Sambhali’s Driving Force

“I spent my childhood exposed to systematic discrimination and violence against women in my society. My father died when I was 15 years old – leaving my mother a widow, which is a difficult situation in India. In India, particularly Rajasthan, the patriarchal culture deprives widows of status, respect, and fundamental rights. My mother suddenly became an outcast in her close circles and was disrespected in her community. This goes for so many other women here, experiencing oppression and cruelty every single day simply because they were born female. I was removed from school and required to help run my household, and I started to comprehend better the plight of women and children in my local community. 

As I began to recognize the lack of resources and self-confidence, restricting access to better livelihoods, I was compelled to do something – and started within my home.

Our maid, Sumitra, had three daughters at home but no one to take care of them while she was working. They were unable to attend school, so I persuaded her to bring her children to our home the next day, where I could teach them to read and write. The following day, Sumitra brought 18 more girls with her. Six months later, and with the help of my mother, grandmother, family, and friends, Sambhali Trust was born - a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to empowering Rajasthan’s most underprivileged women through knowledge, skills, and self-esteem.”

 – Govind Singh Rathore, Founder, and CEO of Sambhali Trust