Page 19 - NIS English 01-15 March 2022

Cover Story
Women Power

MATILDA KULLU

BECOMES THE NEW

IDENTITY OF ODISHA

DROPOUT DOWN hen Forbes India released the list of powerful
Wwomen last year, Matilda Kullu's name caught STARTUP INDIA CIVIL AVIATION
the attention of the country. Matilda is an ASHA worker 15% of commercial
from Sundargarh district of Odisha. Known in her field 5 out of 11 startups pilots in India are
as 'Asha Didi', Matilda became an ASHA worker, 15 are led by women, female. International
with at least one
years ago. She saw that the villagers used to go to the female director. average - higher than
'Black magic Tantrik' instead of seeing the doctor after 5%.
falling ill. When she would advise people to go to the STAND UP INDIA MARRIAGE AGE
hospital, then the people of the village used to mock her.
But she did not give up and finally, her hard work paid 83% The Prohibition of Child
Marriage (Amendment)
off, as she played a vital role in changing the mindset of Act, was introduced in Lok
of loan were given to
the villagers by creating awareness among the people women entrepreneurs Sabha to raise the age of
about the importance of treatments and medicines to under the Stand Up marriage for women from
cure any disease. The villagers now consult a doctor India scheme. 18 to 21 years.
for treatment instead of going to the Tantrik. She was
critically involved in the health campaigns after Covid hit After finishing the household chores and preparing
India. During this time, she dedicated her life to the care food for 4 people, Matilda sets out on a cycle after
of 964 people in the Gargadbahal village of Baragaon feeding the cattle. She goes door-to-door to collect
tehsil. Her day typically started at 5 in the morning. health-related information from people.

New India Samachar March 1-15, 2022 17