An exchange between Amol Sharon Lakra from India and Virginie Kasami from DR Congo.
Letter 1
Dear Virginie,
I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I was pleased to be paired with you for this project. I hope the exchange of ideas and views between us on Economic empowerment and independence focusing on women will enrich our learning experience.
Women in India from the beginning have always faced problems due to Chauvinist Society and Gender roles. Women have always been associated with gender roles, for instance, women have been described with reproduction, nurturing kids, and taking care of men. They have been treated as sex objects. Opportunities for women in society have always been a myth. Lack of freedom, lack of access to employment opportunities, and lack of social and political participation have often led them to deprivation in society.
As India is a third-world country and a developing nation, the Indian government has always focused on women as the center of the upliftment and development process. India as a country majorly comprises of rural areas and, due to poverty and lack of opportunities people still fail to meet their necessities.
Women in Rural India are involved in agricultural and allied activities. Lack of access to basic health facilities, education, sanitation, and access to clean water often leads them to the failure of recognising other opportunities. My personal experience, my mother used to work as a health worker in rural areas, I used to go along with my mother to rural areas where I observed rural women find it difficult to meet their basic necessities and this lead them to poverty and poor health conditions. Women do the majority of unpaid care work which leads them with much less time for a paid job and education. Even the girl children are involved in agricultural activities helping their family to earn to suffice their living.
In urban India, women are seen as inferior to men. They mostly face the dominance of men, where they don’t have access to political, social, and economic resources and opportunities equal to men. In the job sector, they are paid less in comparison to men being in the same position and delivering the same amount of work having the same qualification and work experience. For instance, in the corporate sector where my aunt works, she used to earn less than her husband; often facing male dominance in the family by her husband. All the decision-making was done by my uncle. A few years later when my aunt enhanced her abilities and skills and was paid more than my uncle, she developed more confidence and was able to take part in the decision-making process of her family.
The economic empowerment of women is directly linked with economic independence. Women from lower economic sections as well as marginalized sections often don’t get the freedom of choice in terms of economic opportunities. The prevailing strict orthodox of gender roles in society has always acted as a barrier to their freedom. Women after marriage have been associated with household activities and taking care of men and children. When women have the power to make their own money and control over how they use it, this doesn’t only empower them economically but also this step is one of the best ways to reduce poverty in general. Women earning and becoming independent often makes them free to make choices and live life according to their grounds.
To uplift women in India, the government on the other hand has made certain measures, such as the implementation of integrated schemes and programs for women and their economic empowerment. For example, schemes such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, which ensures the survival, protection, and education of girl children. It aims to address the issues of the declining sex ratio over the past few years, create social awareness, and enhances the efficiency of welfare services. Nowadays it is observed that government schools in my state, i.e., Jharkhand, comprise more number of girl students as compared to boys. The ‘mid-day meal’ (free nutritious meal a day) provided in government schools has also increased the number of students.
Another scheme is the “One Stop Centre Scheme” which aims to protect women affected by violence (gender-based- acid attacks, rape, and sexual harassment) in public and private spaces. For instance, various NGOs in India have rescued girls from nearby countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh, who were forced and brought here as sex workers.
Furthermore, Women Helpline Scheme provides 24*7 emergency responses to women affected by violence in public and private spaces. After the covid pandemic lockdown, it was also observed that domestic violence against women had also increased in families. The helpline services played a vital role in helping and protecting women.
“Mahila E-Haat” This scheme provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs for using technology and present their products which are manufactured by them. With mobile and internet connections, women entrepreneurs can showcase their products along with descriptions and photographs. Nowadays women due to access to technology and social media as well as various websites help women to sell their small industries based and home-made products.
Various NGOs and CSRs wings (Corporate Social Responsibility) of business companies also focus on and help in the upliftment and development of poor people and marginalized sections. The majority of them focus and has women’s empowerment as the center of development plans. CSRs also ensure facilitation as they help poor people to get the facilities provided by the government of India. They also help in providing infrastructure and to cater social and financial inclusion of women. Creation of SHGs (Self-help groups) introduced by the government, where a group of women from each household come together and form a small community where they collect a small amount of money weekly from its members, and when in need, they are provided with micro credit so as start a business or to fulfill their needs. The provided credits have small interest rates and the principal amount is submitted monthly. The concept of SHGs has significantly impacted women as well as their families to improve their socio-economic conditions. As I am a student of Rural management, as part of my course curriculum, we are often exposed to the practical experience of the development of rural people who are poor and marginalized. NGOs and CSRs have taken the key step to provide scholarships, especially to girl children who are marginalized and face extreme poverty. They also provide skill development programs for girls and women by which they can get jobs and contribute to India’s GDP.
