National

A Day In The Life Of Women Protesting At Shambhu Border

Shambhu—a prominent toll point at the Haryana-Punjab border on National Highway-44—has been closed since February 2024. Once a busy interstate passage, it has now been converted into a protest site for farmers. On Lohri, the day Outlook visited Shambhu, hundreds of trucks, tractors and trolleys—covered with blue, black and brown tarpaulin sheets—were parked on the highway. Some occupied and some locked, they double up as homes of protesting farmers—women and men, old and young—who have been coming to Shambhu from different districts of Punjab and Haryana for the past one year. At some distance, a stage was erected. Hundreds of protesting farmers were listening to speeches made by union leaders. About 50-60 women were in attendance as well. They all hailed from different villages in Firozpur district of Punjab. They stay at Shambhu for 10 days. Then women from other district come and stay for 10 days.The cycle continues. The women actively participate in the protests by attending the meetings,participating in the events and keeping themselves apprised of the situation. These women live in a tin shed—a space provided to protesting women. They are provided with mattresses and blankets but it’s not enough on cold mornings and nights. Despite the struggles, they say they will keep coming to Shambhu. While the men help with preparing, cooking, serving meals and washing utensils, these duties are primarily taken up by the women. The women say they will keep coming to Shambhu for as long as the protests go on. They are aware that it's going to be a long fight but nothing deters them from being a part of farmers’ protest