September 9, 2017
Cherishing memories of initiating the Tasar Project and remembering the people instrumental in the promotion of tasar as a livelihood among the poor tribals and other villagers of Godda takes us back almost three decades
September 5, 2017
Working with SHG women on various issues faced by the community transforms the shy and soft-spoken Julekha Bibi into a vocal and active spokesperson, displaying hither to untapped capabilities for tackling the day-to-day problems villagers face
September 5, 2017
Taboos, superstitions, lack of awareness, lack of infrastructure, shame and embarrassment about menstruation are barriers to the confidence, self-esteem and dignity of girls and women, affecting their well-being and health as a consequence
September 4, 2017
Rearing tasar worms is a precarious and fragile practice that the Santhal tribals and other villagers engage in, both because this has been their traditional occupation and because a good harvest provides them a much-needed economic support
September 3, 2017
Recognizing that having a toilet within the premises of the house would most contribute to creating a dignified way of life, the women of Maidandih village collectively set about constructing these despite challenges and setbacks
September 2, 2017
Creating awareness through collectivization, about prevailing patriarchal-hierarchical structures and about women normalizing beliefs that define their existence as ‘inferior’ and confine them to being mother, daughter, wife, or domestic labourer, is a slow albeit rewarding journey
September 2, 2017
Giving up on traditional food and blindly having ‘development’ agendas in agriculture thrust on them has resulted in the tribals losing their wise and time-tested habits and practices, leading to heavy loss in health and economic terms. Today, they are neither here nor there—neither modern, ‘developed’ and prosperous nor in touch with their own indigenous crop cultivation methods and wholesome food habits
August 9, 2017
“Clay is just a lump unless persistent efforts transform it into a pot.” Bringing about social change is a slow and painstaking process and must be based on an inherent faith in the ability and wisdom of the people one is working with. The women of Ramkol prove this as they are shepherded by a young development professional
August 5, 2017
Reflecting on the assumptions and beliefs that a development professional has as he enters a community, the author explores the need for greater awareness, sensitivity and acceptance of villagers’ abilities, requirements and choices
July 4, 2017
Promoting SHGs for credit and savings and livelihoods is one important way of empowering village women; what is equally important is for women to be able to express and share their pain and struggle in their lives. Providing for safe spaces where the women can do so is a big opportunity for healing and resolution