How ‘Jeevika Didis’ are emerging as a strong pillar of women's empowerment and social justice in Bihar
Patna,: The ‘Jeevika Didis’—women associated with the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (Jeevika)—are no longer limited merely to generating employment; rather, they are emerging as a strong pillar of women's empowerment and social justice in rural areas. These Jeevika Didis are playing a pivotal role in providing relief to women and girls who are victims of domestic violence and other criminal incidents. In recent times, countless such cases have come to light where these Didis have undertaken significant efforts to protect women from domestic violence and other crimes.
Departmental officials state that across the state, more than 1.5 crore women—associated with approximately 11 lakh Jeevika groups—are providing support to women who are victims of violence and crimes through the ‘Didi Adhikar Kendras’ and ‘Didi Ki Awaaz Kendras’ .
Girl had ran away from home after an argument over a mobile phone
Ruby Kumari, the coordinator of the ‘Didi Adhikar Kendra’ associated with the ‘Shiv Guru Group’ in the Kahalgaon block of Bhagalpur, recounted an incident that occurred a few days ago: an 11-year-old girl left her home and ran away following an argument over a mobile phone. The girl's mother contacted her and shared her ordeal. Upon searching together with the mother, it was discovered that the girl had boarded a train bound for Malda—a train that had already departed. With the assistance of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the girl was eventually and safely recovered through the intervention of a magistrate and was subsequently handed over to her family members.
From violence to security
In Warisnagar, Samastipur, Indu Devi—associated with the ‘Khushboo Jeevika Group’—shared that last year, a woman confided in her that her husband was brutally beating her. The woman had somehow managed to flee her home in a desperate bid to save her life. Mrs. Indu took the initiative to provide extensive assistance to the victimized woman, while simultaneously alerting the Women's Police Station and the ‘Didi Adhikar Kendra’ about the situation.
To ensure a permanent resolution to the problem, a Panchayat (village council meeting) was convened in the presence of the local Ward Councilor and other community members; during this meeting, an affidavit was obtained from the husband to prevent any recurrence of violent incidents against the woman. Today, that woman is leading a safe and secure life in her marital home alongside her husband and other family members, and she also contributes to their financial stability through her employment.