The laughter does not bother her any more

Swarnnalata never knew what it is to own a land and live on it. Her father was a poor farmer at the mercy of the landlords and she was married to a man who works hard enough to run the family but the income is not enough to build a home. The area where her hay roof stands are under lease. The owners of the field have raised issues with open defecation just by the edge of the road. She knows that they are not wrong in doing so, but her financial condition is not sound to build a toilet. “The land is not mine, no one leaves a single chance to prick me with it”, her statement reflected how this hurt her prestige. Adding to this she had to face recurring comments from passerby. Swarnnalata unveiled that the men and women inside cars would peep out to see what activity was being done. She could see them laughing. They were no better than the local curs abusing her. The risks these women face every day are so deep-rooted in the daily activities that none can blame them for it. I asked her how did she cope up with the abuse and with a smile she says that she is has learned to turn a deaf ear to all this, this is what she taught her daughters too. After attending the awareness programs, she was motivated to take the loan for the toilet. It is the only thing she owns actually, her only property. The kids would stand for hours in front of the construction area to see what was being built. She will never forget the excitement in their eyes. She uses the toilet to keep her husband’s bicycle secured inside when he gets back from his saloon. This toilet is much more than just a defecating area. She associates a sense of owing with it.