Bhagalpur all women-empowered

Women have made significant trides in most societies over the last century, but the trend line has not been straight. Most of the women who have taken leadership roles, it has been as social reformers and entrepreneurs, not as politicians or government officials.

Granted, a few women in the country are breaking through traditional barriers and becoming presidents, prime ministers, cabinet members, and legislators but Bhagalpur in Bihar has set an example by appointing talented women in almost all top positions.

Recently when Vandana Preyashi, was appointed as the district magistrate (DM) of the district, it has now become an all-women’s affair in the district. Women man top posts in the educational institutions, local bodies and the health department here as well.

Dr Prema Jha is the vice-chancellor of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) and has the distinction of only woman to head a university in the State.

Women are occupying top positions in the affiliated colleges of Bhagalpur University as well. Dr Nisha Roy is the principal of Marwari College, a premier institution of TMBU.

Principal of TNB Law College Dr Kiran Saxena also holds the post of dean of Faculty of Law.

In the health sector, females head two key posts here. Dr Pratima Modi holds the charge of civil surgeon (CS) while Dr Usha Kacchup is the principal of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College.

Local bodies are ruled by women-power again. Dr Beena Yadav is the mayor heading the municipal corporation while Vinita Singh holds the position of district board chairperson.

Its not only the government sector where women are ruling the roost.

Mridula Jha, a social activists who also dons the role of a teacher in a local school, has tasted success where men once failed – tackling long-standing community problems. She established a center where the women of her village can meet and discuss broad community issues without depending on men. The center has also trained women in healthcare and planning to provide computer training to the local school.

“Women are often painted as weak or inferior, as victims or as objects of sexual exploitation, or simply tarred with unhelpful epithets. Bhagalpur is poised to change many such notions,” Mridula said.

“Bihari women are underestimated and said to have less abilities and I refuse to believe that is the case. They can prove their strength if given even less support, but they must be supported,” says Shreya Singh as a smile curled on the corners of his mouth. Singh helped Jha arrange resources for her initiatives.

Mridula’s message to men is simple: “It is not enough to just give speeches on days like Women’s Day. Men should practically help women grow up really well.”

Success stories of these women are testimony to the fact that women are taking the lead and the nation and societies are noticing the difference.link