There is equal participation of both women and men in the development of any society and country. Self-development of women in social development should underly, but because of several religious, political, social and economic reasons, women have been left behind. Whether it is the question of equal rights, or whether it is the question of establishing the existence in the society. While accepting the contribution of women in social development and understanding their social condition, a need was felt to sensitise the community. Therefore, the following interventions were carried out:

Constitution of Women Forum and Meetings

Under the Power Campaign, some active women were identified during the nyaya panchayat level training. They were invited to form block level organisation/forum. A block level forum of 40-45 women was formed. This forum had women from women panchayat members, anganwadi workers and women organisation members.

Four meetings of this block level women forum were organised. These meetings discussed village level social issues, discrepancies in the society like equal participation, reservation and existence of women in the society. Discussion was held to enhance participation of women in the forthcoming panchayat elections and difficulties to be faced in the forthcoming elections. Attempts were made to sensitise the forum members with their right to vote and other rights.

Training of Women Forum

For equal participation of women in developmental works and for sensitising them on women rights and duties, one day block level training of women forum was held. During this training, information was provided to the participants on major provisions of 73rd Constitutional Amendment and 33 per cent reservation to the women. They were sensitised with the issues related to village women. It was witnessed that there was very low participation in panchayats as a result of which developmental works do not take place in an effective manner. Keeping this in view systematic information was provided about the forthcoming panchayat elections and the women were told that they should participate in the panchayat elections in maximum numbers. A total of 86 women, including the women of groups participated in this election. They readied themselves as resource persons. They will ensure their participation in the forthcoming elections.

International Women’s Day

To enhance participation of women in panchayats, and issues related to women like health, education, social discrepancies, women rights, decreasing number of girls in the society and equal participation in the society, International Women’s Day was organised at the block headquarters on March 07, 2005. Apart from the women in panchayat representatives’ organisation and civic leaders, media, Block Pramukh, Jyeshtha Pramukh, District Disasterm Management Coordinator, District Resource Centre Coordinator, Block Development Officer and workers of other voluntary organisations participated in the celebrations. Convenor of Vatsalya, Lucknow, Dr Neelam Singh, also participated in the International Women’s Day. The celebrations were inaugurated by the Block Pramukh Chandrawali by lighting the lamp. Attempts were made to sensitise the participants through rallies, speeches, role play, plays and success stories of women. Over 600 women participated in the Women’s Day celebrations.

Gender Sensitisation Training

During the interventions it was seen that inequality prevails between women and men in the society. There is negative thinking about girls as compared to boys in the fields like living, education, health, dress, behaviour, etc. Seeing this, one day training was organised at the block level on the topic of gender sensitisation. Active women and men, civil leaders, members of youth clubs, representatives of voluntary organisations and media persons participated in the training. Shilpi Agarwal of Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra, Lucknow, and Deenanath Singh of District Resource Centre, Sitapur, also participated in the training. Attempts were made to sensitise the people through film show Basanto, lectures and group discussions. A total of 49 people participated in this training.

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