Articulations of empowerment

The air at the house of Sarojini and Raju Poojary in Nellikar village was filled with slogans. As the confident voices echoed, women were busy setting the stage, tying banners and arranging chairs. Active participation of women sparked a festive mood.

Audience responded with mixed feelings when local women leaders shared their experiences and took them through their ups and downs. All had gathered as part of an awareness drive called, Maneyangaladalli mahiti, mahila jagruthi karyakrama, a programme for women, of women and by women.

Motivational songs and slogans emphasised the significance of gram sabha and cautioned about female foeticide and assault on women.

The power of knowledge
About 5,000 women in 75 villages in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are part of this awareness drive that has gained momentum in the last eight months. The campaign is part of Strengthening Women’s Empowerment through Electoral Process (SWEEP). With the gram panchayat elections round the corner, Mangaluru-based Jana Shikshana Trust in association with The Hunger Project, Women and Child Welfare Department and self-help groups has taken up this campaign to increase women representation in the panchayats.

Prema, a member of Nellikar Gram Panchayat and an active participant of the campaign felt that empowered women meant healthy and educated family. Leadership training and capacity building programmes have enabled her to overcome inhibitions.

“Such programmes bring women together irrespective of caste and religion and ward off discrimination. This interaction has disseminated information on cleanliness, fundamental rights and women reservation in the Panchayat Raj System,” opined another participant Shahina.

For illiterate elected representatives like Baby the campaign has proved useful. “It helped me understand my duties and responsibilities. Initially, I was finding it difficult to speak in the panchayat meetings. Over a period of time, I took up courage and learnt the basics. Now I dare to question when the officials are at fault. I make it a point to ensure that all the welfare schemes including widow pension schemes have reached people in the gram panchayat,” she said.

Nellikar Gram Panchayat President Saroja is enthusiastic to contest for the next term. “The Constitution has given an opportunity for rural women to participate in the decision making process. The five year term is not sufficient to implement the development works,” she felt.

Along with women empowerment, the campaign also discusses gender discrimination against women. The programmes have created a feeling that if women become part of administration, it will bring transparency in the system.

Inclusive growth
As a result of the workshops and training programmes organised for potential women leaders at various villages, Jana Shikshana Trust Directors Sheena Shetty and Krishna Moolya have observed a clear advantage of increased awareness and women’s willingness to contest elections. Orientation programmes have helped women to get a better understanding of  election procedures and some are even trained to act as booth agents. The primary objective is to prepare them for active participation in the coming elections.

Training programmes are supplemented by individual house visits, distribution of banners and handbills, street plays and awareness songs. Women are given training on the nitty grittys of contesting election and are encouraged to contest for non reserved seats as well. The programme includes identification of potential leaders, assessing present situation, exploring new possibilities, and basics of handling responsibilities.

Along with the awareness on 50 per cent reservation for women in the Panchayat Raj System, the agenda includes deliberations on the necessity of creating healthy environment in the villages.