Alirajpur, a remote district in central India, faces a host of socioeconomic challenges. The deep-rooted traditions of the region have long dictated the roles of women, limiting their opportunities for education, financial independence, and personal agency.

Generations of women have grown up without formal education, bound by cultural expectations to marry young, raise families, and conform to the societal status quo.

The literacy rate reflects this reality: only 30% of women in Alirajpur can read and write.

But amid these harsh realities, there are sparks of change. A group of local seamstresses, many of whom have themselves risen from poverty and limited access to education, are now fostering a network of young women with the potential to become future leaders and changemakers.

These seamstresses are not only teaching valuable vocational skills but also acting as mentors, providing a path out of poverty for young women who might otherwise be trapped by the circumstances of their birth.

The Power of Sisterhood in the Face of Patriarchy

For centuries, Indian society has been shaped by patriarchy, especially in rural regions like Madhya Pradesh. Child marriage is still common, with girls often married off as young as 13 or 14, ending their chance at an education and a future of self-determination.

The caste system, though officially abolished, still influences daily life, reinforcing societal hierarchies that keep marginalized communities trapped in cycles of poverty and exclusion.

Yet, within this context of adversity, a sisterhood of women is emerging—one that is challenging these norms and offering a lifeline to younger generations.

These seamstresses have become more than just skilled craftswomen; they are advocates for change, introducing young girls in their community to a path of independence, self-worth, and empowerment.

Leela’s Story: A Journey from Goat Herding to Leadership

One of the most powerful examples of this transformation is Leela, a young woman whose story has been brought to the screen in Light and Air, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Marco Rios Bollinger.

Leela’s life began in the most humble of circumstances, working as an uneducated goat shepherdess. Like many girls in her village, she had little hope of pursuing an education or escaping the traditional roles assigned to her by her community.

However, Leela’s story takes a remarkable turn when she joins The Barli Development Institute for Rural Women.

Barli, based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is an organization that has been providing young women with education, vocational training, and leadership development since 1985.

The institute’s mission is to empower women from marginalized communities to become agents of social change in their villages, breaking cycles of poverty and oppression.

Light and Air captures Leela’s journey as she transforms from an illiterate goat shepherdess into one of Barli’s top students, equipped with a sewing machine and six months of education.

Her newfound skills, combined with the support and encouragement of the seamstresses at Barli, allow her to take on leadership roles in her community, advocating for the rights of women and girls.

Leela’s story is a testament to the incredible power of education and sisterhood in transforming lives, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

The Role of Education in Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Education is often described as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the stories of women like Leela demonstrate just how transformative it can be.

In many rural communities, girls are often pulled out of school at a young age to help with household chores or to prepare for early marriage.

This lack of education not only limits their future opportunities but also reinforces the systemic inequalities that keep women in positions of subordination.

The Barli Development Institute and similar organizations are working to change this by providing girls with the education and skills they need to create a better future for themselves and their families.

The impact of this education extends far beyond the individual—it has the potential to transform entire communities.

Educated women are more likely to advocate for the education of their own children, creating a generational shift that can break the cycle of poverty.

Light and Air: A Celebration of Sisterhood and Empowerment

The story of Leela and the Barli seamstresses is beautifully captured in Light and Air, a documentary that shines a light on the power of sisterhood and education in changing lives.

The film, directed by Marco Rios Bollinger, offers a glimpse into the daily lives of these women as they navigate the challenges of rural life, while also showcasing their incredible strength and resilience.

Light and Air is more than just a film—it’s a call to action. By sharing the stories of women like Leela, the film encourages viewers to think critically about the issues facing women in rural India and to consider how they can support efforts to create lasting change.

The film will be screened in various cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Washington, D.C., offering audiences the chance to witness this powerful story firsthand.

The Mona Foundation: Supporting Education and Empowerment for 25 Years

For 25 years, The Mona Foundation has been dedicated to transforming communities through education and empowerment, providing 4.2M students with access to quality education and trained 168,643 teachers through 41 grassroots partners in 23 countries.

The foundation’s work is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for creating social change, and its programs focus on providing access to education for girls and children in underserved communities around the world.

The Mona Foundation has been a key supporter of The Barli Development Institute, helping to fund its programs and expand its reach.

Through this partnership, the foundation has helped thousands of young women gain the education and skills they need to become leaders in their communities.

The success of Barli’s graduates, like Leela, is a testament to the impact of the foundation’s work and its commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Screenings Across the United States

To celebrate the power of education and sisterhood, Light and Air will be screened at The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 12.

This special event offers an opportunity to learn more about the work of The Barli Development Institute and to support its mission of empowering rural women in India.

Additional screenings will take place in cities across the United States, including Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Boulder, Washington, Savannah, and Westwood.

To attend a screening and learn more about how you can support this movement, click here to RSVP.