Opportunity …… Empowerment ….. Gender Equity ….. Gender equality@JEEVIKA Ujjain

In our all the projects we do emphasis on gender equity and gender equality. Of course this is the trend of the time. Such movement we can notice from legislative body to down at panchayaty level. Yes, Kripa is speaking about Mrs. Mamta who is living in Bodani Village. Bodani village comes under Gattiya block in Ujjain district situated 25 KMs away from Ujjain city. She lives with her husband and two children. She is from poor family but did her studies till 8th standard. In the initial stage of the project implementation cluster coordinator used to visit the village to mobilize the people to form the SHGs. One of the visit cluster coordinator came in contact with Mrs. Mamata. Cluster coordinator shared with her about the concept of the project and how it will help the people to come- up in their life. Mamta showed great interest to join with the project. She collected 13 women for the formation of the SHG and formed Pavitra group. Group members made her the president of their group. It was a boost for Mrs. Mamta and she found that people like her. She asserted that she should do something for others. Mrs. Mamta was very active in all the activities of Jeevika. She and her husband also attended the meetings on organic farming, making vermin compost and organic pest. She motivated her husband to prepare the vermi pits. Now they are making vermi compost.

Now husband brings her to the meetings and take care back to the home. Husband considers the opinion of his wife. Cluster coordinator shared the concept of income generation progrmme and how SHG can help the group’s members to start the IGP units by giving the loan form it. Some of the women expressed that if IGP unit is going in lose then we will lose the money. Mrs Mamta showed courage to take the risk and her husband stood with her. She took Rs. 5000/- from the group and purchased a paper cup machine and started IGP units. Currently she is earning around Rs. 250/- to Rs. 300/- per day by her won effort. She also showed the community that if we have courage we can do anything positive. When Jeevika wanted to give the skill development programme to women then team asked women what trade they would like to learn. Seeing the success of Mrs. Mamata women demanded for the paper cup making. Team decided to give training to women on paper cup making. Mrs Mamta agreed to be the trainer for the trade. Now she gives training to the women at Bodani and Harniyakhedy. Her husband takes her by motor cycle to training centers to give the training. There is a very good mutual understanding among them and they respect each other. Jeevika team has noticed a good relation and coordination among them. Today she helps her husband by earning money and husband respect her. Her role in the community is increased. She has role in decision making in the house as well in the group.

By Kripa Ujjain JEEVIKA team