Siddi Women: From Rejection to Recognition

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY REISHA REDDY

What would you do if every day your identity was in question? If every day, you woke up to scepticism and doubt about your heritage. Well, for the Siddi people, this is the reality they live. Despite being a part of India for significant centuries, the Siddhi still face discrimination, segregation and alienation, all due to their African descent. The Siddi community continues to face additional challenges, including limited access to clean water, education, adequate housing, and finance. Whilst these challenges may be what is holding the Siddhi back, it is important to acknowledge the efforts and contributions to our society. 

The Siddi people were first thought to have arrived in India in 628 CE. Originating primarily from the Bantu peoples of Southeast Africa, the Siddi population were brought to the Indian subcontinent as slaves, where they served emperors and Nizams across various regions of India. This caused an assimilation into local communities, where Siddis integrated into the Indian society, adopting local languages, religions and customs. Moreover, freed or escaped slaves formed self-sufficient communities in forest or rural regions to safeguard themselves from further exploitation. As of today,  the Siddi are scattered across the remote areas of Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Tamil Nadu, often in isolated villages and interior forests. 

Socially, the Siddi are considered one of the most marginalized communities. While the caste principle of hierarchy is non-existent among the Siddi themselves, they are still treated on the same level as the Dalits. While the practice of ‘untouchability’ has been outlawed, remnants of these discriminatory practices are still present in our society in subtle ways, specifically practices done by those of the upper class. Practices like these include serving food separately to the Siddhi at marriages and ceremonies and making them clean the floor after the food is served. 

Social exclusion remains a grave issue for the Siddi people. As previously mentioned, despite centuries of being integrated into India, the Siddi are often treated as outsiders, due to discriminatory practices, and racial/ caste-like bias; this can lead them to face a lack of opportunities and unjust treatment. These practices extend to decision-making processes, where Siddis are excluded from village governance, stripping them of their representation and voice. In addition, Siddis in Karnataka and Gujarat face exclusion from participating fully in religious practices, including being denied entry into temples. This continues to occur, despite the Siddi being devout Hindus. Efforts by the Siddi community to combat such exclusion are ongoing, with organizations like ‘Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram’, advocating for inclusion and cultural recognition. 

The discrimination experienced by the Siddi community not only affects them as a group but significantly impacts the women, who bear a greater burden of racial bias, gender discrimination and socioeconomic marginalisation. This can create an increased vulnerability to exploitation and exclusion of women, severely impacting their quality of life and diminishing their future opportunities. 

There are several key reasons for the further discrimination faced; Siddi women are often expected to adhere to traditional roles and this is only compounded by their marginalised community status. These roles are not just limiting but also physically taxing, leaving little room for pursuing education or other skill development.

Additionally, due to the Siddi residing in remote and rural areas, reproductive and maternal healthcare is inaccessible. A study in Karnataka revealed that Siddis are more likely to suffer from preventable maternal health issues due to poor nutrition and inadequate healthcare facilities. Siddi women are also objectified or dismissed due to their physical appearance, this can create a significant gap in social acceptance and opportunities. Furthermore, in patriarchal setups, Siddi women are often forced to suppress their voices, making them dependent on their male counterparts for decision-making and economy. A lack of education further hinders their ability to assert their rights and fight for systemic inequality. 

Whilst these women may face significant struggles, efforts are underway to address these challenges and create meaningful improvements in their lives. 

Majorly programmes like the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) have been working to empower the Siddi community, in Gujarat. The Siddi in Gujarat are often dependent on the forests and require ‘head loading’( the process of collecting dry wood from forests and selling it to nearby markets) for a source of livelihood. However, this process is now ‘illegal’, hence leading to the implementation of various programs to provide a long-term sustainable empowerment strategy.  The AKRSP initiated targeted programs in the 1980s to protect and improve the livelihoods of women. Activities under this project include the formation of savings, creating income-generating options, providing agricultural knowledge and land development activities. 

Additionally, the AKRSP brought the creation of the Siddi Women's Federation. It was designed to bring together the Siddi women from various villages to enhance collective action and representation. Additionally, prominent Siddi leaders gave inspiring speeches on messages such as voluntary saving, afforestation and women empowerment. Efforts also included education campaigns which discussed family planning and community mobilization.

The Federation was deemed successful due to it fostering confidence among women, enabling them to lead economic and social change in their communities. It offered sustainable livelihoods to the women like organic manure production, which replaced the difficult head loading. 

The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is another organization that focuses on empowering rural women through a community-driven approach. Through promoting financial literacy and extending banking services, women can increase their independence. 

Siddi women also play a significant role in gaining recognition for their community through personal initiative and advocacy. Through performances, crafts and participation in cultural festivals, Siddi women can actively showcase their cultural heritage and highlight their rich history and traditions. The community have also begun to strive to send their children to school to pursue skill development. This enhances their economic opportunities and fosters a better living standard. The women form the community have also stepped up to share their issues in public forums and meetings with government officials. They advocate for better resources such as access to healthcare and education, and are proactively creating a positive change. 

In conclusion, the journey of the Siddi women from rejection to recognition is a testament to their empowerment and determination. Through federation, initiatives and other efforts they have gravely improved their socio-economic status and have gained recognition in our society. Through continued support and efforts, it's only a matter of time before we see their full inclusion in mainstream society.