Rourkela: Women working in a space monopolised by men is slowly becoming a reality. The going is still better for women in the urban milieu but for women who are looking at doing everyday jobs such as tea vendors, mechanics etc. the challenge is bigger.
Kishori Jena of Rourkela also defied all odds when she decided to become a newspaper hawker. She stands out among the other hawkers, who are all men, gathered near the Sector-II Bus stand. She distributes newspapers early morning in the morning every day.
Right from collecting the newspapers to sorting and then packaging them to be passed on other hawkers, Kishori does everything single handedly. She has been doing the job for the past 19 years and is a picture of confidence as she rides her scooty to distribute newspapers.
She had no choice actually, when she lost her father 19 years back. Being the eldest of six siblings, she took up the cudgels of supporting the family.
“I could earn and take care of my family members through sheer hard work. I have never depended on others and I am really proud of it,” said Kishori.
She has been felicitated by many organisations in the city for her achievement.
