Sevti Bai: From Survival to Shared Dignity

Story of Change: Empowerment journey of his lifer Sevti Bai, an Indigenous woman from Kothigaon village in Chhura Block of Gariaband District, Chhattisgarh, once lived a life marked by fear, insecurity, and domestic violence. Her husband, Tiharu, struggled with alcohol addiction and frequently subjected her to physical abuse. As a mother of a young child, Sevti Bai faced immense emotional and social challenges. At that time, she had little awareness of her rights and the support services available to women experiencing violence. A turning point in her life came when Lok Aastha Sewa Sansthan (LASS) organized a community awareness camp as part of a campaign against violence against women in her village. The camp was attended by government officials, including the District Women Protection Officer, and provided information on women's rights, protection mechanisms, and support services. Participating in this event gave Sevti Bai the confidence to believe that violence was not something she had to silently endure. Soon after, she became a member of the Sangwari Mahila Manch (SMM), a community-based women’s collective supported by LASS. Through regular participation in training programs, workshops, leadership development initiatives, and awareness sessions, she gradually built her knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. As her self-confidence grew, Sevti Bai began to challenge the violence she was experiencing at home. She informed her husband that she was aware of her rights and could seek support through the Women’s Helpline (181) and other protection mechanisms if necessary. Over time, the incidents of violence decreased and eventually stopped altogether. Through continuous engagement with Sangwari Mahila Manch and community awareness processes, Sevti Bai also encouraged her husband to address his alcohol dependency. Gradually, he stopped drinking. Today, their relationship is based on mutual respect and shared responsibilities. When Sevti Bai attends meetings, training sessions, or community events, her husband supports household responsibilities and often prepares meals for the family. Their household has become an example of positive gender transformation and shared decision-making within the community. Alongside changes within her family, Sevti Bai’s leadership journey continued to grow. Through ongoing capacity-building opportunities, she emerged as a respected community leader and is now an active member of the leadership team of Sangwari Mahila Manch. She regularly supports and mentors other women facing social, economic, and gender-related challenges. With increased awareness of her rights, Sevti Bai began advocating for her land rights. She actively engaged with local governance institutions and government authorities at the Panchayat, Block, and District levels. The woman who once hesitated to speak in public offices now confidently negotiates with officials and advocates for her entitlements. Her persistence resulted in securing a legal land ownership title in her name. After obtaining her land title, she accessed support through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for land development activities. Through government-supported investments worth approximately INR 800,000, she was able to improve her agricultural land, resulting in enhanced productivity and strengthened household livelihoods. Today, Sevti Bai is not only transforming her own life but also contributing to the empowerment of other women in her village and neighboring communities. She accompanies women to government offices, supports them in addressing grievances, and raises awareness about women’s rights, land rights, and access to public services. Her leadership and advocacy efforts have gained recognition beyond her community. She has represented Indigenous women at regional and national forums, where she shared her experiences and spoke about the importance of women’s land rights, leadership, and empowerment.