Today we met Priya for Saadhanai Pengal (Achiver woman) program. Priya : I am from Irakanangudi. I am head in semmalar union. After marriage i was at home. From 11 years i am involved in evening schooling, part time worker, then to coordinator now i am working as head in Semmalar union. Leone: Please tell how did you come to this social work. Did you do it as just another work or you came out of passion. I was passionate, thats why i was able to stand here for 11 years. Because if we are at home, we cannot help anyone. Just because i came out, i was able to talk women's problem and i was able to find solution for their problem. Leone: Have you ever met with any challenges in this work? Priya: There were many challenges. Because if women are facing any problem, we have to go to police station. There was a case related sexual abuse. That was challenging and i am happy that i found solution for it. Leone: what are the problems faced by women? Priya: Women have shared there problems in their work place. we have conducted a survey and published as a bookt hat women are facing sexual harassment in workplace. we have participated in many protests in Sathur. n SIvakasi firecrackers work was stopped for sometime. All women protested and only after that the fire cracker factory was opened. We conducted a protest in Chennai about minimum wages. Leone: What do you think what kind of help will be useful for women? Priya: being a head in women union i feel, women come to work due to financial problems int he family. it will be really good if they get wages according the work done. At the same time, not all women come to come out of interest. They should get job security and they should be respected. They are holding family burden along with work burden. So women should be respected and their rights should be given to them Leone: what your message for women's day? Priya: There is no place where women have not achieved. From computer to stone breaking work women have done all the works and showing their talent. Women's day is celebrated to appreciate all such women. My wishes to all women on behalf of semmalar union. Leone: Thank you Ms. Priya. All this March month lets meet Achiver woman on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
