Women in Action in Gujarat, India

In partnership with the Pratikar Trust, The Hunger Project’s partner agency, work with tribals and socially backward classes in Kalol Block in Panchmahal district, is moving at a remarkable pace. Initially rapport was established through weekly meetings and awareness camps with 20 women-headed Panchayats (India's basic unit of grassroots democracy).

Two of The Hunger Project’s Women’s Leadership Training (WLW), have been conducted, one in July 2003 and then in November 2003, reaching out to a total of 44 women Panchayat leaders. Follow up workshops have taken place on how to administer Panchayats and provide information on government schemes. Building support for the Sarpanch (the president of the Panchayat) by reviving the Panchayat level Education and Health Committees is the focus now.

Pratikar Trust is working towards forming a Panchayat Mahila Manch to include the Sarpanches as well as ex-Sarpanches and other women. The Manch will serve as a platform for collective action.

19 street plays were performed in the area with the help of a local youth team on the importance of Gram Sabhas (village assembly).

These street plays have shown immediate impact. The attendance at Gram Sabha meetings has doubled and women’s participation at these meetings has increased triple-fold. In a quick survey of 15 villages, the issues of drinking water and health, which affect women directly, are now being discussed at village meetings. Women Sarpanches, who shy away from occupying their rightful seat at the Gram Sabha meeting, are now seen sitting on the dais in front with the other members.