Kharah, November 09, 2025- In the heart of Khour Block, amidst the rolling hills of Jammu district, a beacon of hope emerged today for the women of Kharah village. As a resident and active participant in community affairs, I witnessed firsthand the launch of an inspiring outreach program dedicated to women empowerment, awareness campaigns, and community welfare. This homegrown effort, spearheaded by local self-help groups (SHGs) and enthusiastic villagers, drew over 200 women to the village panchayat hall, marking a pivotal moment in our quest for gender equality and rural upliftment.
Kharah, my beloved village with its close-knit community of approximately 1,500 souls, has always been a place of resilience. Yet, like many rural pockets in India, women here face barriers in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Today’s program was born from our own discussions in SHG meetings – no distant NGO dictated it; it was us, the women and supporters of Kharah, taking charge. We focused on practical, life-changing topics: health awareness, financial independence, and protecting women’s rights.
Sessions That Ignited Change
The day began with an interactive session on maternal health and hygiene, led by our village ASHA worker and a visiting nurse from Khour. We learned about nutrition during pregnancy, sanitation practices, and early detection of common ailments – knowledge that’s often scarce in remote areas like ours. I remember one neighbor, a mother of three, sharing how past ignorance led to health complications; today, she left with a kit and a renewed sense of control.Next came financial literacy workshops. We delved into government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Lakhpati Didi, exploring how to form stronger SHGs for micro-loans. Several women, including myself, committed to starting small businesses – from tailoring to pickle-making. “This isn’t just talk; it’s our path to self-reliance,” said Priya Devi, a fellow participant and SHG leader.The highlight was the open forum on community welfare. We pledged to eradicate dowry practices, promote girl child education, and advocate for clean water and better roads. Drawing inspiration from national movements like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, we discussed turning Kharah into a model village for rural development. Local youth volunteered for follow-ups, ensuring this isn’t a one-day wonder.
Voices from the Ground: What Participants Said”This program opened my eyes to my rights. No more silent suffering,” shared 45-year-old Kamla, a farmer’s wife. Young girls echoed dreams of higher education, free from early marriage pressures. Even men from the village attended the closing session, showing solidarity – a rare and welcome sight.As the sarpanch addressed us, emphasizing unity, I felt a surge of pride. This outreach wasn’t funded by big organizations; it was powered by our collective will, with contributions from village funds and voluntary experts.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
They formed three new SHGs and planned monthly meetings. Future sessions will cover digital literacy and legal aid for women’s rights. In Kharah, we’re proving that change starts at home. This is our story – one of empowerment forged in the fields we till and the homes we build.To every woman reading this: Your voice matters. Join us in making Kharah shine.
