After participating in a 2-day workshop organised by the Tamil Nadu Dalit Women Federation, floated by IDEAS, Pandiammal from Theni stated, “I had not gone out of my house. I had never participated in a workshop. I was invited to IDEAS as I am a leader of a unit of the Dalit Women Federation of the Theni district.  In two days, I learned how to apply for and get an Aadhar card, welfare card, certificates and Kissan card. I also learned how to access the government schemes. My eyes are opened. I realized that there is a bigger world outside of my family. I am eager to participate in the forthcoming workshops and learn more.”

Similar sentiments were also expressed by Padmini from Viruthunagar district. She said, “I had never stayed outside of my house. This was my first experience participating in a residential workshop for 2 days. I used to feel shy to speak. I could never imagine that I could hold the microphone and speak. I was forced to speak. After speaking, I gained confidence. I learned about government schemes that are available to women. I will go and share what I learned with other women in my area. Now that I am motivated, I will invite others to participate in such workshops. I am also motivated to contribute more to the work of the Dalit Women Federation. I will be the first one to come for such workshops in the future”.

– Pandiammal, Theni district and Padmini, Viruthunagar district