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"वह अभी भी अपने निर्णय खुद नहीं ले सकती। महिलाओं और किशोरियों के लिए, यह अभी भी अनुमति मांगने की बात है। क्योंकि उनके पास इतनी जिम्मेदारियां हैं कि वे अपने लिए थोड़ा भी समय नहीं निकाल पातीं।" "She still cannot make decisions on her own. For women and adolescent girls, it is still about asking for permission. Because they have so many responsibilities, they cannot even take out a little time for themselves." - Rajani, Sahyogi India. 🛑 High literacy rates often don’t equate to increased gender equity! Bihar has witnessed a 18% rise in literacy since the past 12 years. But behind these statistics lie complex societal and patriarchal challenges that hinder girls' actual empowerment. Despite rising literacy, many women are still not allowed to participate in economic or household decisions, attend meetings, or take up jobs that require time outside the home. Sahyogi India is changing the narrative. Sahyogi India works with women from the Musahar, Dalit, Ravidas, Bhaswaan, Dhobi and Other Backward Class communities in rural Bihar, a state where strict gender norms continue to limit women’s autonomy and mobility. Through engaging theatre forums and other initiatives, Sahyogi India empowers women to make decisions, gain autonomy, and support their families. #PartnersofRebuild showcases stories from community leaders, offering glimpses into how our partners are breaking the cycle of vulnerability in low-resource settings. Let's amplify these voices and support the movement for true gender equity. Watch the entire video: https://lnkd.in/d-6J6U66 #GenderEquity #Gender #Women #Bihar #Education Khyati Pokar

AESA Book Review: Swati Narayan's Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbours by: Dr. SVN Rao Until 1980, women in India lived longer than many of their counterparts in South Asian countries. But by 2021, women in countries like Bangladesh were expected to live longer than #Indian women. This was attributed to their accessibility to better healthcare services in Bangladesh. Similarly, many countries which were weaker than India, some fifty years ago, are faring better than India on many social indicators such as #education, #healthcare, #nutrition, #gender equality, etc. As per the World Inequality Report (2022) inequality was so marked in India that the bottom half of its population had to survive on only 6% of the nation’s wealth. At least 41% of India’s wealth was in the hands of the forward #castes, double their population share. Inequalities in wealth are being perpetuated over the years by the prevailing caste system, extreme gender inequalities, and low literacy. This book by Swati Narayan focuses on finding answers to the question: ‘Why is India, though economically strong, lagging behind its neighbouring poor countries in social development?’ She points to the variations in social welfare indices: i) education, ii) health, iii) social equity, and iv) women’s empowerment between India (represented by Bihar) and its eastern neighbours, Bangladesh and Nepal. The data revealed that Bihar is lagging behind both Bangladesh and Nepal on all four indices. The question then arose as to why it was so. The author came up with very interesting findings based on her personal interviews with 1600 rural women spread across 80 villages in four districts of three countries – India, #Nepal and #Bangladesh. Then she crosschecked the data by interviewing #policy makers, teachers and health workers. This data from her extensive field work was analysed and interpretations made by corroborating through a robust #review. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbpB8pzT Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services Rasheed Sulaiman V Mahesh Chander Saravanan Raj Dr. P. Chandra Shekara Westland Books #BookReview #Unequal #Inequality #Gender #India #Nepal #Bangladesh

AESA Book Review: Unequal by Swati Narayan I remember in the 17th Lok Sabha one of the parliamentarians in the Opposition used this book to make his point on growing inequality in India and how we are lagging behind our neighbours. Read this important book review below 👇

Partners' Update Small Initiative with huge Impact: We are pleased and excited to share that NBJK took the initiative to generate funds locally to provide bicycles to school-going girls, especially those who will be appearing in the high school exams this year. They have provided bicycles to 60 Action Village India-supported girls in Deokuli and Gurhet villages of Jharkhand. Every child has a right to learn and get a good quality education, regardless of gender, where they live or their circumstances. In India, the gender gap in literacy and education is a big and important dimension of gender inequality. Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), our partner in Jharkhand, India, has been working to educate, organise and empower girls and women from disadvantaged sections, since 2005 to attend school who would otherwise have dropped out or not attended in Jharkhand and Bihar- with gender literacy gap of 19.6% and 21.4%. There is a huge gender gap in school-going children cycling to school. One of the reasons for girls to drop out of school is the distance to the school. Due to poor public transport. and no availability of a personal mode of commute for girls, the parents decide to take the girls off the school. This small initiative by NBJK has a huge impact on the girl's lives, not only in fulfilling their dreams of continuing education but also in raising their confidence level. #internationaldevelopment #girlsempowerment #environmentalhealth #actionvillageindia #NBJK #partnership #solidarity #girlshealth #India #cyclingtoschool #girlseducation #bihar #jharkhand

