In the heart of Nallamur village, nestled within the Tindivanam Taluk of the Villupuram district, resides Ms. Govindhammal, a smallholder farmer whose life embodies resilience and transformation. Before her journey into leadership, she was confined by patriarchal norms and limited decision-making power within her household. Married into a family where autonomy was scarce, she struggled to assert herself and faced systemic gender inequality that restricted her opportunities for growth.
As a mother of three—two daughters and a son—she prioritized education for her children despite the financial constraints of subsistence farming. With only three acres of land, primarily dedicated to paddy and groundnut cultivation, she toiled under harsh economic realities. The absence of modern agricultural knowledge and limited exposure to technical training kept her yields low, perpetuating a cycle of hardship.
The gender barriers she encountered were deeply rooted in societal norms. Women in her community were rarely included in decision-making, both at home and in the farming sector. Training opportunities in agriculture were dominated by men, and women’s participation was often discouraged or ridiculed. She struggled with limited decision-making power, both in her household and in community affairs, which restricted her personal and professional growth.
Beyond external challenges, Ms. Govindhammal faced personal hurdles, including a lack of confidence and social conditioning that made her hesitant to assert her opinions. The burden of balancing family responsibilities with her aspirations further compounded her struggles. However, her determination to secure a better future for her children motivated her to seek change.
Ms. Govindhammal’s decision to participate in the Fairtrade Gender Leadership Initiative was fueled by her personal aspirations and a broader vision for women’s empowerment. She recognized the need for women to have a voice in agricultural decision-making and sought to equip herself with the skills necessary to lead her community toward progress. Her goal was not only to elevate her own position but to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for other women farmers.
As she engaged with the program, she developed specific competencies in decision-making, management, and leadership. The training fostered her confidence, enabling her to confront challenges both within her organization and in her personal life. She used to afraid to take or communicate any her feelings or decision in the community as well in the company. After the training her confidence level was high and she was tough to deal any person without proper reasons or information. She took a lot responsibility to tackle the company’s major issues and problems.
During the training, she underwent a significant mindset shift. From hesitating to voice her opinions in meetings to confidently articulating her perspectives, she emerged as a formidable leader. The program’s emphasis on participatory decision-making empowered her to navigate leadership roles effectively and challenge gender biases within her community.
Her role transcended mere management as she initiated seed production for groundnut and paddy cultivation, thereby enhancing agricultural output and securing additional revenue streams for the company. Emphasizing the support received from NAFPCL—highlighted by the provision of essential facilities such as well rejuvenation for irrigation and technical training—she articulated how this assistance translated into tangible benefits for her family. Her anecdote, reflecting on the successful marriages of her daughters and her son’s employment in a reputable private company, exemplifies the far-reaching impact of her work at NAFPCL on her personal life, ensuring both financial stability and a secure future for her family.
She took on a leadership role in organizing a women farmer producer group. Her energy and commitment to this cause were instrumental in the establishment of the Nallavur
Farmer Producer Company Limited (NAFPCL), which brought together over 1,000 smallholders (97 percent of whom were women) as shareholders. NAFPCL election to the board of directors of NAFPCL was a significant milestone, not only for her but for the representation of women in agricultural decision-making. Her proactive nature and dedication to the company’s activities ensured her continuous re-election, underscoring the trust and respect she garnered from her peers.
After completing the training, Ms. Govindhammal assumed key responsibilities within the Nallavur Farmer Producer Company Limited (NAFPCL). She was elected to the board of directors, a role that enabled her to influence policies, advocate for women’s participation, and drive initiatives that uplifted smallholder farmers.
One of her most significant contributions was the rejuvenation of an abandoned irrigation well, a project that had been neglected for over two decades. With financial and technical assistance from NAFPCL, she spearheaded efforts to restore the well, enabling year-round cultivation on her land and encouraging other farmers to adopt sustainable irrigation practices.
As chair of the procurement committee, she tackled seasonal challenges and ensured fair pricing for farmers. Additionally, she took charge of the value addition center, overseeing a Rs. 20 lakh operation that processed pulses, extracted oil, and improved groundnut quality. Her leadership in restructuring pricing strategies led to the processing and sale of over 50 tons of pulses in the first year, enhancing both productivity and profitability.
Her leadership has had a transformative impact on NAFPCL, increasing women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles. The organization now boasts a more inclusive structure, with women actively involved in shaping its policies and operations. This shift has led to improved livelihoods, better market access, and higher economic stability for female farmers in the region.
Beyond the organization, her influence extends into the broader community. By promoting sustainable farming techniques, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and mentoring young women, she has fostered a culture of empowerment. Families have benefited from increased incomes, improved educational opportunities for children, and a gradual dismantling of gender-based barriers.
Her journey from a marginalized smallholder to a respected leader within her community exemplifies the transformative power of empowerment initiatives aimed at women in agriculture. Her story underscores the importance of education, community support, and the need to challenge patriarchal structures that inhibit women’s progress. Through her active participation in NAFPCL and her commitment to improving agricultural practices, she has not only uplifted her own family but has also inspired a collective movement among women farmers in twelve villages. She has epitomized the ideals of empowerment, resilience, and mutual growth—transformative qualities that are critical for fostering a thriving agricultural community in the face of modern challenges Her narrative is a compelling reminder that when
women are given the tools and opportunities to succeed, they can drive significant change, fostering resilience and prosperity within their communities.
