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Ranjita is from the 150 Mn-strong Nomadic tribal community in India who have been
criminalized since colonial British times. Disparagingly called “criminal tribes”, her community never had access to formal financial institutions or microfinance.
She has been organizing in her community since she was a teenager and has successfully set up the first-ever nomadic-tribe and women-led financial institution that contextualized microfinance to the specific needs of the women from her community. Her organization, SKS, addresses quality education among children studying in primary schools, promotes girls education, and engages boys and men in the fight against patriarchy.
We asked her about the importance of teamwork and engagement in creating change. Here’s what she had to say:
I believe that an individual can lead a change in a community. However, it will be meaningless if it is not carried forward by another individual with the same passion and commitment. I have been reading of books written by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shri Laxman Mane, Shri Laxman Gaikwad, Anand Yadav, Kishor Kale etc, their writings have influenced lakhs of Dalit youth. However, very few have been able to initiate and sustain the change. I have committed to creating enabling environment for my team members so that they will lead the change.
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