Empowering education: How a women in Rourkela is transforming lives in slum areas

Rourkela: Every weekend, a group of women visit slum clusters in Rourkela’s sectors 14 to 17 offering free coaching to children who lack access to formal education.Led by 54-year-old Nina Rani Jena, the sessions include academic tutoring, moral education, distribution of study materials among underprivileged children, raising awareness about women’s rights and personal safety, and lessons on hygiene and dignity.The activities are funded entirely through contributions of members of an NGO, of which Nina is the general secretary. “By supporting education in slum areas, we hope the children grow up to be responsible and respected citizens,” she said.A homemaker with a passion for social service, Nina’s journey started in 2005 when she joined hands with former NIT-Rourkela professor Pramila Panda to launch Jagyansenee, a bilingual magazine on women’s issues.The turning point came in 2012 following the Nirbhaya case that shook the nation. Deeply affected, Nina decided to take her activism beyond the pages of the magazine.She began organising awareness campaigns on women’s rights, particularly among slum dwellers and vulnerable communities in Rourkela. “We wanted to ensure that women and girls know their rights and felt safe in their own neighbourhood,” she said.In 2018, Jagyansenee was registered as an NGO. The group also conducts dengue prevention campaigns, distributes pamphlets and supplies to help families maintain cleaner living conditions.

Beyond slums, the NGO has made its presence felt in schools, colleges, and literary circles across Rourkela. It regularly organises literary programmes, counselling seminars, and spiritual workshops. “Our aim is to create a more equitable and respectful society,” said Nina.