I’ve had to take a step back from posting all my village pictures so that I could get down and dirty in data. This may seem like a downer, but I am drawing so much strength from the responses these women have given. Each is a beautiful reflection of a woman who is living, breathing, challenging, celebrating, loving and being. Some reflect strong resolve. Some unintentionally show vulnerability. All of them share the same theme: community. They love one another as they learn. It is so validating to know that the feelings I experienced so strongly were right; they are so very special. They love and respect one another. Beyond the materials provided and skills learned, these women are growing and imparting life’s lessons to one another and supporting change. One woman explained how since participating the Gyan Chaupali programme she has decided to send her youngest child (a nine year of GIRL) to an English-medium school. Her husband has also supporter her by taking on more work so she can pause her livelihood activities and focus on her studies. In another case, the opposition within the home was so significant the woman was considering not attending anymore. After discussing the challenges with her villages sisters, a group of women went to her home and convinced the family of the value of her education. She hasn’t experienced any problems since then. I absorb all of these stories, recognizing the lives associated with each one of them. Their impact at this point seems immeasurable. How do I quantify or explain what has happened to my soul? I am challenged when I think of how much I have learned and wonder what I can give in return. Which is why I am in the office. Writing. It’s all that I have at this point, to convince the organization I am aligned with to make some small, yet meaningful changes for these women. They have given me a gift and I hope to repay them in some small way. Though ultimately, it is outside of my power to grant them the changes they seek for. But I will support them. I will believe in them. I will call them my sisters and continue to trust in the immense strength and solidarity of women who gather together. Who support one another. I am with you, sister. Always. I must offer an immense thank you to all the men in this world who support women. Here is Gunjesh, my supervisor, writing the final translation for my 34 questionnaires so I could analyze the responses. Gunjesh, your efforts are so appreciated. My journey would not have been possible without your support in the office. THANK YOU!
4 Comments
Matthew
11/22/2017 05:36:20 am
Your love and admiration for these women is inspiring as always! What a gift you have been given. To love and be loved on two opposite ends of the world! So proud of you and what you’ve accomplished:)
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Kathie
11/22/2017 09:44:41 am
You and your sisters are making a difference in the world. I salute you.
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Elaine
11/23/2017 08:53:19 am
Well done ... and said! It warms my heart to see you are giving (and getting) so much out of this experience. Go Ashley!
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Theresa
11/23/2017 11:10:27 pm
You are a huge inspiration to many women in this world. My girls and I have been ddiscussing how quickly this journey of yours has been. Reading your words has been an inspiration for me to do more to help others around me.
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AuthorAshley J.E. Hull Archives
November 2017
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