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Viji Palithodi is a human rights activist and union leader who founded Penkoottu, a women's organisation that fights for basic rights for women labourers, especially saleswomen. 

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Viji herself started off as a saleswoman at a tailor’s shop at the young age of 16. While working, she met several other saleswomen who were suffering in extremely poor working conditions in Calicut, Kerala.

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The women were impacted by poor working conditions like not being allowed to drink water or take rest breaks during working hours. As a result, they were developing health conditions. In the early 2000s, Viji’s fight for workers’ rights began.

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She organised meetings so these women could meet and discuss their salaries and working conditions. 

In 2009, Viji formed a women’s group called Penkoottu, which gradually spread throughout Kerala. Penkoottu fought for the rights of saleswomen.

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Finally in 2018, after 9 years, Viji’s fight resulted in the Kerala Government amending their law to make it mandatory that shops should have a toilet and seating facility for its staff.

Viji’s fight was not without obstacles.

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When Penkoottu approached established trade unions for help, the men in power laughed at the women’s cause. They made vulgar comments and asked the women to stay home. Nevertheless, Viji persisted.

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Today, Viji heads Asanghaditha Mekhala Thozhilali Union, Kerala’s first women-led trade union and a product of Penkoottu. Although men are part of the organisation, 75% of all executive members & all major positions are filled by women.

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For her activism, Viji was included in @BBC's list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2018.

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This post is brought to you by PayPal ( @alilayaal) as part of the #SayftySpotlight series. Every Saturday, we highlight the achievements of inspiring Indian women. 

If you would like to recommend someone for the Spotlight series, please comment below.

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