INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY on 8th March 2019 energizes Mori Block in Uttarkashi

By Mohammed Salim, Junior Programme Coordinator, Northern Office

Tarun Paryavaran Vigyan Sanstha (TPVS) celebrated International Women’s Day at Deora village of Mori Block, District Uttarkashi with local women including SMC members, teachers, Asha workers, ANM and the local Pradhan. This is the first time in the history of Deora that so many women celebrated the special day together.

Mori Block is hard to reach, and as a consequence a large percentage of women are illiterate and unaware of their rights. International Women’s Day provided an opportunity to spread the awareness and importance of women’s rights in the community.

Members of youth and women’s groups were informed about Women’s Day, the need and importance of equal opportunities for education and how women’s participation led to balanced growth in communities. The women of CBOs took the opportunity to voice their needs, and to share and acknowledge their problems in an open community forum. In an otherwise male dominated society, women were listened to on how the abortion of female foetuses, early marriage and problems related to poor sanitation added to the burdens on their already difficult lives. Other stakeholders like Asha, Anganwadi workers and school teachers thanked tdh Germany India Programme for providing a platform to spread awareness about women’s rights.

The gathering raised the following issues and demands:

  • Equal opportunities for women in employment
  • Respect for their ideas and suggestions within the home
  • Promotion and enhancement of education for girls
  • Removal of gender-based discrimination
  • Construction of toilets. (Currently open defecation continues to embarrass women).

The program ended with local songs presented by the women’s group describing the harsh conditions in the area.