Shantha Ragunathan: The Woman Who Lifted An Entire Village By Uplifting Its Women!

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When Shantha took up a volunteer job at a local government office in the village of Kodapattinam, situated in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district, she had no idea that her life would change forever — and not only her life, but that she would inspire, empower and transform several other lives!

Shantha (who, like many women where she lives, doesn’t use her last name) was born amidst extreme poverty, had lost her parents at the age of six and was married in an extremely poorer family. Life was hard — but it became harder after her children were born — she was unable to make ends meet and support her two kids.

The idea of volunteering at the government office was to get some exposure to a wider world beyond her immediate family and community. The job gave her nothing except for reimbursing her bus fares, but she did get an experience of working in an office and networking with government workers and business people — and that’s what she was looking for.

It was during her tenure at that office when she heard of self-help groups (SHGs) — the idea was based on the model of microfinance — and Shantha believed that this could alleviate her poverty. The prerequisite was that each individual from the group had to contribute an equal amount of money to avail a matched amount of loan by the bank with subsidised interest rates.

The process was then followed by the submission of business ideas by the group, and if approved, the loan could be used to get their business going, and part of their revenues could be used to repay the loan over time.

All Shantha wished was a minimum of 20 women willing to contribute INR 10 each to start the group. But her fate wanted to test her — and it took her more than two years to find those 20 women. This would be enough to picturise the poverty level and poor condition of that village I assume!

Shantha never gave up. She went from door to door — tried several times to convince those women — gave them ideas to save that INR 10, which we randomly spend on chocolate or cigarettes! And she did it.

The bank, initially, was not ready to believe her plans, because she was a woman, but this gritty lady did not give up even then. After six months, she was able to convince the bank, and in her words, she learnt to deal with such issues herself. And as of today, the bank trusts them more than they trust most men in her village.

Shantha’s self-help groups (SHGs) AKA microfinance group started with buying cows and selling their milk. In 2009, she came in contact with a Chennai-based bag manufacturer which was looking to outsource the packaging part of its business. Keeping the financial well-being of the women of her village, she immediately agreed to the deal.

It took her some time to find a space for this job and to convince more women to join it, but eventually, it kicked off, and she employed more women over the years. You can guess the profit by the fact that they managed to manufacture more than 5,000 bags per week with a strength of 26 women in the group. These are the women whose lives were drastically transformed by employment. They became more self-independent, empowered and self-sufficient.

Shantha’s self-help groups (SHGs) also serve as a model for women in other villages. She helps other women to begin from scratch, and she continues to inspire others to move forward in their life.

As for herself and her kids — her son is the first graduate and an engineer from her family to work at a reputed company — she owns a concrete house, a television, a fan, a bed, a stove and a dignified life which each of us work hard to live.

“I was the only one excited about it. But I knew I should start it in my village. Today, we have a great track record…with the bank. The women recognise the fact that there are several of us…and we are all responsible for each other, so everyone pays on time. Looking at how well we managed (it), the bank called us and asked us to help start groups in surrounding villages. After I started about two groups, I trained people to start their own groups. I’m living happily and peacefully,” Shantha told the BBC.

October 17 is observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty throughout the world. As per the United Nations, high poverty rates are often found in small, fragile and conflict-affected countries, and as of 2018, 55% of the world’s population have no access to at least one social protection cash benefit.

The theme for the Day this year addresses the challenge of achieving social and environmental justice for all. Individuals like Shantha, who thinks of others upliftment along with theirs, are much needed for this society right now, and Infano intends to be one of them — by empowering more women, bringing more such stories to you with a hope to bring a light of change. #EndPoverty #InfanoWomen

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Highlights

The adjective empath is derived from the word empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand the emotions and perspectives of others even if one is not necessarily going through the same.

Female empaths can be the most emotionally intelligent, intuitive, committed, caring and fiercely independent women you have in your life.

It is wonderful to have a female empath as a partner or friend as they can sense your needs and emotions even if you are struggling to confront them.

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Some people get distraught too when their friend is nursing a grief. Sometimes they may feel that other’s pain is affecting them more than it’s affecting the actual sufferer. They need a break from time to time from the overwhelming crowd to refuel their energy. Few people are good face readers. Well, they might be an empath and still not be aware of this special virtue.

Who are empaths?

The adjective empath is derived from the word empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand the emotions and perspectives of others even if someone is not necessarily going through the same. It is the single most wonderful quality which is needed in this insensitive, self-centred world, especially in these difficult times. But this ability can be intensely draining for the empaths themselves. The sensibility of an empath is a gift for their friends and family for their caring and helping nature as they are excellent listeners and intelligent enough to come up with answers but this constant tendency of living on other’s experiences can be damaging to their mental health. Empathy without boundaries can be self-destructive.

What makes a female empath?

