“There’s No Tool for Development more Effective than the Empowerment of the Women”…
“She loves me, she loves me not?” – Once upon a time, this was one of the most difficult questions involving women, for an average Indian man. With the changing times, the government is laying emphasis on women empowerment in an attempt to empower society. Why? It’s because, the progress of a society rests on the shoulders of a woman.
In last couple of years, several states have come up with innovative schemes and modules to bring women on the forefront. Rajasthan is one such state that has set several notable examples in this direction. The Shyam Nagar metro station at Jaipur (Rajasthan) is India’s first all-women operated metro stop where women employees manage the entire show by themselves.
A Metro Stop which is Exclusively Run by Female Staff Only
Last September, the Jaipur Metro recruited women employees to operate the 9.5km metro line between Chandpole to Mansarovar. Today, about 200 women operate the first all-woman Metro station in the country. Out of these, around 32 females work at the Shyam Nagar metro station, which is labelled as the “Pratham Mahila Shakti Railway Station”.
With this, Jaipur metro corporation (JMC) has earned the distinction of being an organisation that has recruited about 30% women employees since last 6 months. Women are already known for their great organisation skills. Hence, it isn’t shocking that the female staffs effectively manage all operations ranging from cleanliness to maintenance, customer queries, ticket distribution, supervision, accounts and operations.
Why Employment is Essential for Women?
In the present era, it’s essential for women to break free from the drab domestic life and search for new possibilities in future. The preachers of patriarchal values who still believe women shouldn’t work outside the four walls of their home, here’s why they need to change this opinion.
- Employment brings freedom and financial independence. These factors influence respect, liberating aspects and living standards for a woman.
- Employment facilitates skills and learning, which are essential for professional and personal growth.
- Being financially independent gives you self confidence, which affects your personal relationships and social connections. When women realise their self-worth, sky is the limit for them.
- Professional women experience new and different things at work that enrich their understanding of people and the world around them.
- At workplace, women interact with people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and opinions. This causes open mindedness in women.
This is why it’s important that both public and private institutions involve females in their operations.
Train operator cum station controller Monika Mittal, who’s employed under JMC believes this job has changed her opinions on life. Six months back, she became a mother. Regardless of this, she struck a fine balance between work and home.
Rajshree Saini, the customer relations assistant enjoys similar experience. She believes their metro station has set an inspiring example for the nation. With each day, she attains new strength and confidence to handle tough operations.
Apart from JMC, there are several other spheres and organisations where Rajasthan women are performing exceptionally well. Having a female CM might be one of the leading factors behind this. Hopefully, this woman’s day is going to be special for the desert year.
