Our fellow Pushpa Kumari hails from Hanumangarh Rajasthan.

Pushpa grew up in a middle class family where she is the youngest among three sisters. She said her Father encouraged her education and she was able to get a Master's degree in Sociology, A computer science engineering diploma and a bachelor's degree in library science.

Growing up however there were certain patriarchal norms that she had to follow as a girl. She recalls “we were told to sit in a certain way and talk in a certain way and always be proper”.

After her marriage she became more politically active as her husband was also involved in politics.

She began working for women within her community, making them aware of their rights and helping women apply for jobs. However many times when seeking aid and advice from local politicians, councilors, MLA's and MP's she was shocked at the disinterest and rude behaviour of them against the public.

There were issues of sanitation, a slow public service delivery system where women didn't receive their Ration cards. She created awareness among women about government schemes and politics they can avail like Ekal Vidhyalaya.

She has received many accolades like Hanumangarh Ke Ratna for her outstanding contribution to society.

She decided to participate in local politics but didn't get access or a platform to participate. But she continued to remain active in her field.

She joined Indian Youth Congress and became State General Secretary and State Mahila Sachiv.

She then came across the Indira fellowship and she uses this platform to make women understand the message of 50% Haq and Hissedari.

She wants women at the grassroots levels to be empowered decision makers, she wants women to have more economic rights and employment. She wants to eradicate patriarchal norms and constraints that are placed on women.

Her work with her Shakti clubs has given her recognition and confidence to speak with the media raising issues of women on her terms.