History

The 1990s marked a transformative era in rural Rajasthan, particularly in the Tonk, Ajmer, and Bhilwara districts, where women’s activism began to reshape local societal narratives. This period highlighted tensions between local communities and the state due to development projects that displaced villages, notably the Bisalpur Dam Project, where women like Dhapoo Bai, Patasi Bai, Bardi Bai, Bhanwari Bai and many more emerged as leaders in the struggle for their rights to land and resources, ultimately compelling the state to implement a new resettlement policy that recognized women’s entitlements.

Around this time, the region also witnessed an horrific incident—the abduction and gang rape of Dhapoo Bai which spurred community action against local liquor barons and challenged entrenched power dynamics that perpetuated violence. Concurrently, constitutional amendments granting women 33% reservation in local governance marked a significant turning point for women’s political participation in rural Rajasthan. The villages were alive with discussions on governance as women began asserting their rights within the panchayats. The decade saw the emergence of female sarpanches (village heads), a symbolic victory for women in a deeply patriarchal society. Women like Chhaggi Bai were elected to important political positions, but their leadership also exposed the violence and hardships that came with their roles. For women to lead, they had to overcome social and familial pressures, dealing with everything from personal violence to the loss of family support.

Women like Chhaggi Bai, Bimla Devi, Gyarsi Bai, Chuka Bai, Kali Devi, Meera Bai, and Kaushalya Devi became the torchbearers of this revolutionary movement, transforming their villages into centers of grassroots democracy. In 1997, Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti (MJAS) was officially founded to consolidate these efforts and amplify the voices for women’s rights in the region.

Over time, MJAS took a firm stance against the widespread violence that women faced, especially in their struggle for justice. One landmark event took place in 2007 was the “Public Hearing on rape cases”. Over 30 cases of sexual violence were discussed, shedding light on the systemic failure to deliver justice. This hearing revealed how powerful perpetrators, including doctors, police officers, and politicians, often went unpunished, and emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect women from violence.

The organization’s work expanded over the years to include issues like land rights, access to water, combating caste discrimination, and preventing child marriages. MJAS took a strong stance against practices like witch-hunting and honor killings, organizing protests, legal actions, and awareness campaigns. They also worked with state and district-level institutions to implement legal reforms and ensure better governance for women and marginalized communities.

In the process, MJAS became a beacon of hope for thousands of rural women. Today, the organization stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements, a living example of how women, when united, can challenge and change the most oppressive systems. The journey of MJAS is one of resilience, unity, and an unyielding belief in justice and equality.