Sarpanch at 80
Belonging to the Kashmir valley, Fatah Begum was widowed at a tender age of 17 with eight children to take care. Despite societal stereotypes about gender and age, she became a sarpanch at the age of 80, demonstrating her firm belief in the significant role women play in nation-building.
Especially coming from a region where traditional norms have often limited women’s participation in leadership roles, Fatah Begum became a sarpanch of Amargarh at 80. In this powerful interview with Geetha Chandrasekaran, she takes us through her journey of her life.
What inspired you to advocate for women’s rights and empower other widows, given the challenges you’ve faced in your own life?
As I belonged to a conservative family, my parents married me off at a very young age to a farmer. Our life was good, filled with love and hard work until fate struck us with a harsh blow with the untimely death of my husband. Left with eight children to care for and no source of income, I turned to working as labourer in the fields to make ends meet. Over time, I managed to buy a few cows and sold milk to give my kids good education. Life was challenging but fulfilling until tragedy struck again and I lost my elder son. I channelled my grief into advocating for women’s rights and empowering other widows.
What motivated you to pursue your interest in politics despite the discouragement you faced due to societal perceptions about women’s roles in politics?
I belonged to Kashmir and the society is very conservative here. Girls in the village are married off soon. Throughout my life, I harboured a deep interest in politics, yet I was consistently discouraged. The prevailing sentiment was that politics was not a realm for women.
What was the impact of Article 370 in the valley?
The abrogation of Article 370 paved the way for 33 percent of seats for women in Halqa panchayats. This not only challenged traditional gender roles but also paved the way for inclusive and diverse decision-making processes. It not only empowered us but also increased women’s representation in local governance. I’m happy to say that I have inspired other women in my community to claim their rightful place in positions of power.
I always wanted to work for the community and with the sarpanch election I took the plunge.
What motivated you to defy stereotypes and run for the position of sarpanch despite the opposition based on your age, and how do you believe your victory challenges traditional notions of leadership?
During the sarpanch election, other contestants told me to contest for the panch member post, citing my age. But I knew that age should not be a barrier to leadership, and I was determined to challenge stereotypes and prove them wrong.
I firmly believed that my experience and wisdom would bring a fresh perspective to the role of sarpanch.
What steps do you believe are necessary to empower women to break free from societal constraints and become agents of change, especially in the context of local governance?
My determination and refusal to be side-lined eventually led my competitors to withdraw from the race, and I emerged victorious. My victory not only shattered the stereotypes surrounding gender, age and leadership but also inspired other elderly individuals to participate in local governance actively. It’s important to educate women about their rights and responsibilities in all aspects of life. Then they can break free from societal constraints and become agents of change. I want to create a society where women lead and contribute to nation-building.
What drives your dedication to improving the lives of your constituents, and how do you find contentment despite facing challenges, such as lack of support from your children?
I have worked hard, overseeing the construction of roads, drains and various other projects, to improve the lives of my constituents. I have initiated several educational scholarships and vocational training programmes, to empower youth. I’m happy that my work has earned me respect and admiration.My children have moved on with their own families. I live alone in a small outhouse with a single room and a small kitchen. Each month, I receive a modest sum of Rs 3,000 from the government, with which I manage. It’s disheartening to admit that my children don’t offer any support. But I find contentment in the simple joys of life.
How do you feel about yourself after achieving so much?
My story of an woman sarpanch at the age of 80 resonates far beyond the borders of Amargrah. It serves as a reminder that age, education and gender are not barriers to making a difference.
I always wanted to work for the community and with the sarpanch election
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