Women are the key element in the upliftment of any human community. Therefore, they must be equally addressed in all grounds of life, including political institutions. It should be ensured that women should have control over their bodies and reproductive health so they may lead long lives, thrive, and be kept free from violence. They shall be given equal space and opportunity to grow and cherish and act as an asset for the development of the country and this can only be attained by education, abolition of gender orthodox and government and non-governmental intervention, and implementation of policies for the development of society as a whole.
For ages women in India have always been suppressed mentally and physically, their voices are not heard and often they are not allowed to participate in economic activities on the other hand NGOs, the government, and various public bodies have taken initiatives and planned interventions with special focus on women have helped in the upliftment of women and their socio-economic conditions leading them to economic independence. What is your point of view in terms of economic empowerment and independence of women? What is the economic status of women in your country and what is your country doing for them? What are the various step that we can do as responsible global citizens?
Hoping to hear from you soon!
Thanks and regards,
Amol Sharon Lakra
Letter 2
Bukavu, 18-03-2023
Bonjour Amol Sharon Lakra,
j’espère que ce message te trouve bien portant.
Je m’appelle Virginie Kasami, étudiante à l’université catholique de Bukavu en Bac +3 à la faculté des sciences sociales, la filière communication des organisations. J’ai tellement été ravie de te lire et d’apprendre sur les réalités auxquelles font face les femmes en Inde. J’ai beaucoup apprécié l’angle que tu as pris qui parle de « l’autonomisation économique et l’indépendance des femmes.»
Il y’a une phrase qui m’a le plus marquée : « Les femmes sont l’élément clé de l’amélioration de toute communauté humaine. Elles doivent donc être traitées sur un pied d’égalité dans tous les domaines de la vie, y compris dans les institutions politiques. » J’enrichis en disant que l’égalité des sexes, en plus d’être un droit humain fondamental, est essentielle à la mise en place de sociétés pacifiques dotées d’un plein potentiel humain et d’un développement durable. De plus, il a été démontré que l’autonomisation des femmes stimule la productivité et la croissance économique, car les femmes sont au cœur des équilibres familiaux, culturels, sanitaires et sociaux. Elles jouent un rôle central en matière de santé, de développement et d’éducation. A ce titre, leur autonomisation est un indispensable facteur de paix et de progrès social, économique et environnemental.
Ce point va consister à apporter certains éléments de réponse aux quelques questions qui m’ont été adressées.
La première question était: Quel est votre point de vue sur l’émancipation économique et l’indépendance des femmes ?
Parlant de l’émancipation économique, à mon avis c’est la capacité de contribuer significativement à la croissance économique et assurer que cette contribution est entièrement reconnue dans la société entière.
Parlant de l’indépendance des femmes c’est lorsque la femme fait les choses à sa manière ? elle ne se fait pas dicter de ce q Mais ce qu’elle doit faire ou ne pas faire.
Votre deuxième question était: Quel est le statut économique des femmes dans votre pays et que fait votre pays pour elles ? Quelles sont les différentes mesures que nous pouvons prendre en tant que citoyens du monde responsables ?
La femme congolaise œuvre principalement dans le secteur primaire où les revenus ne sont pas substantiels par rapport aux salaires. De surcroît, dans la plupart d’unités de production, la femme congolaise se fait recenser comme aide familiale et n’a pas accès à la propriété. En tant que citoyen du monde responsable je dirais qu’il est temps de briser le silence. La science, la technologie et l’innovation peuvent accélérer les efforts visant à éradiquer la pauvreté, réaliser la sécurité alimentaire, améliorer la qualité de l’éducation, augmenter les opportunités de travail décent et améliorer la durabilité environnementale, développer les compétences des femmes, assurer leur accès équitable à tous les domaines de l’éducation, développer les talents, permettre aux femmes d’entrer dans la compétition à la recherche d’emploi décent.
Sharon, j’aimerais en savoir plus sur la mesure prise par le gouvernement indien, dans le but de réprimander les hommes qui sont violents à l’égard de la femme et qui freinent le développement économique et social de la femme indienne.
Cordialement,
Kasami Virginie.
Letter 3
Ranchi, 13-04-2023
Hello Virginie,
Greetings from my side. How are you doing? I hope you’re keeping well. How is the weather in Bukavu?
I was pleased to read your letter. Your viewpoint was really appreciable as to how you view women’s empowerment and yeah, I do agree with you that women are the key element of improving human community. Furthermore, the things you talked about Congolese women, even made me more eager to learn about them.
Violence against women is unfortunately a serious issue in India. According to a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, there were 3,78,277 reported cases of crimes against women in India in 2020. This included cases of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence.
