Women with iron muscles

​Kamareddy: The effect of feminism might be ineffective in rural areas but there are some socio-economic factors leading to reversal of roles for men and women.

Sometimes some so-called ‘manly’ industries have become permissible to women. Not just white collar jobs and IT industry, hiring women into areas like construction and other high-testosterone jobs is gradually increasing.

Women from Kamareddy district stand like icons by taking up ‘hamali’ jobs, which are commonly considered manly. Lifting bags of 50-60 kg weight under the scorching sun is not an easy task.

But Sangavva of Raghavapally in Nagireddipet mandal has been working as a hamali in paddy procurement centre for seven years. She surprised everyone by carrying the bags on her back like other male colleagues and taking the bags for weighing.

“We are all working together. I don’t feel that I am different. I have been working for years,” said Sangavva.

Ramesh, the head of the hamalis said that they do not practice gender discrimination. “We can make both ends meet when every member of the family works,” he said.

There is another woman, Bujjavva who also works along with Sangavva, has all smiles and even surprised why women should not be allowed to such workplaces.

There are almost 10 women hamalis working in various paddy purchasing centres in the district. The unexpected weather and untimely rains are forcing the purchasing centres to speed up the process. Women are actively involving in the process on par with their male colleagues.

Kamareddy female hamalis stand as new models for the integrity of women by showing they are no lesser to men in hard work and earning. Appreciations started showering on them from all quarters of people including officials and peoples representatives.

Now women are in the arena competing with males to prove that they are not only mentally strong, but also physically. They are becoming capable of using their muscles and nerves to their maximum.

By: Asad Ahmed