Jagrutha Mahila Sanghatane, our collective, has brought us identity, dignity and confidence. Now we are able to fight for our own rights'-Narasamma, JMS leader, Hirekotnekal village, Raichur district, Karnataka

Earlier they [upper caste people] would not allow us inside hotels, they derogatorily called us 'Madigas'. Women had to cover their faces and face a lot of sexual violence; and they used to discriminate us. We came together as JMS to resist such violence.' - Lakshmi, Vice-President, JMS, Pothnal village, Raichur district, Karnataka

Earlier people of upper castes would not even look at us and treated us as untouchables. We were not allowed into Gram Panchayats. Now they take medicines from our health workers, they think twice before taking any issues with us.'- Chinnamma, President, JMS and Health Worker, Muddanguddi Village, Raichur district, Karnataka