By Yogesh Nerpagar, Assistant Director, CYDA
Supported by : Tribal Development Department of Maharashtra and UNICEF
Sumitra Gagare, a 30-year-old woman, lives in the small village of Khatkale, located in the Junnar block of Nashik. Like most women in her village, her life was limited to cooking, cleaning, and looking after her family. But Sumitra always wanted to do more. She wanted to walk beside his husband, share responsibilities, and support her family. She often asked herself, “Is my role only to stay silent? Don’t I also have the ability to do something?”
Change came when Sumitra heard about the WASH Mitra Project by CYDA. The project offered technical training for rural youth. With courage and curiosity, Sumitra joined the 16-day training program.
She was taught plumbing, electrical work, solar repair, carpentry, masonry, and RO filter maintenance. At first, the tools were heavy. Her hands shook when she tried to use them. She was scared to switch on wires or climb ladders. But with practice, she improved. Slowly, she gained confidence. Each small task she completed made her stronger.
People in her village did not support her at first. Some laughed and said, “A woman with tools? How can she fix taps or climb ladders?” Their words hurt her, but she did not stop. Her husband stood by her. He always told her, “You are capable. Do not give up because of what people say.” His support gave her the strength to continue.
One day, the local school headmaster asked her to repair a broken system in the school. This was her first job outside the home. Sumitra accepted the work with determination. She climbed the ladder, repaired the system, and finished it successfully. The headmaster praised her. This was the first time she felt true respect for her skills. It was also proof that women can do technical work.
After that, more people began calling her for repairs. She fixed taps, pipelines, wiring, water tanks, and MCBs. With each job, her confidence grew. So far, she has earned Rs. 62,000/-. She uses this money for her children’s education and family needs. But more than money, she has gained respect. Today, people call her an Adisakhi, a skilled woman technician. Other women in the community now see her as a role model. They ask themselves, “If Sumitra can do it, why can’t we?”
Sumitra has shown that change does not come by waiting. It comes by acting with courage. With tools in her hands and confidence in her heart, she has built her own identity. She is no longer just a housewife. She is a skilled professional who inspires other women to dream and achieve.
