Five students pursuing their Bachelors in Education in Barmer, Rajasthan, speak on ‘We Can’ has transformed cultural conversations.

SAROJ

“Before I became part of ‘We Can’ my attitude towards women was hostile. I believed that women are women’s worst enemies. I would be wary of other women and my relationship with my mother-in-law was very acrimonious. When I joined the campaign, my worldview underwent a sea change. I understood the insecurities that women face and the reasons behind them. Now I work on the campaign issues with my mother-in-law alongside me. I consult with her and we work in coordination. And, if we have personal differences at home, we sort it out between ourselves amicably.

SURABI

“I have gained self confidence and my attitudes have changed since I joined ‘We Can’. Earlier when people would make lewd remarks or harass me in any way, I would not react. I no longer remain a mute spectator. I speak up. I have also sensitized people around me to the campaign. They have too have begun to realise that violence against women is hurtful and the issue needs to be raised as a community concern.

CHANDA BASWI

“Before I joined the campaign I was unsure how the help women in distress or those who were being subjected to violence. After I volunteered to be a Change Maker, I now realise that there are many ways that one can positively intervene. I no longer get scared or intimidated. And I know now that domestic violence is not a private matter and that to end it we need community support and networks. I have sensitized myself to the law and have begun educating women about their rights.”

RAJNI POLMOL

“After becoming a Change Maker for ‘We Can’ I have gained enormous self confidence. I articulate my concerns and my views, I have become far more decisive about things that affect my life and I step forward to help women in trouble without hesitation. I am also now ready to stand up to opposition and handle any fall-outs. And most important, I try and change people’s attitudes towards violence against women. I succeed in some cases; in others I don’t.”

NILIMA AHILYA

“Domestic violence is not personal. It is a societal concern. The efforts to end this practice must be continuous and concerted. ‘We Can’ is creating a space and many social networks for people to change their attitudes and practices. The social cohesion it is facilitating is allowing people to connect over shared experiences and turn practices and attitudes that are damaging to women into practices that are mindful of their dignity.”