The incredible support and contributions of women in our society are truly commendable. Women play a crucial role not only in managing household work but also in upholding and maintaining the structure of our society. Today, we have the privilege of sharing the inspiring story of Devika Singh, a dedicated social worker from Bihar, who is breaking stereotypes and creating a positive impact in the lives of people around her.
“I am Devika Singh, and today as the Chairperson of IndustriALL Indian Women Committee,Intuc Vice Chair I’m honored to share my journey of empowerment with all of you. So, let me take you back to the beginning and share how my life unfolded, filled with challenges and triumphs.
I was born into an affluent rich business family and in my early years of my life, I grew up in a traditional and orthodox Bihari family where daughters were educated but could not dream to do jobs or have individual careers. Like many others, I was married at an early marriage age and embraced the role of a dedicated housewife. I took joy in raising my two daughters and son, finding fulfillment in nurturing my family. Little did I know that this seemingly content life would undergo a transformative shift.
It was through a serendipitous encounter with Mrs. Daisy Irani, the wife of Dr. JJ Rani, that I was introduced to the world of social work. With each passing day, my empathy for the struggles faced by women grew stronger, and a sense of responsibility took root within me. I couldn't stand by and watch as women faced challenges and inequality. I knew I had to make a difference.
With support of my understanding family, I ventured into the world to work towards women empowerment. Juggling household responsibilities, I pursued my own education and successfully completed my graduation. In 2002, I took a significant step forward by joining a trade union to advocate for the rights of women workers. While the union aimed to support all workers, my focus became empowering women in the workforce. Even at this stage and for nearly 5 more years, I hide my social work endeavors from my parental family
One of the most rewarding endeavors of my life has been the establishment of a small school for underprivileged children. These children come from families of domestic workers, street hawkers, unemployed households, factory , maximum SC health workers in Jamshedpur. Witnessing their thirst for knowledge and their unwavering determination, I realized the power of education in transforming lives. Every day, their resilience and potential inspire me to keep pushing forward.
However, my path was not without obstacles. Being a woman came with its own unique set of challenges. Stepping out of the confines of my home and engaging with uneducated individuals in the field was not easy. I faced derogatory remarks and criticism, not only from the less educated but also from those who considered themselves part of ‘high society.’ These experiences tested my resolve, but I refused to let them define me.
During this arduous journey, my greatest source of strength was my three children. Their unwavering support and encouragement uplifted me when times were tough. Their belief in me became a driving force, pushing me to rise above societal expectations and prove that women are capable of anything they set their minds to.
Today, as I reflect on my journey of two decades, I am reminded of many crucial moments. Working in an extremely male dominated field such as trade union was complex and challenging but the day I took charge as Chairperson of Industrial India Women Committee and also being elected as Vice President INTUC Women Wing gave me immense encouragement that propelled me forward. Another incident that fuels my passion was an incident during the election in Kolkata and despite reluctance from my husband, my daughter firmly stood by my side, urging me to go ahead and follow my passion. Her unwavering belief in me became a turning point, fueling my confidence and determination to continue breaking barriers and paving the way for women's empowerment.
My journey has taught me that having a position of influence is essential to bring about meaningful change. I learnt to challenge societal norms, fight stereotypes, and unite women in their pursuit of empowerment. Together, let us continue to uplift one another and create a world where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential."
~Devika Singh
On May 31st, we'll bring all the themes together in a virtual mela, offering a range of mental health sessions to help moms prioritize their well-being. We'll have expert speakers discussing topics such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and coping with stress. We'll also offer a range of activities to promote mental health, including yoga, meditation, and journaling. The virtual mela will be an opportunity for moms to connect with each other, share their experiences, and learn new strategies for taking care of themselves.
Join us on May 31st for the Mental Health Mela -Solh Fiesta, only on Solh App.