Female empaths can be the most emotionally intelligent, intuitive, committed, caring and fiercely independent women you have in your life.

Any relationship with a female empath is one of the most fulfilling relationships of life but not everyone is prepared for the kind of commitment and transparency they carry along in their personality.

It can be a bit overwhelming, especially for commitment-phobic men or looking for casual short term relationships. In friendships, empaths can be very generous, giving and intuitive to sense their friend’s needs and feelings but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to reciprocate the same dedication and hypersensitivity towards them.

Some of the influencial women of the world who are recognized as hypersensitive and an empath are Nicole Kidman (actress and philanthropist ), Cate Blanchett (actress and philanthropist), Mother Teressa(Nobel Peace Prize winning Saint), Eleanor Roosevelt (former first lady of USA) and Hillary Swank ( Academy Award winning actress).

Let’s look at some of the traits of female empaths

1. They can sense the untold needs and emotions-

It is wonderful to have a female empath as a partner or friend as they can sense your needs and emotions even if you are struggling to confront them. They can even understand the feelings which you cannot find words to express. You are in the best company with female empaths if you need a partner who understands you thoroughly as they can see through you.

However, it can be a bit much for men who have been conditioned to hide their emotions throughout their lives. They can be uncomfortable in their minds and face being read all the time.

1Female empath in a relationship can put her partner’s needs above her.

2. They expect nothing but 100% honesty-

Honesty is an integral part of their personality. It is something the female empaths live with every day. Lies, deceit, insincerity and hypocrisy are absolute no-no in their all relationships. They would rather break off ties with liars and cheaters.

Moreover, you cannot over smart them. They can read all your lies and be brutally honest about their feelings in your face. It’s not easy for many people who insert little lies in their statements and for whom it’s no big deal.

3. They are very intuitive-

Female empaths are walking talking energy catchers. No one needs to tell them upfront but they can feel the energy of a place, person and circumstances. They are hypersensitive to pick up the vibes instantly therefore social circumstances may leave them emotionally as well as physically drained. If you are in a relationship with them, you both need to set boundaries about partying and frequently visiting crowded places like bars, musical concerts and events. Don’t worry they will be empathetic enough to let you live your way if you let them be themselves.

4. Not a small talker-

Empaths prefer deep conversations, although they mostly make great listeners than a talker. Dissing, gossiping, bitching or any negative conversation is off the list.

They will give subtle hints about stepping aside from negative conversation by using their wit and humour or they can be bold enough to ask you to stop directly. It’s quite a tricky position because empaths are the magnets who attract toxic and narcissistic persons as they give the vibes of a great listener.

5. They are givers-

Empaths are unconditional givers. They often have a hard time saying no to someone. Most of the time they can’t stop themselves from helping others in need. When a female empath gets into a relationship with a man she will give everything to nurture that bond. She may act like a mother while taking care of her man and therefore, it can be a bit overwhelming for the men as they may not handle the attention.

Setting definite boundaries will help. It will be better for empaths to draw the line themselves as sometimes receivers will drain them completely without reciprocating the same. At other times, receivers need to tell the givers that they are getting uncomfortable with the intensity of attention.

6. Natural Healers-

Have you watched the video in which a white-clothed empath walks out from his home? In the way outwards with every encounter and after listening to everyone’s grief his conscience keeps on getting darker and in the end, it turns all black. Once he reaches back home, his dog rushes towards him, he hugs his dog and all his darkness fades away, he is back to his bright self. It’s pretty much how the empaths heal.

They heal best amidst nature and animals. They treat animals and plants as their humans. They need and truly cherish their solitude. They need to take a break from socializing from time to time. They are better off in the woods with their dogs and cats. The friends, family and partners of female empaths should just accept them as they are.

Empath with pet — Empaths treat their pets like humans.

7. Great listeners and advisers

The reason why they are so popular amongst everyone despite not loving the attention is that they reflect the positive healing vibes.

Not only their friends often turn up to them for advice but often even strangers want to share their problems with the empaths. Why shouldn’t they? After all, empaths make great listeners, always looking to help the ones in need and intuitive and sharp enough to always find the answers.

8.They are passionate.

Nothing is mediocre in the lives of empaths. They can’t help but live in extremes. Their love, their detest, their bereavement all emotions are over the top. Female empaths are passionate, once they set their heart on someone then they are either present in the relationship with 200% or not present at all.

They are meant for life-long, deeper bonds and stay away from casual hookups and one night stands which is a little offbeat in the age of Tinder and online dating.

Doctor Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist and an empath and she specializes in treating highly sensitive people. Her research in the field is published in New York Times best-selling book The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies For Sensitive People.

This article uses references to her book and Instagram posts.

Also read – https://infano.care/safe-places-for-women-solo-travellers-post-pandemic/