Centre for Social Research (CSR), through its social action wing Parivartan has been organising women's empowerment programmes in the villages of Mehrauli, Kishangarh, Mahipalpur, Rangapuri and Masudpur. In these villages, located on the outskirts of south Delhi, a vast population of underprivileged women were denied education, employment and proper health care. Inspite of their proximity to large metropolis, these village women like in any other rural Indian situation, are deprived of several basic amenities of life. Besides, they are oppressed by social evils and cultural taboos.
Empowering programmes were started in 1984 as a voluntary effort with modest resources. Later it grew into a steady programme with support from a small embassy project grant of the Royal Netherlands Embassy (1985-86), and later from Ministry of Labour, Government of India (1986-87). Although our proposal for a grant for the current year is still under active consideration by the Ministry of Labour, we have maintained the programme even under severe financial stress.
Efforts are on to sustain and extend the programme by covering more needy women and introducing new unconventional skills to multiply and diversify the income generating and employment opportunities.
The activities so far undertaken aim at:
- creating awareness among rural poor women by educating them on issues like family planning, child care, hygiene, health and nutritional care, social and political rights and various economic and income generating opportunities;
- training women in economically productive skills to enhance their income and reduce their economic dependence on others;
- helping them organise and manage women's collective through organisational and communication skill development, marketing strategies and credit mobilisation.
An important aspect of Parivartan's activities are the organisation of Mahila meetings. These meetings provide an occasion for the women to become aware of their social and economic conditions. In these meetings, we try to discuss their problems and suggest ways to resolve them. For example, an important problem discussed, was the shortage of drinking water in Mehrauli and Kishangarh. We went with the women to the water supply department/offices and were successful in resolving the problem.
Efforts were also made to resolve other local problems like dowry, alcoholism, wife beating, etc. Besides we put up several street plays against drug abuse which was very well received by the villagers.
The income generating activities are imparted through different activities of the centre:
Report on the Training Centres
Parivartan Silai Kendra - These Silai Kendras exist in both Mehrauli and Kishangarh. During this year, 65 girls were given training in tailoring at the Mehrauli centre, while 25 girls were trained in Kishangarh. Some have found jobs, while others have gained economically by stitching their clothes at home. Along with the training, there is also an attempt to build awareness among these girls.
Apart from this, a group of women are trained in mirror work embroidery on khadi fabric out of which they earn a net income of Rs. 8 per day (part time).
Typing and secretarial training Kendra - Twenty-three girls were trained in typing, out of which 17 have found jobs. Economic difficulties forced us to shift the Mehrauli centre to Kishangarh. Because of the distance involved, not many girls come to learn typing. We are trying to overcome this problem of low attendance.
Smokeless chulha making programme - In co-operation with ITT, New Delhi, training in smokeless chulha making was given to a group of women. They adapt this skill not only in making chulhas for themselves but also in other households, as an income generating opportunity.
Training for plastic bag, dari, chalk and candle making - Short term programmes are held in training women to make these goods. Further we help them to avail credit from the bank to set up small enterprises. In several cases, these skills came handy in developing family enterprises.
Parivartan's effort have been tenacious and the results have been encouraging. Now there is increasing pressure from these villages to extend the programme in reach and quality. Steps are underway to introduce new skills training packages such as quartz watch assembling, ceramic glazing, screen printing, doll making, etc.
In the programme area villages, efforts have led to increasing social consciousness and change. Various health awareness, family planning, hygiene
and sanitation, legal and social rights and social evils, campaigns organised with considerable network support have benefited not only the programme participants but other women and children in the area.
We also arrange for their entertainment by taking them out occasionally on excursions, and encourage them to sing, dance, etc. We also held periodic camps for discussions and debates.
Paucity and uncertainty of resources is a discouraging factor which we hope to overcome with liberal support from conscientious national and international institutions.
For more information, contact:
Centre for Social Research E-79l9Kishan Garh Mehrauli New Delhi 110030, India