We need to form a committee with five adolescent girls and five women, who will identify local problems and bring them to the president’s attention, so that solutions can be achieved.
Women and young people in tea garden communities often struggle with discrimination, limited access to education, poor healthcare, and unequal job opportunities. These challenges not only restrict their potential but also prevent them from achieving self-reliance and equal participation in society.
To address these issues, the Youth for Policy Sreemangal Committee, supported by the Youth for Policy central team, organized a Social Accountability Advocacy Forum in Sreemangal. The event created a space for women, youth, parents, tea garden leaders, and representatives from MSEDA to come together, share experiences, and plan collective actions for community change.
In this forum, Sima Hazra (Parent) said that discussions should be held with the tea garden manager regarding why children of tea garden workers do not get good positions in the gardens. She also emphasized the need for skill development training.
Rita Gomala (Community Promoter) said that raising awareness through courtyard meetings is necessary for establishing women’s rights.
During the forum, participants highlighted the urgent need for:
- Regular courtyard meetings on women’s rights
- Formation of a women’s committee with adolescent girls and women
- Awareness sessions for both men and women
- Improved employment opportunities for boys and girls in tea gardens
- Skill development training to ensure self-reliance
The tea garden president welcomed these proposals, recognizing the role of women and youth in shaping solutions for the community.
Research conducted by local youth on Social Accountability also revealed deeper challenges faced by the community, including gender-based discrimination, lack of social security, limited education, health issues, inequality in workplaces, and vulnerability to natural disasters. These findings underscored the urgency of implementing the forum’s action plan.
The forum concluded with a clear message: when women, youth, leaders, and stakeholders unite with accountability and inclusiveness, tea garden communities can move towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.