The causes of violence against women in India are complex and can be attributed to a variety of factors, including gender inequality, patriarchal attitudes, poverty, lack of education, and inadequate law enforcement. Women from marginalized communities, such as Dalits, Adivasis, and Muslims, are particularly vulnerable to violence.
- The measure taken by the Indian government, in order to reprimand men who are violent towards women and who hinder the economic and social development of Indian women.
The Indian government has taken several steps to address this issue, including the establishment of special courts to deal with cases of violence against women, the enactment of laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and the setting up of helplines and crisis centres for women. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of addressing the root causes of this problem and creating a safer environment for women in India.
There are several acts and laws in India that aim to reprimand men who are violent towards women. Some of the important ones are:
- The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – This law provides protection to women from domestic violence and allows them to seek legal action against their abusers. It covers physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse.
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 – This law aims to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of women in the workplace and provides a mechanism for the redressal of complaints.
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC) – The IPC has several sections that deal with crimes against women, such as rape, sexual assault, acid attacks, and stalking.
- The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 – This law prohibits the giving or taking of dowry, which is a common practice in India that often leads to harassment and violence against women.
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 – This law provides for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children who are victims of violence and abuse.
- The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 – This law amended several sections of the IPC and the Code of Criminal Procedure to provide for stricter punishment for crimes against women, including rape.
These laws are important tools in the fight against violence against women in India. However, their effectiveness depends on proper implementation and enforcement, which is still a challenge in many parts of the country.
With the introduction of technological tools such as the internet and social media, the world has become a small place. With the help of this women are able to learn, innovate and grow. Internet and social media have also helped them to get awareness and ideas on how to deal with problems that they are facing.
One personal observation that I would like to share is that a woman in my city had put up a food stall (start-up) in a public place and in 2-3 months her business was growing on a large scale, the other men who had food stalls beside her were jealous and verbally abused and harassed her so that she leaves that place. As women always face difficulty in raising their voices when they are alone, she took the help of an NGO (Non-Government Organisation) and the NGO helped her to take legal action against those men who abused her.
Women seeing each other’s actions has also been a big influence and they have started to come out and raise their voices against men who harm or abuse them. Nowadays it’s quite amazing to see women raising their voices not only do they go to the police station to seek help but also they talk out the problems they are facing due to men on social media and eventually the videos are supported by so many people that it becomes visible in the eyes of respective legal authorities and then actions are taken against those men. But not all women’s voices are heard. Women who raise their voices against powerful men (top officials of government or wealthy men) are always suppressed and they don’t have much power until they struggle very hard or are helped by other powerful people.
People in India are quite aware of the fact that women have been facing a lot of deprivation for a long time and in the cities women are also aware of the steps that need to be taken when in problem but on the other hand women in the rural areas or village areas of Indian states in comparison to women in cities, have less access to facilities and opportunities and strive for basic necessities. Therefore, NGOs and Self-Help Groups play an important role in helping women to deal with problems faced by men.
Note: (SHGs – SHG is a group formed by the community women, which has a specific number of members like 15 or 20. In such a group the poorest women would come together for emergencies, disasters, social reasons, and economic support. Here they have ease of conversation and social and economic interaction).
In conclusion, violence against women is a serious and pervasive issue in India, with a range of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse affecting women across all regions and social classes. The root causes of violence against women in India are complex and multifaceted, including deep-rooted gender inequality, patriarchal attitudes, poverty, lack of education, and inadequate law enforcement.
While the Indian government has taken steps to address this issue, including the enactment of laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, and amendments to the Indian Penal Code, there is still a long way to go to ensure the safety and security of women in India. The effectiveness of these laws and initiatives depends on their proper implementation and enforcement, which remains a challenge in many parts of the country.
It is essential to address the underlying causes of violence against women in India and work towards creating a society that values and respects women’s rights. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and individuals, to create a safe and equal society for women in India.
Kasami, I would like to know what are some of the major challenges faced by Congolese women working in the primary sector, and how they tackle them. What are the economic opportunities that women have in your area? Are there any personal observations or stories that you have in your area where ‘women empowerment’ has helped to improve the socio-economic conditions of Congolese women?
Hoping to hear from you soon!
Thanks, and regards,
Amol Sharon Lakra
Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi
PGDM-Rural Management
Letter 4
Bukavu ,15 Mai 2023
Bonjour Amol Sharon Lakra,
Je vais bien merci. J’espère qu’il en est de même pour toi.
Il fait beau à Bukavu avec une température qui varie entre 22•C et 25•C Le plaisir est pour moi de te lire à nouveau.
Aujourd’hui je vais te parler de la femme congolaise et des principaux défis auxquels sont confrontés les femmes congolaises. Pour clôturer je vais répondre à la question de savoir si j’ai des observations ou des histoires personnelles où l’autonomisation des femmes a contribué à améliorer les conditions socio-économiques des femmes congolaises.
