Charkha, Delhi : Newsletter for March 2005

Friends,

This special issue of the Charkha Vikas Samvad is an ode to the women of rural India. On the eve of the International Womens Day on March 8 2005, we dedicate this issue to the true spirit of womanhood that continues to voice its fears, aspirations and inspire both men and women.

The rural woman has for long been a silent partner in the process of development. She has been kept away from the decision-making process, the planning, execution and implementation of the development policies and from voicing her own issues and challenges, both within her small domain of the family or the larger society. There are women who, even today, continue to be physically exploited, emotionally deprived and mentally exhausted.

But there are women, who despite personal challenges and social pressures have set fine examples for others. In our ten years experience of capacity-building workshops, we have met many such high-spirited women who feel the need to bring about positive social change through the use of communication tools.

In my visit to Patna, Bihar for a two-day workshop for rural women in January 2005, what impressed me most is that, if given opportunity, these women were ready to voice their opinion regarding things that mattered most. For instance, when asked what kind of a government do they desire, they were quick to reply, The government should be free of corruption and not adhere to caste-politics. The government should understand the real needs of the people the dire need of electricity, roads, education and medical facilities. Similarly, when asked to identify the issues in their respective districts, they were quick to inform of some alcoholism, dowry harassment and death, lack of proper schools, violence against women, unemployment and lack of basic infrastructure, among others.

It is this interest and enthusiasm that Charkha endeavours to capture, by enabling these women of the rural landscape to use the means of development communication in an effective manner. On the eve of the International Womens Day, we at Charkha re-pledge ourselves to use this tool toward the long-drawn process of women empowerment and hope to continue carrying their voices to the policy makers and the society at large.

Indrani Dey

Email - charkha@bol.net.in