Breaking Barriers: Understanding Caste and Intersectionality

Breaking Barriers: Understanding Caste and Intersectionality

Jagori Rural Charitable Trust successfully conducted a three-day reflective workshop from 6–8 January 2026 with 29 Peer Leaders from 8 blocks of Kangra and Chamba districts, focusing on critical issues such as caste-based discrimination and intersectionality. The workshop was facilitated by Anupama Rawat, whose deep, clear, and sensitive understanding of these themes made the discussions engaging, reflective, and impactful. On the first day, participants explored caste-based divisions through the lens of their everyday work and livelihoods, recognizing that every skill has dignity and that no work is inherently small or big. A brief overview of the SC/ST Act strengthened awareness around rights and legal protections. The second day focused on moving from equity to equality, with discussions on how fair support and opportunities, tailored to different realities, are essential for achieving true equality. On the final day, participants delved into intersectionality, reflecting on how caste, gender, class, age,…