In the heart of Chhattisgarh, where challenges of illiteracy, alcoholism, and crimes against women cast long shadows over communities, a remarkable force has emerged to rewrite the narrative. In the villages of Gunderdehi region, groups of women wearing maroon berets stand as a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the unwavering spirit of change. This is the brigade of Mahila Commandos, a force initiated in 2006 by the indomitable Shamshad Begum, an activist and Padma Shri recipient.
The journey began with a stark reality: women voicing the anguish of living in households marred by alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and the perils of substance abuse engulfing their children. The Mahila Commandos emerged as a response to this cry for change. Shamshad Begum, the founder and guiding force behind this brigade, transformed the pain of these women into a movement that has since become synonymous with hope, empowerment, and courage.
Shamshad Begum's vision reached beyond the constraints of societal norms, and the Mahila Commandos became the embodiment of strength and resilience. From homemakers to labourers, these women found a new identity in the title of "Mahila Commando." Voluntarily patrolling their villages at night, they became the frontline warriors against fights, gambling, and substance abuse, tirelessly combating domestic violence, dowry, female foeticide, and gender discrimination.
What sets the Mahila Commandos apart is their commitment to creating a safer and more just society. Recognizing the importance of their mission, the Chhattisgarh Police conferred the title of Special Police Officer to 200 Mahila Commandos as a testament to their dedication and to the impact they've had.
Beyond their role as guardians of societal norms, the Mahila Commandos have also extended their impact to education and economic empowerment. They have reached out to help over 9,000 underprivileged girls with their education. The Mahila Commandos also engage in economic activities, producing and selling items like cow dung diyas, leaf plates and vermicompost, in addition to cultivating flowers and engaging in agricultural work.
Shamshad Begum's transformative work goes beyond the immediate impact on families. Under her guidance the Mahila Commandos have helped form 5,000 self-help groups, empowering 75,000 women with an outstanding 98% loan recovery rate from banks. A movement that began with a hundred women has now blossomed into a movement involving 65,000 women across 14 districts of Chhattisgarh. The Mahila Commandos are not just protectors; they are catalysts for change. Shamshad Begum's vision, courage, and determination have created a network of empowered women who refuse to be silent spectators to the challenges that plague their communities.
To honour stories like Mahila Commandos and Shamshad Begum, AU Small Finance Bank presents Badlaav Humse Hai Season 2, in association with Network18. Just like the first season, Season 2 celebrates 25 stories that showcase changemakers whose unsung work has helped carve out cultural identities for communities, lifted them out of poverty; created access where only barriers existed; shown communities how to work with nature to create true sustainability; changed hearts and minds about othered communities; changed the lives of many through economic, social or educational empowerment, and much, much more.
Watch Season 2 of Badlaav Humse Hai for more stories like this one. You may also catch up on all the wonderful stories from Season 1.
Moneycontrol Journalists were not involved in the creation of the article.
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