Sukhwinder Kaur, 57, of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari), is one of the few women leaders playing a leading role in the farmers’ movement, determined to continue until their demands are met. She was the only woman in the 28-member farmers’ delegation that held discussions with Union ministers recently. It is not just the farmers’ movement, she has been a voice for women for decades, encouraging them to step forward and fight for their rights. Kaur shares her journey with LokMarg’s Mamta Sharma:
How did you get involved in the farmers’ movement? Was there a particular moment that pushed you toward activism?
My journey began during my student years. At that time, I was somewhat active in student politics, but I wasn’t fully immersed in it. I didn’t study very deeply, but I always had an interest in social and political events. After completing my education, I got married, and it was after that that I started engaging with the farmers’ movement. In 1991, I began understanding farmers’ issues and actively participating in the movement. At that time, I wasn’t in a leadership role but would travel from village to village, gathering women and bringing them to protests and programs. My role was simply to connect women with the movement so they too could raise their voices.
One of the major issues farmers faced was government policies, which directly impacted their land and livelihood. The agreements made by the government were highly detrimental to farmers, but at that time, very few people in the villages understood the severity of this threat. Farmers believed their land was secure and were complacent about their future. But the reality was different. Many farmers were burdened with heavy debts and faced threats of land seizures from banks. Whenever a case of land confiscation arose, we would come together to confront the authorities and prevent the land from being taken. In Punjab, we successfully saved many pieces of farmland from being seized, and this struggle continued.
Agriculture is the backbone of Punjab, and its impact extends across society. More than 50% of people are still engaged in farming, and despite urbanization, agriculture remains the primary source of income. Even in recent years, especially after COVID-19, there has been a noticeable migration of people from cities back to villages. Salaried individuals who once moved to cities hoping to provide better education and employment opportunities for their children are now returning to rural areas due to increasing job insecurity.
What has been the role of women in the farmers’ movement, and how has it evolved over time?
The role of women in the farmers’ movement has continuously evolved over time. In the early days, their leadership role was limited—they participated in protests, but the responsibilities remained with the men. We tried to bring women into leadership positions, but this change happened gradually. Elderly women in villages were not always keen on social change, and due to traditional mindsets, creating an independent platform for women was not easy. Despite these challenges, efforts were made to organize women, and separate women’s organizations were also formed, though their impact remained limited at first. However, slowly, their perspectives began to shift, and today we can see a large number of women actively participating in movements.
Over the past 10-15 years, there has been a significant change in societal attitudes. Earlier, girls’ education and careers were viewed within a limited scope—most were encouraged to become teachers or nurses at best. But today, they are going abroad, becoming financially independent, and supporting their families. When daughters who have succeeded overseas send money back home, their opinions start to hold weight, strengthening the position of women in society and giving them a sense of self-reliance. The farmers’ movement has also played a crucial role in this transformation. Women who were traditionally confined to their homes have stepped forward and actively participated in protests. Even though land was not registered in their names, their lives and families depended on agriculture. So, for them, this was not just a farmers’ movement—it was an opportunity to empower themselves and amplify their voices.
Women spoke to the media, participated in rallies, and demonstrated their solidarity. This was not just a farmers’ struggle, but a societal movement that further reinforced Punjab’s long-standing tradition of resistance. Even today, women continue to be a part of the farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border. However, their numbers fluctuate—some women join in, while others leave. But on special occasions like March 8 (International Women’s Day), there are organized efforts to mobilize women in large numbers. It is estimated that thousands of women will participate on that day, showing that they are not just supporters but also emerging as leaders.
This journey has not been easy for women, but they have made their presence felt and played a critical role in shifting societal perceptions. Today, they are not only fighting for farmers’ rights but also standing up for their own dignity and justice.
As a woman leader, what challenges have you faced, especially in a male-dominated movement?
Although women are actively participating in movements and social struggles, working as a woman leader is not easy. Society is still deeply influenced by a male-dominated mindset. Women have to work much harder than their male counterparts to be considered worthy of leadership. Moreover, the domestic responsibilities of women are never recognized as part of their struggle or contribution. Women not only have to remain active in the movement but also manage their household and family duties. This is why they have to put in twice the effort to carve out their space and make their voices heard.
The labour of women often goes unacknowledged, but the day their efforts are properly accounted for, it will expose the greatest theft in history. In the early days, when journalists visited the protest sites, they would only focus on male leaders. I would watch as they filmed only those women who looked exhausted and vulnerable, especially when they were seen working at the protest sites. No one approached the women who were capable of leading or voicing their opinions.
This was either an unconscious bias or a deliberate one. Even female journalists did the same—they wanted to portray women only as subjects of sympathy, not as powerful leaders. In fact, it was only recently that toilet facilities were arranged for women. In the initial months of the movement, I would go the entire day without drinking water because there were no restrooms. I would wait until the evening. I also have a medical condition that prevents me from sitting on the ground. But this has never deterred me from my struggle.
These are just a few of the many challenges—both small and significant—that women protesters one has to endure.
What continues to inspire you to keep this movement alive even today?
I have faced many struggles in life. When I was born, my very existence was questioned. But my father, who was educated, stood by me and insisted that he wanted his daughter. I had a birthmark on my face, and people would say that I would not look beautiful and wonder what my future would be. But my father protected me, and this truth was never hidden from me. This experience made me resilient, and I made education my strength.
In college, I read about Bhagat Singh’s ideas, which deeply inspired me. I had two paths before me—on of my grandfather, who was a freedom fighter and associated with the Azad Hind Fauj, and the other of my maternal grandfather, who pursued science and research after 1947. My maternal grandfather wanted me to stay with him and continue his work, but I chose the path of fighting for women’s rights. I had the full support of my family in my work. My husband never restricted me. If I returned home late, he always showed understanding and stood by me. This support meant a lot to me and gave me the courage to keep moving forward toward my goals.
What is your message for young women who want to fight for social and economic justice?
An important message for young girls and women is that if they want to achieve something, especially their financial independence, they should not fear societal barriers. Awareness has increased, but many women still face challenges. Particularly in Punjab and other places where women experience injustice and violence, it is essential that they raise their voices and do not see themselves as weak.
Women should never compromise on some key principles:
- Do not tolerate violence – Women should never endure domestic violence or any form of physical abuse under any circumstances. The sooner women speak out against it, the more its impact can be reduced. Silence encourages violence, so it is crucial to speak up to stop it.
- Make timely and informed decisions – Society often holds the belief that after marriage, a woman’s in-laws’ house is her final home. This mindset can be dangerous for women, as it traps them in situations where they feel powerless to make decisions. Parents also have a responsibility to support their daughters and should not hesitate to bring them back home if necessary.
- Develop confidence and communication skills – It is crucial for women to present their views assertively. Whether in community meetings, legal battles, or corporate boardrooms, women often lose out because they are unable to articulate their stance effectively. The ability to express oneself clearly and confidently is extremely important.
When women make the right decisions at the right time, raise their voices, and strive for self-reliance, they can bring positive changes to their lives. These changes can also serve as an inspiration for society as a whole.