In Tamil Nadu’s Pallur village, a stunning change is underway. A group of Dalit women—historically marginalized and landless—are transforming barren land into thriving farms. Led by community organizer Shakila Kalaiselvan, these women are not just cultivating crops, but also challenging deep-rooted caste and gender discrimination. Their initiative began with courage and sisterhood, as Shakila went door to door rallying support for a shared dream of self-reliance.

Breaking Ground: Dalit Women Reclaim Land and Dignity

Turning unused land into productive farms was no easy feat. For women who typically survive on daily wages, waiting months for a harvest was extremely challenging. Yet, they persisted. Today, eighty women work in teams, sharing labor and resources. Their success has brought more than food—it’s brought change in many areas. As Burnad Fathima Natesan, a Dalit women’s rights activist, explains, these women no longer endure abuse while working on dominant-caste farms. Now, they grow mangoes in their own gardens, reclaiming both dignity and independence.

Sowing Seeds of Social Change

The movement is about more than farming. It’s about building a sustainable village with equal access to water, education, and healthcare—services long denied to Dalit communities. Shakila Kalaiselvan points out the stark inequality: essential services are located in dominant-caste areas, leaving Dalit communities with nothing. These women aim to dismantle the structures that exclude them. As they gain financial freedom and assets, they are also experiencing less domestic violence and greater respect. Their journey is a powerful example of how grassroots action can bring real transformation.