Indigenous Youth Leader Manju Patra Champions Gender Rights and Economic Development in Kalahandi

Bhubaneswar: In a powerful session held at Three Chariots Coffee in the city, 25-year-old gender rights advocate Manju Patra from Borbhata village, Kalahandi district, shared her inspiring journey of breaking societal barriers, advocating for gender equality, and promoting sustainable development.

As a Baula Fellow with the non-profit organization, Safe Odisha for Her, Manju, a Gond tribal youth leader has been at the forefront of community transformation, from preventing child marriages to launching livelihood initiatives.

Manju’s advocacy began early. At the age of 17, with the support of her mentors, she narrowly avoided being forced into marriage, a pivotal moment that ignited her passion for gender rights. Now pursuing an MBA and with a background in gender training from reputable social organizations, she has dedicated years to sensitizing communities about gender discrimination and violence. Alongside fellow volunteers, Manju has successfully prevented child marriages within her Gram Panchayat and the broader M. Rampur block, serving as a role model for young girls in her village.

Reflecting upon the challenges she used to face early in her life, she narrated about lack of support from families towards girls’ education and rampant child marriage in her locality. While cutting-edge functionaries like angwanwadi workers and ASHAs were lenient in reporting such matters to authorities, Manju decided to defy these unspoken societal diktats. Not only did she prevent several child marriage in her panchayat, but also enabled the village leadership to support higher education of girls.

“Now few girls are pursuing under graduation degree in our panchayat, which was not possible few years ago. The day, I provided financial support for a family event, my father started respecting me. Since then, my family is supportive towards my work and the latest venture of setting a cafe-cum-common service centre in my gram panchayat,” narrated the young enterprising girl, who is currently training in the city-based cafe and getting prepared for her new initiative.

Her work extends far beyond gender advocacy. As a community mobilizer, Manju has played an active role in household surveys and the promotion of farm-based businesses. She has been instrumental in building the capacity of local farmers, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and helping establish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to boost economic opportunities in rural areas.

Following her participation in the Baula boot camp, Manju has embarked on an ambitious mission to create a cafe-cum-common service center in her village. The center will serve as a hub for villagers to access government and community services while providing a safe space for women and children to pursue higher education, start businesses, and seek assistance in cases of abuse or violence. This multifunctional space will not only generate income for Manju but also create a supportive environment for fostering violence-free villages and promoting economic growth.

Manju’s journey from a young girl fighting forced marriage to a community leader driving gender equality and sustainable development exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots leadership. Her tireless efforts continue to inspire and empower her community, building a brighter future for Kalahandi.