Oct.12: A cross-section of the tribal women The Telegraph spoke to appeared both puzzled and amused at the question. But most of them were forceful in declaring that no matter what, they would still be able to create a place for themselves under the sun. They were confident, forthright, outspoken and candid in their views, indicating the remarkable changes taking place in tribal society.

Sumitra Murmu: The wife of Mayurbhanj MP, Salkhan Murmu remained non-committal, saying it is too early to say that tribal women are being discriminated. But she conceded that tribal women find it difficult to realise their full potential and that the government has not done enough to help them.

Menka Sardar: The BJP MLA who won from the Potka constituency of East Singhbhum, blames the erstwhile Bihar government for the sad plight of tribal women in the state. The situation is changing, she feels and expects more tribal women to come up in the state’s politics and administration.

S.S. Ekka: The Assistant Post Master General is also optimistic. A large number of tribal women, she says, have already competed to occupy posts of deputy magistrate, block development officers and district public relations officers. Soon they will occupy higher posts too, she added.

Snehlata Ekka: The district PRO, East Singhbhum, is philosophical and feels that women everywhere have to work harder for success. But she strongly advocates 33 per cent reservation for women in the legislature and hopes that tribal women would avail of government assistance and set up their own industry.

Gurbari Hembrom: National gold medallist in javelin throw finds that the status of tribal women in Jharkhand is on the upswing after the creation of the state. Tribal women were not taken seriously by the Bihar government, she felt, because of which several promising tribal women suffered. A large number of tribal women are now working for international social agencies and NGOs too.

Buvan Munda: A railway employee with a MA degree in economics, also feels that there has been marked improvement in the condition of tribal women. Among others she points out the example of Ms Olive Grace Kullu, the superintendent of jail, Seraikela, as more and more tribal women are breaking into bastions held earlier exclusively by men. But even today the establishment is hesitant to give responsibility to tribal women.

Kanan Bala Tirkey: Community organiser of the Gramin Vikas Trust feels there has been a sea change in the lot of tribal women. The pace of change, she concedes, is still slow but things are definitely improving.

Dayamani Barla: Journalist and activist feels that tribal society has been traditionally male dominated. Yet, she points out, tribal women were at the vanguard of the Jharkhand movement and responded overwhelmingly to calls given by late Jaipal Singh or even AJSU in recent years. She believes that tribal women in larger number are ready to storm into politics.

Scholastica Kujur: Retired head of the department of Sanskrit, Ranchi University, says tribal society never gave women an independent status. But still many tribal women broke free to chart an independent course in teaching, in banks etc. Tribal women think politics is unscrupulous and uncertain. This suspicion prompts them to stay away from politics.