Her Silent Arms: An Anthem of Empowerment

In the tranquil landscape of Tobchenthang village, nestled amidst the rolling valleys of Tading Block, Samtse District, Jasmati Tamang lived a life intertwined with familial obligations and the ceaseless rhythm of responsibility. At 33, she was a devoted mother, a resilient pillar supporting her family’s well-being, yet her own educational aspirations had been paused early in life due to marriage at a tender age.

An opportunity emerged when the first phase of a project on women’s issues and human rights was announced. In January 2023, Jasmati attended sessions discussing legal matters, domestic violence, and human rights an eye-opening experience that resonated deeply within her.

The module on P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement) unfurled new vistas for Jasmati. It encouraged her to vocalize her concerns, identify solutions, and seek avenues for addressing issues she had been unaware of earlier.

This training session became a catalyst for change when Jasmati, at home, encountered an infringement of her rights by her husband. With newfound courage, she took a stand, advocating for women’s rights within her community. Her conversation with a divorced aunt, abandoned with two financially-strapped children, laid bare the harsh realities of the aftermath of vulnerability and abandonment brought on by domestic violence.

Representing the collective voice of vulnerable women, Jasmati took it upon herself to extend support, despite minimal backing from Block authorities. The pivotal moment arrived when she participated in a Social Auditing and Accountability training in September 2023, held in Tading Block.

This training introduced her to the concept of a Community Scorecard a platform where community issues could be voiced directly to Block authorities. Jasmati, seizing the opportunity, invited her aunt to address the gathered crowd, shedding light on the plight of victims. This prompted action.

As a result, the Block committee pledged to establish a robust legal committee aimed at supporting vulnerable women, ensuring their welfare and pursuit of legal justice. Jasmati’s journey became a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of advocacy and communal action for justice and equality.