6 Amazing Women Making A Difference During The Covid-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for people across India, especially in economically backward areas, villages, and towns with little or no support, and for marginalized groups of people in society.
In these unprecedented times, there have been tremendous efforts by NGOs and individuals who are going above and beyond to create an impact and save lives.
Today, we shed light on our unsung heroes — six women who have dedicated their lives to helping others and have risen to the challenge even during the pandemic. Their efforts, compassion, and determination have made a huge difference to hundreds.
Here are 6 amazing women who are changing lives with their selfless work:
1.Mansi Lakshmi — Transgender Activist
Despite going through several challenges herself, Mansi Lakshmi has helped improve the lives of hundreds of sex workers during the pandemic. President of the Aarju Foundation, Mansi led a movement dedicated to helping marginalized sexual minorities, women, and children using contributions to distribute grocery kits and make food available to help these groups survive
2. Pratima Devi — Mother of Stray Dogs
A ragpicker, Pratima Devi considers herself to be a dog’s best friend. During the pandemic, a large number of stray dogs went hungry since their source of food was diminished to a large extent due to the shutdown. Pratima took it upon herself to provide 400+ dogs with food, shelter, nourishment, and medical care despite struggling to make ends meet herself.
3. Manju Latha Kalanidhi — Rice Bucket Challenge
Manju Latha Kalanidhi learned about the food availability challenges faced by underprivileged people daily during the pandemic. She fostered a movement where people across the country could donate a bucket of rice to the needy and poor. What started as a simple act of generosity spiraled into something that thousands of people were inspired to practice. Manju’s determination to help the needy culminated in 2 lakh kgs of rice being donated to the poor and hungry across India.
4.Bharti Singh Chauhan — Helping People Breathe Again
One of the worst outcomes of the pandemic has been the lack of oxygen concentrators, especially among the poor and needy. In Jaipur, Bharti Singh Chauhan founded Praveenlata Sansthan to help marginalized and needy people get access to medical and oxygen supplies, groceries, and fresh meals during the pandemic.
5. Sudha Varghese — Feeding the Musahar Community
The Musahar community comprises people who suffer from extreme poverty. In Bihar, there are close to 2.2 million such people, and due to the pandemic, they couldn’t find work, were starving, and being treated as untouchables. Sudha Varghese launched Nari Gunjan to help Dalit women belonging to this community by empowering them with education, skills, and distributing food kits.
6. Sindhutai Sapkal — Bringing Hope and Happiness to Orphaned Children
Age is no bar when it comes to bringing a smile to someone’s face. Sindhutai Sapkal is an endearing woman who has dedicated her life, more so during the pandemic, to help homeless children and young women. She proudly calls herself a mother to 1,500+ children who have now received her support and dedication and have been able to create meaningful lives. Many of them are now continuing her work and starting their own independent orphanages.
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