This week was one of my favourite weeks of CraftHER so far! That is partly due to the number of things we got up to and all the women we met. I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone throughout the week, and I would like to share some of those times where I felt myself challenged to show courage.

1. 1. Trying out tools in a carpenter's workshop: When I first heard we were going to a carpentry unit and trying some tools, I was incredibly excited as I assumed we were going to be making small, wittled items. But when we arrived at Omana Chechi's workshop, I realised that she does not do small-scale items but uses large machinery to make items like cupboards, beds, and cradles. I found the powerful machinery quite intimidating. My first reaction was to say no when she asked if I wanted to try them out. But, I remembered about how Omana Chechi told us about how she refused to hear nos or bend to people's expectations of her; she got her two-wheeler licence at the age of 52 and was among the women of AWC who were honoured by Greenply as India's first women carpenters. Omana was really proud of a video that was made by Greenply, celebrating her and the other women carpenters, also to challenge the idea that there is a certain kind of job a woman can do or an item she can make. I realised I should not be held back by my worries that I couldn't do it; being with Omana made me feel brave and empowered to face my fears.
   2. Making snacks with a group of snack makers: On Wednesday, we went to a snack-making unit; I was also really excited for this experience. We got to see and try out lots of the stages in snack making, such as a sweet, crispy snack called Maddaku. The snack-making gave me a sense of pride due to the confidence I felt when completing the steps. Kanagi, Shyamala and Santha would show us what to do and only give minimal guidance after that. Previously, I would have been very worried about failing and imperfection, but I actually felt comfortable doing it, even if they were not the best examples of Maddaku! I felt very encouraged by the women, so when they told me to make a change, I did not see it as a mark of failure but a positive adjustment.
   3. The consulting presentation: Similar to the snack making, I found the presentation at the end of the week a good marker of my progress in being courageous. In the previous weeks, I found giving our consulting project presentation pretty nerve-wracking, especially since it was in front of women I admire. However, by the end of the third week, I felt so different about it. Rather than nervous, I was excited both to share our ideas and help the organisation, as well as to practice my public speaking skills. I think that being in such a supportive environment has made me feel much better about the consulting presentations, and having practice every week has made a tangible difference.