I am Lokhi Das, from Doasti Village, West Medinipur district, West Bengal. From July 2021, I am working at GNWT as a Field Animator. I am the eldest among the 6 siblings and am married to a nearby village after my higher studies. My husband is a vendor, and we hardly had a proper source of income. I was always passionate about pursuing a career or completing post-graduation, which I couldn’t, due to family responsibilities. During a field visit, the animators informed that there is a vacancy for village women at GNWT for the position of Field Animator. Without a second thought I appeared with all many documents at GNWT Office the following day.
The GNWT Secretary then provided me with the opportunity to work with the people. Within two months, I was able to carry out my duty as a Field Animator. The support received from the Trust through trainings, regular field work and interactive sessions, helped me to capacitate myself with all the essential knowledge and skills as a Field Animator. As a rural woman, stepping out of the house and serving the community was a challenge, which I have now overcome with the help and support of GNWT. Today I can reach out to many women and with my skills have motivated many women to form new SHG groups. GNWT has helped me to not only gain become aware and informed, sharpen my social skills, gain self- confidence and practice self- discipline, but also outgrow as a woman. Today, I am not only financially but also socially empowered, for which I’m highly grateful to GNWT.