Women in Agriculture: A Growing Trend

Gauri Sawant is a 37-year-old transgender social activist. Born as Ganesh Suresh Sawant, she was born and raised in a conservative family in Pune. At a very early age of 9, after her mother's demise, Gauri realised that she is different from others. After her mother passed away, she was raised by her grandmother. As a child, she has always been effeminate and more inclined towards the female gender. In school, Gauri was always mocked by her classmates, who even used derogatory terms to address her. Gauri would often secretly dress up in her grandmother's sarees, and apply make-up. As things became difficult in college, she chose kurtas because they looked gender neutral to her. She recognised the woman in her, even though her family never approved of her transition. So, she decided to leave her house. With the help of Humsafar Trust, Gauri underwent transition. Without the support of her family and no roof to live under, her journey from Ganesh to Gauri wasn't easy. Through all the ups and downs, she completed her transition. Later in the year 2000, along with Ashok Row Kavi and two others, Gauri formed an NGO of her own called 'Sakhi Char Chowghi' in Malad, Mumbai. Her motto was to provide a space of freedom to all transgenders, hijras and men who have sex with men (MSMs) in the city. 16 years down the line, with a team of 150 workers, Gauri promotes safe sex and provides counselling