The Power of Perseverance: My Story of Triumph
By Bhuvaneshwari
Bhuvaneshwari's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. Born and raised in the small town of Kodiyal in Karnataka, she faced numerous challenges from a young age, including financial hardships, a difficult marriage, and workplace violence. However, with the unwavering support of her mother and the guidance of her union leader, Nagarathna, Bhuvaneshwari found the strength to overcome these obstacles and emerge as a powerful advocate for the rights of women workers. Her story is one of transformation, hope, and the courage to turn fear into strength.
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Born and raised in the small town of Kodiyal in Mandya District, Karnataka, I am one of three siblings - an older sister, myself, and a younger brother. Our father worked tirelessly to support our family, juggling between tailoring work during the day and security guard duties at night. His hard work and dedication allowed me to pursue my education until the 10th standard, and life became a little more comfortable when my brother started working and contributing to the family income.
At the age of 20, my parents arranged my marriage, spending Rs. 5 lakhs on the ceremony. However, my married life was far from happy. I have a stammer, and my husband, and his sister, constantly persecuted me. After enduring two years of hardship, I made the difficult decision to leave my husband and return to my parents' home in Bangalore. It was my mother's unwavering support and love that gave me the strength to forge a new path for myself and my 4-year-old son, whom she now cares for while I work to support us.
With encouragement from a neighbor, I began working at a garment factory as a checker. Though I briefly left this job to assist with my sister's wedding preparations, I soon found employment at Shahi 8 as a feeding helper. It was there that I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life. After a few months, my supervisor began subjecting me to verbal and sexual abuse. I suffered in silence until I met Nagarathna, the President of the Union. Her support and guidance helped me gain the confidence to file a complaint with the Internal Committee (IC).
Pursuing the complaint was not easy, as my co-workers distanced themselves from me, disapproving of my actions. However, with the union's support, I found the strength to persevere and appear for the inquiry. When the management finally terminated the abusive supervisor, I felt a sense of relief and pride. Now, I use my experience to help other workers, taking them to Union representatives whenever I witness misconduct or abuse. I am confident in my ability to face any challenge in the factory with courage.
Throughout my journey, my mother has been my rock. When neighbors pressured her to send me back to my husband, she stood firmly by my side, offering me unconditional love and support. Nagarathna, too, has played a crucial role in my growth, teaching me how to face workplace challenges head-on. Inspired by her empathy, I am now an active participant in union activities, fighting for the rights and justice of my fellow workers.
My dreams for the future are simple yet meaningful. I aspire to provide my son with a good education and to take care of my aging parents. In my free time, I find joy in listening to Kannada film songs and teaching my son to read, while also helping my mother with household chores.
To all my fellow women workers, I want to say this: when you face workplace violence and harassment, remember that it is not your fault, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. The perpetrator is the one who should feel ashamed. By joining the union, I found the strength to fight for my rights and emerge victorious. As women, we possess immense strength, and we must learn to transform our fear into courage.
My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of unity. As I continue to navigate life's challenges, I draw strength from the unwavering support of my mother and the solidarity of my fellow union members. Together, we will continue to fight for justice and build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
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Bhuvaneshwari’s story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.
From Cianjur's Mountains to Factory Floors: My Fight for Justice
The mountains of Cianjur shaped my childhood, but it was the walls of garment factories that would shape my destiny. I am Dedeh Nurhasanah—Ndeh to those who know me—and this is my story of resilience, determination, and the ongoing battle against workplace injustice.
I grew up in Cianjur, where I was surrounded by mountains and a southern coastline. I lived with my parents and two sisters, and my childhood was a happy one. Although we lived simply, my sisters and I were able to complete our education and secure indoor work – sheltering us from unforgiving external elements.
Family is the most important aspect of my life—without them, I am nothing. I am someone who enjoys trying new things and engaging in different activities. My dream is to be smart, happy, and successful. If I could choose anything in this world, I would choose happiness and comfort in life.
In 2015, I learned about job openings at the Pou Yuen Indonesia Factory (PYI) and applied by sending my application through the nearest post office. I submitted my CV along with the required documents. A month later, I received a call to participate in a series of tests. Alhamdulillah, I passed and was accepted as an employee at PYI, where I also became a member of one of the factory’s unions.
Working at PYI has not always been smooth. I worked as a personal assistant to the AFL (production supervisor) of the building, where workers were often transferred to other production sites. These transfers often led workers to report their grievances to their unions, who in turn approached the AFL and me for clarification. My department was unique - housing multiple unions – which made resolving such issues even more complicated.
Life inside the factory is not always as it seems to outsiders. Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) remains a frequent challenge, affecting workers in various ways. While some workers look the other way, others are directly affected. I have personally handled cases involving GBVH, including situations where women workers were too afraid or embarrassed to report harassment, fearing judgment or ridicule.
In one case, I advocated against harassment by interrogating the involved parties and witnesses, ensuring the case was monitored to prevent a repeat offence. While we always prioritised mediation but if it failed, we did not hesitate to escalate the issue in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Another significant case involved a rule requiring all supervisors to be women due to a perception that male supervisors were more rebellious. To address this, we educated male supervisors, emphasising that the misuse of authority or violation of regulations is not a gender-specific issue.
Our efforts within the union have positively impacted the reduction of GBVH in the workplace, creating more balanced working conditions. Education and resources that were once provided mainly to men are now extended to women - fostering equality in the workplace.
Eliminating GBVH in the workplace is not easy, but it is not impossible. The challenges range from handling work tasks to managing diverse personalities and perspectives. One of my toughest challenges was dealing with an excessively narcissistic person, which tested my patience. Eventually, I found that dealing with the matter with utmost patience was the most effective strategy to overcome this difficulty.
Amid the challenges, there have been moments of pride as well. In 2013, I worked for an outsourcing company at the Indonesia Epson Industri Factory in the EJIP Cikarang Industrial Area, Bekasi. When 8,000 Epson factory workers faced contract terminations and only 30 were selected for permanent roles, I was one of those candidates. After a month of rigorous testing and an interview with a psychologist and a Japanese planning manager, I was one of the three chosen for a permanent position, the only one placed in West Java. The pride I felt when I saw my parents’ smiles at my success was unforgettable.
My efforts are not just for myself; I strive to make a positive impact on others. To maintain a safe, comfortable, and equal work environment, continuous efforts are essential, such as updating knowledge on regulations and increasing self-confidence. I draw inspiration from a person who has a positive mindset and always says "YES” to opportunities, encouraging me to embrace every chance for growth.
Nothing in life is coincidental; everything results from choices. We should never waste opportunities, just as we should unite to fight workplace injustice. When we come together and act, our voices are heard. The support from CBAs, union membership, and the Anti-Violence Handling Team (TPAK) strengthens us. Problems won’t be solved through complaints alone; action, unity, and collective effort are essential for achieving justice.
Dedeh is a Shoe Worker from Cianjur, Indonesia. Her story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.
