REPORT ON WOMEN & DEMOCRACY MEETING
17 February 2009
I. Introduction
The moderator, Rekha Pappu, opened The Women & Democracy meeting by asking participants to introduce themselves and give brief statements on what they hoped to accomplish at the meeting and suggest what the.
Mrudula, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation (DRF), gave an overview of the meeting, talking about women’s historical exclusion from development process and political participation, she requested participants to come together to strategise and bargain in the upcoming elections for a meaningful role to decide on our futures .
and Joe Christopher of OpenSpace, explained the OpenSpace’s goals and activities across India.
II. Issue Discussion
A. Education [Sumithra - Ankuram, Sarat babu – DRF]
Sumithra spoke about the rights of the girl child, survival rights from infancy, the rights to protection from violence, as well as the right to participation in various life activities.
Sarat Babu Vasireddy presented his paper on the status of women’s education in Andhra Pradesh (AP). He highlighted that women’s education is justified by arguing that the “educated woman” will be a “good wife and mother” rather than education leading to independence and the ability assert one’s identity.
B. Women, Identity & Rights [K. Anuradha- Safai Karmachari (SKA) Andolan, Vyjayanthi- Dalit Sthree Shakti (DSS), Gogu Syamala- Anveshi]
Anuradha spoke about SKA’s successes in liberating women from the work of cleaning dry toilets by enabling them create alternative livelihoods.
Vyjayanthi explained DSS’s demands of including Dalit women in all government positions as well as in work and education schemes.
Gogu Syamala spoke about the exclusion of Dalit women in various government schemes targeting women, such as SHG and NREG. She emphasised the need to programmatically include Dalit women in government projects.
c. Livelihoods [Usha Seethalakshmi, Lathamani - DRF, Kalyani, Nirmala Tammineni-Akshara Network, Gayatri, NREGS
Usha spoke about the effects of infrastructure and mining projects in displacing rural, poor populations, specifically the effects on women who were either left behind to take care of families and farms, or were pushed into urban settings without support and protection.
Lathamani presented the work that DRF LABS does in training women to gain livelihood skills, and pointed out that further work needs to create support systems for women who have to move to urban centres to work.
Kalyani presented her paper on the effects of environmental degradation on women’s lives such hardships of water collection, lack of sanitation and the prevalence of toxic contamination, and the dangers of biomass fuels. Nirmala presented a list of 18 demands that would ensure livelihoods for women.
Gayatri spoke about the effects of the NREG schemes, and implementation of the provisions of the act, women’s share in the works done under NREG.
d. Displacement [Rajasekhar- Action Aid Hyderabad office & Chattisgarh Group]
The group spoke about forced displacement due to violence, and the lack of support given to those displaced when they arrived in AP. Despite being here for three years, there are no job permits. Supply of ration through PDS is given.
e. Women, Crime, Laws [Teja]
Ravi Teja presented his paper on the statistics of reported crimes perpetrated against women, such as rape, harassment, dowry, and trafficking; while pointing out the shortfalls of the legal system in addressing these crimes and bringing justice to the victims.
f. Gender Budgeting
A paper reviewing the government’s gender budgeting was distributed, though there was not sufficient time for discussion.
g. Self-Help Group Charter
Copies of the SHG Charter as well as a paper on challenges and possibilities for improvement were distributed, and participants were encouraged to express their support of the SHG Charter online, though there was not sufficient time for discussion.
h. Nutrition [Sunitha – Akkshaya Foundation]
Sunitha spoke about the fact that despite nutritional supplement programs spearheaded by the government, there is widespread malnutrition amongst mothers and children. She pointed out that the prevalence of fluoride needs to be further examined because it accumulates in the body and causes bone deformity.
J. Women Participation in Panchayat Raj Institutions [Shyamala]
Shyamala spoke about the various programs put forth by the Panchayat Raj Institutes to empower women at the local level and some of the challenges that women leaders face within their communities.
