Raise Your Voice.
Take Decisions
into Your Own Hands.

Runa Gazi is a homemaker from a low-income family in Kalidanga. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her family faced severe financial hardship when her husband’s daily-wage work was disrupted. Yet Runa remained determined to ensure that her son’s education did not stop.

Her journey began when she became associated with Nari Sakti, an initiative supported by SPAN. Through regular meetings and awareness activities, Runa gained confidence, knowledge and the courage to engage with government services and local institutions.

She soon began helping other women access government schemes and services and encouraged them to participate in Panchayat and Block-level processes.

With the support of Nari Sakti, Runa played an important role in helping around 25 families in Kalidanga’s Colony Para receive land pattas, bringing greater security and dignity to these families.

Runa now actively participates in campaigns on children’s education, nutrition, health and women’s rights, while encouraging other women to raise their voices and participate in community decision-making.

Under her leadership, women in the community have also started a small pickle-making business. Their next goal is to develop their own brand and build sustainable livelihoods.

Runa’s story reflects a powerful change: when women gain knowledge, confidence and opportunities, they can become leaders—not only in their own lives, but in their entire communities.