A Hero among the ‘Sheros’

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There is no force more powerful than a woman who is determined to rise. Glass ceilings, Patriarchy, Gender pay gap, Sexist workplace policies, and just male privilege — a lot of challenges dot a woman’s path to success, but many have taken on the mantle to power through them all and succeed against all odds. Here’s a success story of women empowerment, led by a distinguished father of the Jesuit province that changed the lives of many in the rural areas of Sonitpur.

Father Oscar Pereira belongs to the Jesuits of the Bombay province, he came chiefly to start social work for the whole of the northeast through the Jesuit organisation.  The initial start began with promoting the Self Help Groups (SHGs). Within a year the organisation was recognised by the Government. Currently, it is funded by Caring Friends, Mumbai (Through Action North East Trust, Bongaigaon), and Assam Investment Advisory Society.)

Oscar Pereira’s journey to Balipara and the subsequent steps taken to establish the MASK foundation in a place unknown to him is quite interesting and inspiring.

During my visit to the organisation, I had the privilege of meeting Father Oscar Pereira. Every four months, he travels to Balipara to oversee their operations and offer immediate assistance where needed. Following the establishment of MASK in 2002 and its formal registration in 2006, Father Pereira entrusted the leadership of the organisation to the women who have been involved with MASK since its inception.

“These women were the pioneering members of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) initiated by MASK. Initially inexperienced in the realm of NGOs or SHGs, they embarked on this journey raw and unversed. However, through rigorous training and diligent examination of SHG accounts, meeting minutes, and procedural formats, they transformed into adept practitioners. Within a relatively short span of a year, they evolved into experts, even participating alongside me in training programs.” Said Oscar Pereira, the founder of MASK.

“They stand as beacons of inspiration within their communities and neighborhoods. Witnessing their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, numerous others were drawn to join and align with MASK's mission. What began as an ordinary village girl's journey, initially unfamiliar with administrative tasks, has now blossomed into a leadership role overseeing projects worth lakhs. Remarkably, they have mastered the intricacies of SHG account management, including trial balances, balance sheets, and double-entry systems, all without the formal training of a B.Com degree.” he added.

Under the mentorship of Father Oscar Pereira, their journey began, and today they stand as independent agents of change. Despite operating with limited staff, their extensive involvement across diverse sectors fosters a sense of unity akin to a cohesive family.

The unwavering commitment and dedication of Popy Marak, Eliza Boro, and Sushila Sangma, guided by Father Oscar Pereira, have significantly impacted numerous lives. Their efforts have facilitated the convergence of various communities, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and gender, all in collaboration with MASK.

"When I first encountered this organization, the world of NGOs and SHGs was entirely foreign to me, a realm I was utterly unfamiliar with. Yet, with the guidance of Father Pereira, we embarked on our journeys. It wasn't without its challenges; earning the trust of communities and their members demanded perseverance. We weathered criticism united as one, overcoming every obstacle that stood in our path. Reflecting on our journey today, we proudly affirm that a single decision of ours has sparked profound change," remarked Popy Marak, Assistant Director of MASK.

MASK has successfully completed over 20 projects, spanning both local and international spheres. Collaborations with esteemed entities such as the Tata Memorial Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, Dabur, Google project, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, State Government Projects, and NABARD have yielded transformative outcomes for numerous lives.

The active involvement of rural communities in these initiatives, alongside the sustenance of their livelihoods through diverse CSR projects, has not only nourished their children but also enriched the wider community.

Presently, MASK is executing a livelihood project, backed by THF-NFI since 2015. Encompassing ten villages, this ongoing endeavor is currently in its third year of implementation, slated for completion by September 30, 2018.

With a team of approximately 15 dedicated staff members, MASK diligently tends to the needs of nearly 70 villages within the Sonitpur district. Since its inception, three remarkable women—Popy Marak, now serving as Assistant Director; Eliza (Purnima) Boro, holding the position of Secretary cum Director; and Sushila Sangma, serving as Joint Secretary—have been wholeheartedly engaged in advancing MASK's mission.

"The path of MASK was fraught with challenges. We faced substantial criticism from our own community, enduring moral degradation and moments of despair. Throughout it all, the unwavering support and guidance of Father Pereira served as our beacon of hope," expressed a member of MASK reflecting on its inception.

The dedication of Popy Marak, Eliza Boro, and Sushila Sangma, under Father Oscar Pereira's tutelage, has wrought transformative changes in numerous lives. Their efforts have fostered unity among diverse communities, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and gender biases.

Mahila Shakti Kendra stands as a federation of over 100 SHGs across 33 villages in Balipara Block, Sonitpur District. Initiated on April 1, 2002, when 25 SHGs united to form a sustainable federation, it emerged from the nurturing provided by Gana Chetana Samaj. MASK's primary objective has been the socio-economic empowerment of women in Balipara Block. Since its registration in 2006, MASK has tirelessly pursued socio-economic development for the marginalized and impoverished, with a particular focus on women's empowerment.

Today, MASK boasts ownership of its own land, where its office stands as a residence for employees hailing from distant locales. Thanks to timely allocations from various organisations, these funds not only fulfill the organisation's needs but also cater to the welfare of its staff.

Titled 'A Hero Among the Sheroes,' this story pays homage to Father Oscar Pereira, the visionary behind MASK. It was his foresight that initiated the journey toward recognising the imperative unity among marginalized communities. His commendable vision extended to empowering women by providing them with essential platforms to address their needs.

At 71 years old, Father Pereira's dedication to community work remains unwavering. He continues to oversee the training and management of numerous Jesuit provinces in the Northeast, demonstrating steadfast energy and vigour in his commitment to serving others.

Similar to Popy, Eliza, and Sushila, countless women harbour aspirations for advancement. Yet, societal ills and community issues often confine these aspirations within the confines of their homes. MASK offers a platform not only for women but also for men and society as a whole, dedicated to dismantling prevailing social barriers. Through dialogues, interactive sessions, and comprehensive training, MASK endeavours to reach out to its community with a steadfast commitment to uplifting livelihoods across all strata of society.

Sharing a YouTube link to a video that I made on my way to the 'MASK'

Location: Balipara, Assam, India

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