A Siddi Woman Hirabai Lobi Prospered The Lives Of Her Community|| A Sublime Example Of WomenEmpowerment||

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The radio turned out to be the means of education to Hirbai-which impacted the lives of thousands of illiterate villagers.

The story of the backward Siddi community of Jambur village.

The Siddi, a race of African descent, inhabit many cities and villages in India. They are a hardworking community. Siddi people like to dance and sing. Their distinctive dance, known as DHAMAAL, and songs reflect glimpses of African culture. From about the sixth to the sixteenth century, Arabs traded with India and brought Africans as laborers. Later, the British and Portuguese also enslaved them. Many Siddi families eventually settled in India.

Hiraben Bai Ibrahim Lobi, a Siddi Woman from Jambur Village

This is the story of Hiraben Lobi, a Siddi woman from Jambur village in Junagadh district, Gujarat. With intelligence and determination, she transformed her life and uplifted her community. She exemplifies women's empowerment and remains a source of inspiration for many.

The Lifestyle of the People of Jambur Village

Jambur village, located about 100 km from Junagadh, is home to approximately 18,000 Siddi people. Most villagers were illiterate and worked as farm laborers or sold forest products. Women collected and sold firewood. Unfortunately, issues like alcoholism and tobacco use were prevalent in the community.

A Story of Hirabai Lobi

Hirabai was born in this community. She lost her mother at age 4 and her father at 14. Lacking formal education, she was raised by her grandmother, whose teachings deeply influenced her. These lessons helped her not only in her life but also in changing the lives of people in 19 villages.

The social welfare activities of daeterminded lady Hirabai brought the happiness in the lives of Siddi people!

After marrying Ibrahim Lobi, a supportive and hardworking man, she began to work for her family's upliftment. When faced with a debt of ₹1,00,000 from her father, she refused to sell inherited land and instead sought a solution.

The Ambition of Hirabai

An exam[le of women empowerment-siddi Woman Hirabai Ibrahim Lobi.

Hirabai regularly listened to agriculture programs on the radio. One day, she heard about organic fertilizer production, which could be done on a small plot. Inspired, she and her husband started planning the project.

Research and Training for the Dream Project

After research and training, they started production on their half-acre plot. In the first year, they produced 160 bags of fertilizer. Though profit was minimal, production grew to 500 bags the next year, with nine women joining the effort.

Starting and Development of the Venture

The business flourished as quality and affordable organic fertilizer gained demand. Hirabai formed 12 groups of women from 19 villages. The venture expanded to include neem oil, mangoes, orchids, coconuts, sugarcane, and vegetables. Their annual income from fertilizer sales reached ₹700,000, and the family paid off its debt.

The Activities of Hirabai on the Social Front

Building of the primary school at Jambur village.
Building of the primary school at Jambur village.

Financial freedom did not end Hirabai’s mission. She started a social reform movement that earned her national and international recognition.

Social Welfare Activities by Hirabai

  1. Helped villagers overcome habits like drinking, smoking, and tobacco use, improving health and saving money.
  2. Encouraged entrepreneurship—some started shops and tailoring businesses.
  3. Promoted education by urging parents to send children to Anganwadi schools.
  4. Educated women on the importance of saving money and assisted in opening bank accounts.
  5. Established a women’s organization and created a fund by collecting ₹10 per person.
  6. Raised awareness about government schemes related to housing, health, and education.
  7. Helped villagers avoid exploitative agents by guiding them through paperwork directly with the government.
  8. Dispelled fear of police, helping villagers gain confidence to visit government offices.
  9. Successfully lobbied for a primary school in Jambur village.
  10. Improved villagers’ living standards, especially women, who now have better homes with LPG gas and electricity.

Awards Received by Hiraben Ibrahim Lobi

Hirabai Ben Lobi receiving 14th IMC Ladies Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar- 2006 from Jaya Bachchan and Munira Chudasama President IMC Ladies Wing.

For her transformative work, Hiraben received several prestigious awards:

  1. IMC Janakidevi Bajaj Award
  2. Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) Award
  3. Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award

A video of an interview with Hirabai Ben Ibrahim Lodi at Jamboor Village by BBC News Channel in Gujarati.

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