Formation of Labor and Women’s Organizations to Prevent Exploitation
Formation of Labor and Women’s Organizations to Prevent Exploitation
To combat the exploitation of agricultural laborers in the unorganized sector, Swabhiman Samiti took a significant step by forming Swabhimani Mazdoor Sangathan (Swabhimani Labor Organization) and Swabhimani Mahila Sangathan (Swabhimani Women’s Organization) in four villages of Maharajganj district. These organizations were established with the goal of empowering laborers and women, particularly in rural areas, and enabling them to unite and demand their rights.
- Objective of the Organization:
The primary objective of the Swabhimani Mazdoor Sangathan and Swabhimani Mahila Sangathan was to:
- End exploitation of agricultural laborers, particularly women, in the unorganized sector.
- Provide a platform for raising awareness about their constitutional rights and access to government schemes.
- Empower women to ensure their active participation in local governance, specifically in Panchayat elections and decision-making processes.
- Women’s Honor Rally:
To raise awareness and advocate for their demands, the Swabhimani Mazdoor Sangathan and Swabhimani Mahila Sangathan organized a rally and demonstration on 10th January 2006. The rally was held at the Nichaul Tehsil Office in Maharajganj district, where a strong protest was staged to demand the implementation of key rights and opportunities for marginalized laborers and women.
2.1 Key Demands Raised During the Rally:
The participants of the rally made the following demands:
- Awareness of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and its implementation, ensuring that every eligible person gets guaranteed employment.
- 33% participation of women in Panchayat functions, ensuring their representation and decision-making power at the grassroots level.
- Issuance of Antyodaya Cards to the poorest families, enabling them to access essential welfare benefits.
- Land allocation for women, with agriculture pattas (land titles) issued in their names, ensuring financial and social independence for women.



- Memorandum Submission:
The rally culminated in the submission of a memorandum of demands to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Nichaul, Shri Kailash Nath Verma. The memorandum called for immediate action on the demands raised, and it was presented to the following authorities through the SDM:
- Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
- Prime Minister of India
- UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi
- Impact of the Rally and Demands:
The Women’s Honor Rally organized by Swabhiman Samiti played a pivotal role in:
- Raising awareness about the importance of women’s participation in local governance, particularly in Panchayat functions.
- Highlighting key issues such as the lack of access to employment, lack of land ownership for women, and the need for welfare benefits for the poorest families.
- Mobilizing the community, particularly women, to demand their rightful participation in social, political, and economic processes.
- Drawing the attention of local government officials, including the SDM, to the urgent issues faced by marginalized communities in Maharajganj district.
- Conclusion:
The formation of the Swabhimani Mazdoor Sangathan and Swabhimani Mahila Sangathan and the Women’s Honor Rally were crucial steps in empowering the laboring class and women in Maharajganj district. By uniting marginalized groups and advocating for social justice, equal rights, and representation, Swabhiman Samiti helped give a voice to the voiceless.
These efforts not only brought attention to the rights of women and laborers but also paved the way for policy changes and better implementation of welfare programs. Swabhiman Samiti remains committed to continuing its work in empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their rights and needs are addressed at every level of governance.