Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi

1.      Capacity Building of women in Ghazipur (Power Project) :

The philosophies of decentralised democracy holder take only when functionaries are able to perform their roles and responsibilities as envisaged, For a period of time, a strong argument was being made to mobilise, train, inform and equip leadership skills shill of elected women representatives and strengthen their understanding of the process that enhances their abilities to claim their due share in power, resources and entitlements.

Accordingly, 8 blocks in Ghazipur District were taken up comprising 160 Gram Panchayats (GPs), covering 560 elected women representative and 150 other women's groups like women citizen leaders, SHG members, Angan wadi workers, etc. supported by UNDP called POWER Project. The aim behind the decision at the local level is to take up leadership roles.

The Objective of the project were

• Strengthening capacities of elected women representatives (ERWs), women groups, prospective candidates and PRI functionaries

•  Strengthen Networks of ERWs.

• Documentation and dissemination of lessons learnt to assist replication.

• Provide support to Resource teams at different levels.    

Major Achievements:

• 61% women were elected on Pradhans and 5% on non-reserved.

• PEVAC campaign was legitimised by Government officers.

• The community challenges fake voting and there was overwhelming participation of youths.

• Government Officers approved CB of EWRs.

• 8 networks have been formed at the Block level and 1 at the District level, which have started working as pressure groups.

• Panchayat Information Center (PIC) has been institutionalised and in functioning as an Information hub.

• Creditably of CSOs at the Block and District level have increased.

• There is a high level of awareness and understanding on the Act and related issue.

• Male relatives of EWRs and also cooperating in assisting them to discharge their responsibilities.

Learnings:

• CB of EWRs should be taken up from the stage of filing nominations.

• Sensitizing stake holders is necessary.

• Residential trainings facilitate collective learning.

• EWRs are gradually being accepted, socially and politically.

• Networks have provided the platform, recognition and power.

• Additional CB efforts should also be tried out.

• Other methods of information dissemination should be implemented.

The extension phase is being planned on making a permanent set-up to insure sustainability.

2.      Girl Child's Education:

It has been found that children, specially the girl child of poor families often droup out of school after a few years owing the financial hardship and the need to earn. Accordingly, SSK identified 55 Girl children of 6^th and 9^th standards in the district of Varanasi, Rae Bareli, and Barabanki to develop mechanisms so that they do not drop out. Started from October 2007, the project is being supported by Rajeev Gandhi Foundation (RGF), New Delhi.

• The activities being carried out presently are:

• Providing stipend to the children.

• Providing vocational training to the students of 9th standard.

• Arranging coaching classes for the students.

• Organising Mahila Abhibhavak Manch (a women's forum) of mothers of the students who will be provided inputs on a variety of issue of daily life.

Team