Women’s Sports Day in Thumbasoge and Kalihundy cluster of villages

Wound deep within the web of patriarchy, women look for pathways by which they can unwind themselves from the rigid mindset of society. Through their interactions with our team members and the sakhis, they have begun to publicly question these existing norms. They have also come to realize the power of working as a group, particularly in matters of establishing their rights and freedoms.

The concept of ‘questioning’ the system can come in different forms. In various villages of Mysore, for instance, women and girls are not allowed to go out into the playground or take part in sports activities. These were limited to only men and adolescent boys, and instead women were asked to stay in their homes, and restrict themselves to traditional household activities.

In the months of July and August 2019, the women from the villages of Thumbasoge and Kalihundy decided to reclaim their right to public spaces in the villages. A sports day event was organized in each of these cluster of villages. In Thumbasoge, we saw the participation of 75 women and 15 Kishories, while in Kalihundy, 87 women participated in the event.

The women excitedly participated in the events – the lemon and spoon race, the water balance challenge, tug of war – and even requested the team to continue organizing such similar events in the future.