Je souhaite d’abord parler des différentes violences auxquelles fait face la femme congolaise.
- Violences physiques : C’est la forme la plus visible de violence. Souvent elle est accompagnée des blessures et autres traumatismes physiques sur la femme. Cette violence est souvent observée dans les ménages et la plupart des femmes ne veulent pas dénoncer de peur de perdre leurs ménages.
- Violences psychologiques : C’est une violence basée sur les préjugés qui entourent la femme congolaise quelque soit son niveau d’instruction ou sa place sociale et qui souvent bloque son épanouissement.
- Violences culturelles et sociales : Les coutumes sont souvent rétrogrades vis à vis de la femme. Elles comportent beaucoup d’ interdits et des traitements inhumains à son encontre. Le cas le plus flagrant se montre à l’occasion du décès de l’époux. Non seulement la femme est complètement dépouillée et déshéritée, mais elle doit encore subir des traitements humiliants de la part de sa belle famille.
- Violence économique: La femme congolaise n’a pas souvent accès au circuit ou aux facilités économiques modernes, ne bénéficiant pas du même traitement que l’homme. Avec la situation socio-économique dégradante du pays, elle se trouve être encore plus touchée par la pauvreté, et pourtant dans bien des cas elle reste celle sur qui repose la survie de sa famille. C’est elle qui a un certain pouvoir économique grâce à son ingénuité, son esprit de débrouillardise et ses activités souvent dans le domaine de l’informel et qui assurent la survie du ménage. Malgré cela, elle est toujours mal vue et souvent mal perçu par son mari comme étant une concurrence, une menace à son autorité. Cela ouvre la porte à des disputes constantes dans son foyer.
- Violence institutionnelle et politique : Jusqu’à ce jour en RDC la femme continue à être considérée comme une personne incapable alors que notre pays a adhéré à des instruments internationaux et régionaux de protection et de promotion des droits de l’homme en général et des droits de la femme en particulier. Ainsi, par exemple, elle doit toujours avoir l’autorisation de son mari pour tous les actes juridiques qu’elle sera appelée à poser. En outre, la femme congolaise est écartée ou mal représentée dans les structures de prise de décision de l’Etat congolais.
- La violence sexuelle : La violence sexuelle n’est pas nouvelle pour la fille et la femme congolaise. Cela est souvent observé dans sa propre maison ou par un proche parent. Le proxénétisme, la prostitution forcée, la mutilation sexuelle, le viol, ont toujours été des formes des violences sexuelles auxquelles les femmes et les filles font face dans mon pays. Mais le viol s’est aggravé et amplifié avec la situation de guerre que traverse la RDC et surtout l’est, où les violences sexuelles perpétrées par les combattants sur les femmes et enfants sont utilisés comme arme de guerre. Cela a plusieurs conséquences, notamment les blessures physiques, les troubles psychologiques, les maladies sexuellement transmissibles, les grossesses non désirées, les naissances rapprochées, voire la mort ,…
Parlant des principaux défis auxquels sont confrontés les femmes congolaises travaillant dans le secteur primaire, je dirais que les femmes sont généralement les premières dispensatrices des soins aux enfants et aux personnes âgées. En temps de crise, elles perdent de manière disproportionnée leur emploi et sont contraintes de rester à la maison. Elles sont vulnérables à l’accaparement de leur espace agricole par des individus qui n’en font rien. Et elles sont les premières victimes de l’état piteux des routes de desserte agricole.
Laisse-moi clôturer avec une histoire personnelle où l’autonomisation des femmes a contribué à améliorer les conditions socio-économiques des femmes congolaises. Je te partage l’histoire de Nabintu Matabaro, qui est une femme mariée et mère de 12 enfants. Elle est restée veuve après la mort de son mari. Se trouvant dans une situation économique critique, elle a décidé de se lancer dans un petit commerce de vente de tomates. Cette activité ne lui a malheureusement pas permise de subvenir aux besoins majeurs de sa famille. Ainsi elle décida de s’inscrire au sein d’une association pour la promotion de l’entreprenariat féminin, APEF en sigle, où elle participa à une formation de coupe et couture. Après la formation elle a été sanctionnée par un diplôme, ce qui a été le début de l’amélioration de sa situation économique. Aujourd’hui elle engage plus de 100 personnes dans ses différents ateliers de couture.
Je suis convaincue que les femmes sont capables de faire de grands exploits. La participation des femmes à la planification et l’exécution continue d’être faible, alors que la communauté internationale a reconnu qu’il ne peut y avoir de développement durable sans la pleine
participation des femmes.
Cordialement
Kasami Virginie