Empowering women by their active participation
in local governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions) has to an extent
helped in developing a more genuine voice of women. However, many
of the emerging features of women�s role in Panchayats viz.
reservations, in itself, is insufficient as an instrument of empowerment
as it distracts attention from deeper structural sources of powerlessness.
There is also a need for a more enabling environment, which would
allow PRI to become a process for the empowerment of women. There
is thus a need to provide women with specific kinds of support which
go beyond technical training.
An important effort required for real empowerment of rural women
is to bring about attitudinal change in both men and women. Jan
Chetna Sansthan realized this and it started working with the elected
women PRI members. Firstly, interaction between enlightened rural
women and illiterate elected women leaders is encouraged. Secondly,
these women are taken out to the urban areas and their interaction
with educated urban elected women representatives is arranged. There
is increased emphasis on ensuring the participation of women in
the meetings of Panchayats at all levels. This is needed to promote
and enhance their leadership qualities and self-confidence. It also
helps them to perform better in the Panchayats.
Aagaz Academy
Aagaz Academy was started in Udaipur. Elected women representatives
from 22 Panchayats in Udaipur, Rajsamand and Sirohi Districts. Jan
Chetna Sansthan was one of the partner to initiate the Acedemy.
The main objective of this collaboration is to develop leadership
and skills among elected women representatives. The Agaz Academy
has developed a 21 days training module spread over 3 phases in
one year period for the elected women representatives of Panchayats
to empower and trained them.
After attending the Aagaz Academy training they become motivated
and courageous.
While picking up practical skills like learning to ride a bicycle
or learning to use a mobile, by the end of training these women
leaders get more knowledge and information that could help them
in being effective leaders in their constituencies.
S. No |
Particulars |
Figures |
1 |
Total Number of Women PRIs in Abu Road |
98 |
2 |
Number of Women PRIs attended WLW |
56 |