About Gramshree
At the time of India's independence, 90 percent of this country's population lived in villages while only 10 percent occupied civic spaces. Today, India's cities host 39 percent of the country's population.
Gramshree has organized women in various areas around Ahmedabad, but it predominantly serves the Ramapir no Tekro. The home of more than 150,000 people, Ramapir No Tekro (better known as the Tekro) is the largest slum area in the state of Gujarat. The entire development is considered an encroachment since the land is actually owned by the government, but people have been living in the area for more fifty years.
Initially, the Tekro lacked light, water, communal toilets and overall cleanliness. Today, through government attention, the slum area has electricity, water, sidewalks and a gutter system. However, due to problems with addiction, health issues, superstitions, backward traditions, high-interest loans and illiteracy, many slum dwellers continue to live in the same cycle of despair and poverty.
The primary source of income for many women in the Tekra is picking recyclable goods (plastic, paper) out of garbage and then selling it at collection centers. A woman who works an entire day with the help of her children is likely to receive about 30 rupees for this tedious and hazardous work.
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