Empowering Adolescent Girls Through Herbal Knowledge in Telipura Village

Name of the group - Nayi Kiran AGgroup

Earlier situation

The new adolescent girls group in Telipura village had little to no knowledge about the healing power of herbs. With limited awareness and no exposure to traditional remedies, this new group of 10 girls from the Nayi Kiran group were unaware of the natural wealth around them.

Meeting

This changed on November 4, 2024, when Mrs. Pooja, a dedicated field worker from Suchetna staff, conducted a training session with the girls. During the session, the girls were introduced to various medicinal herbs and their uses. They learned how herbal remedies are not only cost-effective but also sustainable and deeply rooted in our traditions. Motivated by this knowledge, the girls made a collective decision — they would promote, use, and preserve herbal medicine within their village.

Soon after, on November 28, 2024, the girls took action. They collectively planted several herbal plants such as Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Guldawari, Nirgudi, and Neem. This hands-on activity not only strengthened their learning but also instilled a sense of ownership and pride.

The most remarkable impact came on February 27, 2025, when the girls prepared Nirgudi oil, known for its effectiveness in relieving joint pain. The oil was given to Mrs. Anita Devi, who had been suffering from joint pain for over three years. After applying the oil, Anita Devi experienced significant relief. This positive outcome sparked curiosity and admiration in the village. Other adolescent girls began showing interest, and parents expressed joy and support for the initiative.

This journey—from having no knowledge to creating natural remedies and seeing real results—has been transformative. The success of the Nayi Kiran group has proven that when adolescent girls are empowered with knowledge and supported by community organizations like Suchetna, they can become agents of change.

Reported by
Pooja Devi

Empowering Change Through Collective Action

Village: Adarsh Colony, Ramnagar Centre

The Challenge:

For a long time, the residents of Adarsh Colony struggled with severe drinking water shortages. The absence of a proper water supply caused daily hardship, particularly for women and children, affecting health, hygiene, and overall well-being.

Taking Action:

Faced with this crisis, the villagers—especially the women—decided to take matters into their own hands. Under the leadership of activist Nanda and with strong support from the SHG Roshni Group and GSS members, a series of actions were taken to demand their right to water:

Dharna at Jal Sansthan (15/03/2025): 20 Women staged a peaceful protest, raising their voices against the water scarcity.

Awareness Rally (17/03/2025): A rally was organized by 25 women through the village to mobilize the community and draw attention to the issue.

Meeting with Junior Engineer (JE): A delegation of women and GSS members met the JE to discuss the crisis and explore practical solutions.

The Outcome:

• Immediate Relief: From 18th to 20th March 2025, water tankers were arranged to provide temporary relief to the villagers.

• Permanent Solution: A water connection was established from a nearby tube well, ensuring a steady and sustainable water supply for the community.

The Impact:

• The community, especially women, experienced immediate relief from the burden of water shortage.

• The initiative highlighted the power of collective action and strengthened the confidence and leadership skills of the women involved.

• It marked a significant success for the Roshni Group and GSS members, showing how organized community efforts can lead to lasting change.

This success story stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people unite with a common purpose. It not only solved a pressing issue but also empowered the community—especially women—to believe in their strength and continue being agents of change.

Reported by
Nanda