Pithoragarh, We live in a world where despite all the glam and glitter; women are still struggling to find a place for themselves. Leaving common people aside, our leaders are always in a tug-a-war of out doing each other in making insensitive statements towards women.
But amidst all these negativities, we find daughters of India in every nook and corner engaged in achieving a better, promising tomorrow.
We bring to you a story from Jethi, in Askote area of Pithoragarh close to the Indo-Nepal border where one woman has changed the lives of many girls, like herself.
Kheema Jethi, was born to a farmer’s family on 1 July 1973, she was the oldest with four siblings which meant that the siblings responsibilities fell squarely on her young shoulders. Kheema juggled housework and farming with a smile on her face with formal education put on hold.
Once done with school, Kheema Jethi became the lone-voice to fight for the rights of her women folk living in nine villages of the Raji tribe. A fight she continues even today, “Helping others brings happiness from within. If any of my efforts bring happiness in the life of any person, it gives me immense satisfaction,” she tells us.
Kheema has been associated with social organizations and is fighting for generic issues such as education, women empowerment, domestic violence and child marriage and hopes to do more in the near future. “I will continue to do more for my people. I want to be associated with like-minded people who will add value to my efforts and reach out to as many people as possible.”
During her efforts, Kheema looked for help and knocked on government doors, always to return empty handed, but not resentful. She gives credit where it is due, and mentions how for certain instances the Local/District Administration did back her, “We cannot reach the government. Every battle has to be fought alone. The local administration takes cognizance sometimes, but the journey has to be taken alone to bring the fight to a meaningful end,’ our fighter speaks.
After decades, this lone figure has seen her tribe flourish. 150 women are earning a steady income due to her hardwork. Kheema Jethi has won accolades and admiration for helping over six hundred women under the Domestic Violence Act and single-handedly taken on the primitive mindset of hill-folks and stopped eight cases of child marriage prevalent in her neck of the woods.
Determined and strong-willed, Kheema Jethi has been the light at the end of the tunnel for countless girls and their families, who endearingly call her ‘Kheema di,” for she strongly believes that strong women lift each other up.
