Seema Devi, a 42-year-old ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker from a small village in Bihar, walked for miles during the COVID-19 lockdown, going door to door to monitor health, distribute medicines, and report symptoms.

She carried a worn-out diary, a leaky pen, and a mask she reused for weeks.

She did not carry fear—because she couldn’t afford it.

For this labor—physically draining, emotionally scarring, and medically risky—Seema was paid Rs. 1,000 per month, sometimes after delays of 3–4 months.

Frontline, but Forgotten

ASHA workers are the backbone of India’s rural healthcare system. Yet, they are not treated as full-time government employees. They are labeled as “volunteers.” During the pandemic, they were asked to conduct surveys, ensure isolation protocols, spread awareness, and even carry COVID samples.

Seema recalls, “We were working in red zones, but were given no PPE kits. No gloves. Sometimes, not even water.”

When she contracted fever and chills after visiting a COVID-positive home, she quarantined herself in a cowshed. No government official checked in.

Women, Work, and Invisibility

Seema’s story reflects a larger issue—invisible labor, especially by women. The ASHA program, though praised by international bodies, relies heavily on underpaid and overworked women who serve out of necessity, not choice.

Even before the pandemic, Seema was juggling household chores, agricultural work, and community healthcare. COVID simply added risk without compensation.

When ASHA workers across India began protesting for better pay and recognition, Seema joined too. She held a placard that read:
“Corona ki yodha hoon, mazdoor bhi. Sarkar se insaaf maangti hoon.”

(I am a warrior against corona, also a worker. I demand justice from the government.)

Hope in Solidarity

Their voices were long ignored, but slowly began gaining momentum. Protests erupted across states—from Delhi to Madhya Pradesh. ASHA workers demanded minimum wage, protective equipment, and official status as healthcare employees.

Seema was chosen to speak at a local health rights conference. It was the first time she held a mic.
She didn’t speak in English.
She didn’t quote laws.
She just spoke her truth.
And everyone listened.

Her Fight is Ours Too

As of today, Seema still works as an ASHA worker. Her pay remains inconsistent, her hours undefined. But she’s no longer silent. She’s aware of her rights, her worth, and the power of unity.

“Hum jaise logon ke bina system chalega nahi,” she says. (The system cannot run without people like us.)

Why Seema’s Story Matters

India’s rural health system leans on the shoulders of women like Seema—yet offers them no support when they falter. This is not just labor exploitation—it’s gendered class injustice masked as public service.

Their service deserves more than applause. It deserves action, accountability, and acknowledgment.

At Ink of Impact, we amplify stories like Seema’s to remind the world: behind every headline, there’s a human who served, suffered, and still showed up. Let’s give them more than a thank you. Let’s give them justice.