C h a n g e b e c a m e a
c o n s t a n t
The determination, commitment and skill
shown by the first batch of Tejaswinis created a strong foundation, which became the
impetus for change among female workers.
Mr. B. N. Sarangi and Mrs. Urmila Ekka, their mentors, who had skillfully transformed
these unskilled hands, were once again asked to train more female workers but now in the
field of Mechanical Maintenance - another area regarded as a male bastion.
While the nuances of their work was an important part of the change to be effected,
motivating and enthusing the Tejaswinis for a dramatic change in mind-set as well as
through them altering the mind-set of their co-workers, gaining their acceptance and
enlarging their horizons, was equally crucial. Their mentors worked on this area as well,
taking them to organisations across the country on exposure trips and instilling in them
the thirst for adventure through programmes of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation. A
clear sense of the extraordinary progress made was captured by the mentors when Tejaswinis
were entered for national level honours, which they went on to win.
Jaswant Kaur is a “Shram Virangana”, while Asha Hansda and Domini Murmu are
“Shram Devis.” Most of these women have struggled against all odds to create a
better life. But happily enough there are instances like Asha Hansda, whose husband has
been a tower of support. He willingly looks after home and children, leaving her free to
follow her aspirations. |
|
Joba Soren
Department : Raw Material Handling
Educational Qualification : Standard III
Earlier job : contact labour - head load majdoor for unloading wagons
Current Assignment : pay loader driver at Ore Handling Yard
“There was a time when wagons were
unloaded with jhudis and belchas (baskets and shovels). That was my job earlier. During my
training to become a Tejaswini I learnt to drive tractors, trucks, payloaders, cars, etc.
Today, I use a pay loader to lift ore on the belt, which takes it up to the hopper and
then the Blast Furnace. Often I am asked by female workers, who worked alongside me during
the wagon unloading days, on how can they change their lives too.”
Lakshmi Kumari
Department : Supply Management
Educational Qualification : Matriculation
Earlier job : reja at MHS
Current Assignment : forklift driver
Today, the work I do comes with a sense of responsibility. Also, if I
am not there, my absence is noticed. As a reja, it did not matter if I was there or not.
On one of our exposure trips a supervisor handed me the keys to a forklift. When I drove
it with confidence, they were absolutely shocked. Now, our male colleagues have started
relying on us to back them up when they need to take a quick break.” |
|