Title: Shedding Light on the Disconcerting Realities: Men's Challenges in India As we advocate for gender equality, it's imperative to recognize that men too face unique and pressing challenges in India. Here's a snapshot of some concerning issues: Suicide Rates: According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the suicide rate among men in India is alarmingly high. In 2019, around 70% of total suicides were by men, highlighting the mental health crisis they often silently endure. Legal Biases: While there are laws safeguarding women's rights, men often face legal biases in areas like divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Many men struggle to find adequate support and resources in navigating these legal challenges. Workplace Stress: The pressure to provide for families and societal expectations can lead to immense stress among men in the workplace. Burnout, job dissatisfaction, and mental health issues are prevalent but often overlooked. Health Disparities: Men's health often takes a backseat due to cultural norms and reluctance to seek medical help. Consequently, diseases like heart ailments, cancer, and mental health disorders go undiagnosed and untreated. Education Gap: While much attention is given to girls' education, there's a growing concern about the declining educational attainment among boys. Factors such as lack of male role models in education and societal pressures contribute to this gap. It's crucial to foster conversations and initiatives that address these challenges faced by men in India. Only by acknowledging and addressing these issues can we strive for a society that truly promotes gender equality and well-being for all. #GenderEquality #MenInIndia #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialJustice #EqualityForAll Note: Data sources can be cited directly from reputable organizations like the NCRB, WHO, and government reports for authenticity.

Empowerment is Women Standing Beside Women! As I speak to girls in rural India, I don't see a lack of talent or confidence. What I see is a need for someone to stand beside them, to believe in them as they believe in themselves. Take Priya, a young girl from a village in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, who dreams of becoming a pilot. She was hesitant at first, unsure if her goals were achievable. But when I told her that her dreams were not just valid, but powerful, I saw her eyes light up with newfound determination. This is the impact of simply standing beside someone. When I instill in them the belief that their dreams and wishes are right, they no longer feel the need to shy away. Instead, they open up, asking questions with a curiosity and boldness that even I couldn't have imagined at their age. At Samarpann, we've reached over 25,000 girls with the firm belief that it's not just about providing resources; it's about empowering them to dream big and break free from the constraints of their circumstances. The results speak for themselves—girls who were once hesitant are now leading, questioning, and aspiring for more. Whether it’s their health, education, or livelihood, the freedom to make their own choices is essential. This is the core belief of Samarpann. Together, let’s continue to stand beside these girls, building a future where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential. Will you join us? #WomenEmpowerment #GirlsEducation #RuralDevelopment #socialimpact

Empowering women through skill development, the schemes "Seekho Aur Kamao," "USTTAD," and "Nai Manzil" by the Ministry Of Minority Affairs aim to uplift minority and underprivileged communities across India. "Seekho Aur Kamao" focuses on upgrading skills in various trades to enhance job prospects and promote self-employment among minority youth. "USTTAD" works to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts, providing artisans with training and market linkages. "Nai Manzil" offers formal education and skill training to school dropouts, helping them secure employment or become self-employed. These schemes are crucial for economic development, social inclusion, and cultural preservation. They not only equip minority communities with essential skills but also promote social equity and preserve cultural heritage. How can we enhance the reach of these schemes to maximize their impact? What additional support mechanisms are needed to sustain their benefits? Share your thoughts and ideas! #WomenEmpowerment #SkillDevelopment #SeekhoAurKamao #USTTAD #NaiManzil #EconomicGrowth #SocialInclusion #CulturalPreservation #GRAAM Government of India Official

Empowering women through skill development, the schemes "Seekho Aur Kamao," "USTTAD," and "Nai Manzil" by the Ministry Of Minority Affairs aim to uplift minority and underprivileged communities across India. "Seekho Aur Kamao" focuses on upgrading skills in various trades to enhance job prospects and promote self-employment among minority youth. "USTTAD" works to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts, providing artisans with training and market linkages. "Nai Manzil" offers formal education and skill training to school dropouts, helping them secure employment or become self-employed. These schemes are crucial for economic development, social inclusion, and cultural preservation. They not only equip minority communities with essential skills but also promote social equity and preserve cultural heritage. How can we enhance the reach of these schemes to maximize their impact? What additional support mechanisms are needed to sustain their benefits? Share your thoughts and ideas! #WomenEmpowerment #SkillDevelopment #SeekhoAurKamao #USTTAD #NaiManzil #EconomicGrowth #SocialInclusion #CulturalPreservation #GRAAM Government of India Official

⭐ New blog! ⭐ We're thrilled to share insights into #UMANG, a groundbreaking #girlsempowerment program pioneered by ICRW, and supported by the IKEA Foundation, in partnership with SATHEE, Badlao Foundation, Project Concern International, and the Government of Jharkhand. 🔍 Addressing Gender Stereotypes: UMANG tackles entrenched gender biases in schools fostering critical reflection among all community members. Through curriculum integration, community sessions, and street theatre, UMANG drives positive shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and social norms. 🏫 Integrating Schools: UMANG provided training sessions to teachers that helps foster a gender-enabling environment including mixed-gender seating arrangements and open dialogues on menstrual health, enhancing girls' confidence and participation. 📈 Tangible Results: UMANG's efforts have led to increased #schoolretention rates and a decline in #childmarriages. Girls are now more vocal about their educational aspirations and future plans, and some even participate in district and state-level sports teams and tournaments. ⭕️ Sustained Impact: UMANG invests in community-level institutions like Village Level Child Protection Committees, ensuring sustained impact beyond the program's duration. Read the interview with ICRW colleagues iAmajit Mukherjee, nasreen jamal, Ravi Verma, Parasnath Verma and Sakti Gosh who shed light on the program's impact https://lnkd.in/eVDD9prr