Transform Rural India (TRI) marked another step in its work on women’s literacy and agency by supporting the inauguration of a new Jeevanshala at Ujala Mahila Gram Sangathan in Paniyara. The centre is the second Jeevanshala to be set up under the Pragati Cluster Level Federation, and eleven women enrolled on the first day, many of whom have had little or no access to formal education.

The women who signed up did not come with fixed expectations of what learning would look like. For most of them, official paperwork had always meant thumb impressions or signatures copied from memory. Joining Jeevanshala was driven by a shared desire to move beyond this to read simple information, write with confidence, and manage basic calculations in daily life.

The sessions are being facilitated by Varsha, President of the Village Organisation. Her involvement began much earlier, when she started helping SHG women practise writing their signatures. As more women expressed interest, it became clear that occasional support was not enough. What was needed was a regular, dependable learning space, one that women could attend without hesitation.

When Jeevanshala was formally initiated, Varsha Didi took on the responsibility of leading the sessions herself. Her role within the Village Organisation helped build immediate trust. Women who were initially unsure about attending felt more comfortable learning under the guidance of someone they already knew and worked with.

Support from the Village Organisation followed quickly. During discussions, VO members acknowledged the commitment shown by the women who enrolled and collectively decided to purchase and distribute stationery for all interested didis. The decision was taken together, ensuring that access to basic learning materials would not become a barrier to participation. The move reflected a sense of shared ownership over the initiative.

Jeevanshala functions as a women-led learning centre, where women from the community volunteer to teach other women. The focus is on basic Hindi, English, and mathematics, closely linked to everyday needs such as reading simple information, handling forms, and managing calculations. Classes are held two to three days a week and follow a flexible schedule, allowing women to balance learning with household responsibilities.

Many of the women attending Jeevanshala had never been to school. In the initial sessions, hesitation was visible. Some were unsure whether they would be able to learn or keep pace with others. Building confidence and ensuring regular attendance has been one of the main challenges. Over time, however, the presence of peers and the familiarity of the learning space has helped women return and continue.

Jeevanshala was initiated to address low literacy levels among women, their dependence on others for basic daily tasks, and the lack of confidence that often follows. The initiative began in September and is currently operational across several villages in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh.

The programme is supported by Transform Rural India and anchored within existing community institutions such as Village Organisations and Cluster Level Federations. By relying on local leadership rather than external facilitators, Jeevanshala remains closely connected to women’s everyday realities.

The inauguration in Paniyara reflects the continuation of this approach, showing how women-led decisions, local leadership, and consistent support can create learning spaces that women are willing to enter and sustain over time.