Kamar: From Silence to Community Leadership

Dhirja Bai Kamar belongs to a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community and is a resident of Village Maliyar, Gram Panchayat Pendra, Chhura Block, Gariyaband District. In the early days, she rarely spoke during meetings and preferred to listen and learn. Gradually, she gained confidence and raised the issue of delayed MGNREGA wage payments in her village, leading to immediate payment of pending wages.An exposure visit to Gujarat transformed her perspective. She later led an anti-liquor campaign after realizing alcohol was driving domestic violence and disrupting children's education. Through Gram Sabha resolutions and women's collective action, liquor production has remained prohibited for many years.Today she serves as a Panch representative. Through her efforts, more than 50 women have accessed government schemes. She is an inspiration for women belonging to PVTG communities.