The changemakers of rural Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Labangalata Mohanta, a woman in her 50s from Mayurbhanj district, has fought against all odds to stop child marriage, child trafficking and liquor trade in her village and its nearby areas. She also helps women form self-help groups and extends a helping hand during any crisis.
Labangalata, who was one among the community women leaders who attended a programme, Vihaan 2023, organised by the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD)here on Thursday, said she has been working for the people since 1998.
“It was a Herculean task to organise and gather women for any work during that time. Male members were not allowing women to attend any group meeting or activity. I had tried very hard to make people understand about women empowerment. At present, many women groups are there in my village. They have small businesses and shops,” she said.
Labangalata, from Nisapasi village under Thakurmunda block, had protested against liquor trade in her area with the help of women groups.
“I have faced both success and failure in this endeavour. I was worried for myself and my friends. My husband was an alcoholic and he died because of this bad habit,” she added.
She said she had faced the ire of villagers while protesting against child marriage. “Because I love helping people, I have tried to assist people during their time of crisis, I have organised women to become self-reliant,” she added.
Like her, two young women from Koraput district are helping dropout students to return to school. Sasmita Bhumiya, a graduate tribal woman from U Gadiali village under Mathili block in Malkangiri district, has managed to motivate parents of two dropout students to send their kids to schools. She also helped 10 students to attend schools regularly.
“After Covid-19, with the help of a voluntary organisation, I taught students of three villages to fill their learning gap,” Bhumiya said.
As I was teaching poor children for free at my home, it was an easy task to motivate students and their parents to come to school again after the Covid situation improved,” she added.
Another young woman, Jhunubala Moharana from Malkangiri district, is helping tribal students bridge the learning gap.
“I teach music and dance. Not only students are enthusiastic but even parents are showing interest in sending their kids to me,” she said.