III Strategy Discussion
A survey of participants resulted in a majority decision to draft a manifesto based on the afternoon’s discussion, with possibilities for revision at a later date. The majority agreed that the manifesto would endorse a small number of demands (five to ten), which would be popularly acceptable and politically viable. It was also agreed that the demands should be inclusive enough that any woman in that state could identify with and “own” at least one of the demands.
Questions of dissemination and expansion/organization of a supportive constituency would be addressed in later meetings.
Preliminary list of recommendations to be included in the manifesto—(please email additional recommendations that you wish to be considered for inclusion in the manifesto):
1. Secure and sustainable livelihoods for all women in rural areas through the provision of job cards to all women and 150 guaranteed workdays per woman.
2. Clear policy on providing basic amenities (ration cards, water, electricity, access to primary healthcare and primary education) at receiving sites to all displaced people and migrants.
3. Thirty-three percent reservations for women in all elected bodies from the panchayat level to the legislative assembly and ministerial positions. Capacity building to women aspirants and incumbants to panchayats should be an ongoing thing.
4. Implement the new education bill to the fullest extent and make education compulsory up to the age of eighteen. 100% government subsidised compulsory education for all girls through intermediate level in a school of girl’s choice. All the girls irrespective of caste and economic status should be covered under this policy.
5. Ensure implementation of Domestic Violence Act by Providing dedicated police control rooms to address cases of violence against women; provide protection and financial support to women victims; reduce delays in investigation and prosecution
6. Provide universal health care services to all; bring all health services, including Rreproductive health and child vaccination, under Arogya Sri; Upgrade PHCs to include inpatient and emergency care in rural areas and provide better incentives for doctors to work in rural areas.
- Mrudula Vemulapati & Joe Christopher
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Discussion - 17-02-2009 - WOMEN & DEMOCRACY
Dear All
Globally women are celebrating 20 years of advancement in women’s rights since the Beijing Conference on the Declaration of Women’s Rights. This is the right time to bring demands of women to the attention of the political parties and the public. Fielding of women candidates by all political parties, announcing free sops to women, Abhaya Hastham- pension scheme for women, pavala waddi, have made it crystal clear that women are considered an important vote bank in the coming elections.
Women are also using their power of vote to bargain for housing, loans, etc.. and can influence this election. In this election, women will come out in more numbers as political candidates. But this is just the beginning. Today the question is not about more women candidates or exercising their vote. The question is how do we influence and participate in the decision making process itself. We are at the end of the decade, in which women and girls have paid a heavy price for sexual assault, rape and violence. Women are faced with a myriad of problems including rising food prices, economic crisis, losing jobs, losing lands for infrastructure projects, gender based violence etc.
It is perhaps right time for us to review this decade long journey of women’s rights and put forth our demands to the political parties. The solution for women’s problem is not just fielding more women candidates in the elections. In order make a difference with our votes, we need to create access and participate in the decision making process in determining our political and economic future of the state. Hence, we need to get together, talk with one another, create discourse on issues and put up our own agenda.
Academics, NGOs, activist groups, students and employees are requested to participate in this discussion. Together we can sustain this group through this upcoming election and beyond to engage meaningfully on the issue of women and democracy. I hope the group will create informed discourse that will go a long way in strengthening women right’s movement.
We invite those participants working on specific issues to initiate a discussion in their niche area and help the group to brainstorm. In the second half of the meeting, the participants will join groups that will work on education, health, livelihoods, legal aspect, etc to prepare a charter of demands to the political parties for incorporating in their election manifestos.
The “Women Manifesto” which is prepared after consultations will be released to the public on March 8th 2009
This program is being organised by OPEN SPACE with coordination of Ms. Mrudula and Mr. Joe Christopher at Dr. Reddy's Foundation office (Near Learnium School, MLA Colony, Road No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad). On behalf of Openspace forum we, Radical Democrats invite you to the meeting on “Women and Democracy” to be held on 17th February 2009.
