Equipped with basic legal knowledge and a clear understanding of the social forces that govern their lives, these grassroot workers, bubbling with enthusiasm and confidence, on Friday fanned out six tribal-dominated talukas to unite them for a common cause; to form a mahila mandal.

The training programme, aimed at activating tribal women so that they become more assertive and shape their own destiny, taught them communication skills, including public speaking, puppetry, street plays, drama and songs.

Talking to Express Newsline Director of the Centre J Stanny claimed that the grassroot workers, also called barefoot lawyers, set up more than 30 mahila mandals in different villages.

The workers, who were given certificates at the function, shared their personal experiences, their encounters with government officials, working experiences with a male sarpanch in the programme.

Kalpnaben and Janaben of Nizar taluka, while sharing their experiences, pointed out the negative attitude of government officials, and some men who they said discouraged them from forming organised women's groups in villages.Guntaben of Uchchal taluka, however, had a different tale to tell and said she did had no problems working with men and also got full co-operation from government officials and villagers in forming mahila mandals.

Meenaben, another participant, said after attending the programme she felt confident enough to approach officials, visit courts and other government officials and represent problems before them.

Among others, District Panchayat president Harshbhai Chaudhary, DSP Bhavsinh Vaghela and Director of Rural Development Agency N R Pandhya attended the programme.