Presentation Transcript

1. SahiyarStreeSangathan

   Bhargavi Srivathsan
2. Perspective Violation of basic Human Rights
3. Woman A or Woman B? Woman B Top tier University degree MBA from elite school Professionally accomplished Happily married Two beautiful children Woman A History of abuse Lost mother as a teenager Eloped with the wrong man Unhappy marriage Turbulent personal life Woman B Top tier University degree MBA from elite school Professionally accomplished Happily married Two beautiful children Woman A History of abuse Lost mother as a teenager Eloped with the wrong man Unhappy marriage Turbulent personal life Education, Confidence, Economic Independence
4. Sahiyar, the NGO Started by a group of MSU Students in 1984 Working for Women’s rights for >25 years in Vadodara city- work on sex selective abortions to women affected by communal violence Long term goal: create a society in which women have equal status and recognition as all human beings Short term: undertake activities which will have immediate as well as long term affect
5. AID and Sahiyar JHU, PennState and Columbus chapter approved this project in 2006 Prior to this, JHU had worked with Sahiyar on another project in 2005, for which funding was sent via a sister NGO NGO applied for short term FCRA in 2006 Clearance didn’t come through until April 2010 Need fresh review for AID’s accounting work Funding to come from AID central + Gujarat pool Needed: Review of work in the last 3 years
6. Sex selective abortions Campaign against sex-selection & declining sex ratios in Gujarat Rapid industrialisation in the 90’s in gujarat pushed urbanization, but also saw drop in sex ratio (from 947 in 1981 to 928 in 1991 and 878 in 2001 From a high of 955 in 1961) Big victory came in early 2003 with the central law PCPNDT Act (Pre conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act). For Implementation of this law, undertake awareness campaigns every year LET THE DAUGHTERS BE BORN, BLOSSOM AND REACH THE SKY !
7. Violence against women Supporting Women in Crises: provides counseling, legal and practical help center New center in the center of the city in a girls hostel run by another NGO 2001-2008: 454 cases in total, of which 373 cases 2007-2009: 152 new cases, of which 114 are on domestic violence, 2 sexual harassement & rest are other kinds (religious, etc..)
8. Case Study Dharaben was married to Aakash since last two years. She was working in a small household industry. In the beginning Aaksh was good with her but eventually he started doubting her character and beating became frequent. She filed a case against him for in the court before one year. But nothing happened in the court. She did not get even some maintenance. Tired with court procedure she contacted Sahiyar. SahiyarActivists talked with both the parties. Convince her in-laws to give back her ‘Streedhan’ (ornaments and other belongings give to her at the time of marriage) and divorce in their caste panchayat. Sahiyar activists accompany her to fetch her ‘Streedhan’. She is now living independently.
9. Violence against women Skits & plays: many venues
10. Violence against women Campaign for implementation of Domestic Violence Act 2005 16-day campaign to oppose violence against women Representatives in state level meetings Organized discussions & distributed leaflets City wide Poster competition & exhibit Cultural programmes State level conference presentation on reducing sex ratio in gujarat Campaign for implementation of Domestic Violence Act 2005
11. Work with Adolescent girls Basic education to girls about changing bodies & emotions Provides space to talk about their dilemmas 2007-2009, reached out to 1933 girls in 20 shibirs Skill learning (Mehendi)& Awareness group (basic rights) Scholarship for education
12. Educating young girls NuzratParveen I am studying in Second Year B. A. I am involved with Sahiyar since last four years. I get support for my education through Sahiyar. This support has helped me to continue my studies and move forward in my life. I also participate in the workshops organised by Sahiyar. It has changed my thoughts and beliefs. When I witness violence on women I want to do some thing about it. I give them information about Sahiyar and encourage them to go to the Sahiyar Counselling centre. When I observe people discriminating between boys and girls I do not tolerate that silently I explain them that son and daughters are equal and daughters can do every thing that sons are doing. I also discuss these issues with my friends.
13. Work with Youth group Involving youth to keep away from bad element Campaigns for No plastic, water contamination Workshops on communal harmony & gender justice
14. Training for Peace & Justice New Initiation since 2007:after gujarat riots, need to train grassroots women leaders from all communities - financial support from American jewish world service 30 women trained so far Basic rights, womens rights, Visit to police station, govt offices, municipal wards & court
15. Community engagement Celebrating International Women’s day
16. Community engagement Celebrating International Women’s day, centennial year in 2009 Film screening in many communities 36 groups from all over Gujarat came together, including many big personalities
17. MahilaMandal: SHGs for women Self help groups for small loans: currently closed Computer center: basic training
18. The team
19. Budget
20. The Ask Approval for $5000 (about 35% of total project budget) [$1 = Rs. 54 (approx.), Rs.2,70,000]