For Further information please dont hesitate to call Ms. Mrudula-9490192119 or mail her to mrudulav2000@yahoo.com
- Radicals
Globally women are celebrating 20 years of advancement in women’s rights since the Beijing Conference on the Declaration of Women’s Rights. This is the right time to bring demands of women to the attention of the political parties and the public. Fielding of women candidates by all political parties, announcing free sops to women, Abhaya Hastham- pension scheme for women, pavala waddi, have made it crystal clear that women are considered an important vote bank in the coming elections.
Women are also using their power of vote to bargain for housing, loans, etc.. and can influence this election. In this election, women will come out in more numbers as political candidates. But this is just the beginning. Today the question is not about more women candidates or exercising their vote. The question is how do we influence and participate in the decision making process itself. We are at the end of the decade, in which women and girls have paid a heavy price for sexual assault, rape and violence. Women are faced with a myriad of problems including rising food prices, economic crisis, losing jobs, losing lands for infrastructure projects, gender based violence etc.
It is perhaps right time for us to review this decade long journey of women’s rights and put forth our demands to the political parties. The solution for women’s problem is not just fielding more women candidates in the elections. In order make a difference with our votes, we need to create access and participate in the decision making process in determining our political and economic future of the state. Hence, we need to get together, talk with one another, create discourse on issues and put up our own agenda.
Academics, NGOs, activist groups, students and employees are requested to participate in this discussion. Together we can sustain this group through this upcoming election and beyond to engage meaningfully on the issue of women and democracy. I hope the group will create informed discourse that will go a long way in strengthening women right’s movement.
We invite those participants working on specific issues to initiate a discussion in their niche area and help the group to brainstorm. In the second half of the meeting, the participants will join groups that will work on education, health, livelihoods, legal aspect, etc to prepare a charter of demands to the political parties for incorporating in their election manifestos.
The “Women Manifesto” which is prepared after consultations will be released to the public on March 8th 2009
This program is being organised by OPEN SPACE with coordination of Ms. Mrudula and Mr. Joe Christopher at Dr. Reddy's Foundation office (Near Learnium School, MLA Colony, Road No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad). On behalf of Openspace forum we, Radical Democrats invite you to the meeting on “Women and Democracy” to be held on 17th February 2009.
For Further information please dont hesitate to call Ms. Mrudula-9490192119 or mail her to mrudulav2000@yahoo.com
- Radicals
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
letter- Shanker Suman
My own experiences in the quest for a fitting long-term career has been like sitting atop a fence of sharp stakes.
With a deulge of reports from industry circles flowing in, that warn about massive job cuts here in India, one really wonders what ever has happened to all those Billions of earnings made by corporates during the recent boom of Business cycle.
There appears to be hardly any reason for the corporates to grumble about cash crunch, especially at a time when the 'Top Heads' have fattened themselves with huge amounts of IPO money, - not to mention the more than generous follow-up offerings of Preferencial allotments to their 'Favoured Few' - a lavish serving showered on the 'corporate chumchas', by dipping their hands into the coffers filled by PUBLIC money; while the recipes of 'Cook-Books' provided the most exotic variety for a truly sumptuous 'fill', even as the the flood gates of 'BOOK-BUILDING' route were thrown open by our very government.
And, suddenly Ayn-Rand, her ideologies of 'free market' principles seem to have lost sanctity, Karl Marx's works are flying off the shelves, Obama goes chasing behind the scoundrels ranting and panting to grab back the hefty unwarranted Billion-Dollar Bonuses that were liberal 'SELF_SERVICE' buffets, which buffeted the gullible public and the workforce instead!.
'FREE MARKETS' indeed!!
One wonders how the market became the ally of 'Corporate Executives' to help them 'go the extra mile' at making themselves a series of 'Rags to Riches' hits - virtually for 'FREE'!!! (Money for nothing....Dire Straits).
