Even as Disha’s work with rope makers was continuing, plight of agricultural labours, more particularly women agricultural labours drew its attention. Agricultural labours were meagrely paid, and women agricultural labours were paid half of their men counterparts for equal work, while the big farmers made the hay. Because of increasing awareness women agricultural labours of Sultanpur went on lightening strike during harvesting season to press for their demand of equal wages.

Disha’s support to the women labours’ strike was too much for the big farmers and landlords, who incited a crowd of villagers to attack Disha and its head. Clandestine designs of the vested interest were thwarted because masses rallied behind Disha and it went ahead with advocacy efforts.

Partly because of mounting pressure and partly because of fast approaching rains (at that time agriculture was not so mechanised as it is today) the big farmers and landlords were forced to raise women labours’ wages at par with those of men. That is another matter that in due course of time they raised wages of men agricultural labours and the gender-based inequality remains till date, although at a lower level.

Attainment of equal wages was a significant gain for the poor women agricultural labour. The struggle towards this was a great learning for Disha which motivated the marginalized communities to form an organisation of their own to struggle for their rights. Thus was born in December 1989 Mahila Mazdoor Evam Laghu Kisan Morcha (MMELKM), meaning Women, Labour and Small Farmers’ Front. The very first meeting of MMELKM attracted a mammoth crowd of over 10,000 people, including women in large numbers. Ever since the first meeting the font organises Varshik Sammelan (Annual Congregation) of the front.

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