Final Report, September/October 2008
Ms. Helen Barley


My purpose for coming to Sambhali Trust was to conduct dissertation research about the issues facing Dalit ‘untouchable’ women in India, and to focus on the effectiveness of Empowerment projects such as the one run by Sambhali Trust. I also used this research to write a Progress Report about the social and economic empowerment of Dalit women through Sambhali Trust’s Empowerment Project, which can be viewed on Sambhali Trust’s website.

Having received a special grant from Durham University which would help me to pay for my research trip, I knew that this trip would not be a holiday, it was going to be hard work. The day I arrived in Jodhpur I had very vague expectations, I didn’t know what to expect - therefore I came with a completely open mind, knowing that I had to be dynamic and flexible if this was to be a worthwhile experience.

Although I was only with Sambhali Trust for 17 days, I must say that this short time was one of the most enjoyable, inspirational and valuable experiences of my life - every single aspect of the trip far exceeded my initially vague expectations. During my time here, I have formed a close bond with many people here - Govind, his wife Mukta, and not to mention all of the wonderful girls on the project. I truly feel I have become part of the Sambhali family - nothing is ever too much trouble and it is clear that Govind is very passionate about the project, having the best interests of the girls at heart.

I was a little apprehensive before I came about whether I would gather enough material for research and if I could get access to proper translation etc. But the first day I arrived in Jodhpur, Govind lay out an action plan for my research, and informed me that he would arrange for me to interview local officials (Divisional Commissioner, District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Police C.I) to benefit my research. Also, he agreed to translate any interviews I carried out with the girls. So from day one, I felt relieved and happy that I had the wholehearted support of Govind in pursuing my research - this support had such an incredible influence on my time here, as it encouraged me to do the best research possible.

I knew that my time at Sambhali would not be a holiday or sightseeing trip as I was primarily here to conduct research. However, what I was not expecting was to have an exciting, memorable and truly unforgettable experience of Indian culture and hospitality. Govind ensured that I must experience as much as possible in my short time here - I ate the local India delicacies, saw authentic Bollywood films, slept under the stars in the Thar desert… the list goes on! But also, I was given the opportunity to really make the most of my experience and to seize the opportunities I was given: I visited a Women’s Empowerment Workshop at Jodhpur Institute of Engineering Technology, and, with just 2 minutes preparation, went onto the stage to address 300 young women and guest speakers about my experiences of India and the ways in which Dalit women can be empowered. I visited a Police station with Govind to discuss a case in which a young disabled woman had experienced problems with her in-laws, which gave me a firsthand insight into the justice system. I completed a memorial walk alongside the girls of the Empowerment project to commemorate those who lost their lives in the tragedy at the Mehrangarh Fort on 30th September 2008, laying flowers and signing personal messages of condolence. All of these experiences were challenging in their own unique ways, yet they also contributed to making my time here in India extra special and extra worthwhile.

Overall, I would say that my time here has been an unforgettable experience - it has opened my eyes to the plight of Dalit women, but also instilled in me hope of a brighter future for them, through the hard work of efforts such as Sambhali Trust. My best advice to forthcoming volunteers or those considering spending time with Sambhali - come with an open mind. Be open to new experiences and throw yourself into your time here with enthusiasm, dedication and optimism. My experience here would not have been half as rewarding if I had not approached every day with the energy and enthusiasm required to bond with the wonderful girls of the project, to understand their lives and to experience the true Indian culture and way of life. I am very disappointed that my time here has come to an end, I would happily stay for much longer as I feel so at home here, but I am sure that in the future I will return to experience more that Sambhali has to offer.


Remember - your experience is what YOU make it - come with an open mind and an enthusiastic commitment to the work of Sambhali Trust and I can assure you that your time here will be exhilarating, inspiring and truly unforgettable.