In essence the public and the workforce has been derided by the arrogant 'Coporate Top Heads', their derisive laughter yet to die down as a chukle.
I would like to capture Their ill-gotten weath and their unsrupulous actions in very simple words with the title 'LOGIC OF NONSENSE - The Jam within':
Pardon me:
I beg thee
For a loaf of bread
Neatly sliced - End to End
For, I like it
With thy butter
For the Toast of 'IT'!
As long as we have gullible investors; and a quivering workforce whose faintest 'RAISING-OF-VOICES' against such practices are swiftly shut by the sluice gates of HR hands, 'We The Living' are just waiting in Gulags as 'We The Dying'!!.
I found a very thought provoking article written by Rajiv Vij - 'JOY OF EFFORTLESS LIVING' ( TOI Sep 7/2005).
Please see attachment.
I have re-captured Rajiv Vij's thoughts in my own words poetically though as shown below:
'Butterfly'
It tastes each flower with care
A little here and a little there
Nectar, Nectar everywhere
wanders around with no fan-fare
Dances merrily in the air
To any child it's so Dear
And every soul does it cheer
But flits away as you go near
Flies high with no fear
Its Clap Of Wings You Never Hear!
- Shanker Suman
(*The opinions expressed here are not of Radical Democrats and are completely authors own)
With a deulge of reports from industry circles flowing in, that warn about massive job cuts here in India, one really wonders what ever has happened to all those Billions of earnings made by corporates during the recent boom of Business cycle.
There appears to be hardly any reason for the corporates to grumble about cash crunch, especially at a time when the 'Top Heads' have fattened themselves with huge amounts of IPO money, - not to mention the more than generous follow-up offerings of Preferencial allotments to their 'Favoured Few' - a lavish serving showered on the 'corporate chumchas', by dipping their hands into the coffers filled by PUBLIC money; while the recipes of 'Cook-Books' provided the most exotic variety for a truly sumptuous 'fill', even as the the flood gates of 'BOOK-BUILDING' route were thrown open by our very government.
And, suddenly Ayn-Rand, her ideologies of 'free market' principles seem to have lost sanctity, Karl Marx's works are flying off the shelves, Obama goes chasing behind the scoundrels ranting and panting to grab back the hefty unwarranted Billion-Dollar Bonuses that were liberal 'SELF_SERVICE' buffets, which buffeted the gullible public and the workforce instead!.
'FREE MARKETS' indeed!!
One wonders how the market became the ally of 'Corporate Executives' to help them 'go the extra mile' at making themselves a series of 'Rags to Riches' hits - virtually for 'FREE'!!! (Money for nothing....Dire Straits).
In essence the public and the workforce has been derided by the arrogant 'Coporate Top Heads', their derisive laughter yet to die down as a chukle.
I would like to capture Their ill-gotten weath and their unsrupulous actions in very simple words with the title 'LOGIC OF NONSENSE - The Jam within':
Pardon me:
I beg thee
For a loaf of bread
Neatly sliced - End to End
For, I like it
With thy butter
For the Toast of 'IT'!
As long as we have gullible investors; and a quivering workforce whose faintest 'RAISING-OF-VOICES' against such practices are swiftly shut by the sluice gates of HR hands, 'We The Living' are just waiting in Gulags as 'We The Dying'!!.
I found a very thought provoking article written by Rajiv Vij - 'JOY OF EFFORTLESS LIVING' ( TOI Sep 7/2005).
Please see attachment.
I have re-captured Rajiv Vij's thoughts in my own words poetically though as shown below:
'Butterfly'
It tastes each flower with care
A little here and a little there
Nectar, Nectar everywhere
wanders around with no fan-fare
Dances merrily in the air
To any child it's so Dear
And every soul does it cheer
But flits away as you go near
Flies high with no fear
Its Clap Of Wings You Never Hear!
- Shanker Suman
(*The opinions expressed here are not of Radical Democrats and are completely authors own)
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