When the world stops listening
As the women shared their stories, we heard about loneliness, neglect, rejection and the hurt caused by taunts and low expectations. Many had been made to feel that their lives mattered less because of their disabilities. Their struggles were not only physical; they were also emotional. Behind quiet expressions were years of disappointment and dreams that had too often gone unheard.
The most painful realisation was this: disability was not the only barrier they faced. The way society treated them often created another. People saw what a woman could not do before asking what she could do. They offered pity where respect and opportunity were needed, and made assumptions without taking the time to understand the person behind the disability.
One hope connected their stories
Despite their different circumstances, I noticed a powerful feeling that connected these women. They wanted to do something with their lives. They wanted the opportunity to learn, work, achieve and show that the people who had taunted or underestimated them were wrong. Beneath the pain, their determination was still alive.
Their wish was not simply to be helped. They wanted to be recognised for their abilities and to live with dignity. They wanted a fair chance to discover what they could accomplish. That determination moved me deeply. These women do not owe anyone proof of their worth—but they deserve opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.
From listening to meaningful action
For Sharan Foundation, these visits must be more than emotional encounters. They must guide our work. We want to help create pathways towards education, skills development, meaningful work, confidence and greater independence, shaped by each woman's circumstances and aspirations. This also means listening to women themselves, involving them in decisions and working with families and communities to challenge harmful attitudes.
Change will not happen in a single visit, and no foundation can transform every circumstance overnight. It takes sustained effort, trust, resources and collaboration. But we can begin by listening without judgement, connecting women with opportunities and continuing to show up. The women must not remain only the subjects of our stories; they must be supported as the authors of their own futures.
A personal connection
As the founder of Sharan Foundation and the author of my upcoming book, When She Chose Herself, I often reflect on how many women are taught to put others first and silence their own needs. During these village visits, I saw how easily a woman's dreams can be dismissed when others focus only on her limitations. I want these women to have the chance to make choices, build skills, contribute to their communities and shape lives they can be proud of.
Empowerment is not deciding what is best for someone else. It is ensuring that she has a voice, resources and opportunities to decide for herself. Disability must never be treated as a reason to deny a woman respect, participation or the chance to contribute.
Their stories should lead to change
When I think of the women we met in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Armori, I do not want to remember only their tears. I want to remember their determination and the dreams they were brave enough to share. I hope that when we return, we will hear stories of new skills, meaningful opportunities, growing confidence and greater independence.
This responsibility does not belong to one foundation alone. Individuals can volunteer, professionals can share their skills, organisations can collaborate, and communities can make room for disabled women to participate fully. Most importantly, we must ask women what they want for their own lives—and take their answers seriously.
The women I met are not defined by the people who rejected them, the taunts they endured or their disabilities. They are women with talents, dreams and a future. They were never less worthy because someone failed to understand them. Their stories are not over—and they deserve the opportunity to show the world what they can do.