An exchange between Amol Sharon Lakra from India and Virginie Kasami from DR Congo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letter 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In urban India, women are seen as inferior to men. They mostly face the dominance of men, where they don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The economic empowerment of women is directly linked with economic independence. Women from lower economic sections as well as marginalized sections often don\u2019t 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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2018Beti Bachao Beti Padhao\u2019 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 \u2018mid-day meal\u2019 (free nutritious meal a day) provided in government schools has also increased the number of students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s GDP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hoping to hear from you soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks and regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amol Sharon Lakra<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letter 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bukavu, 18-03-2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
j\u2019esp\u00e8re que ce message te trouve bien portant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Je m\u2019appelle Virginie Kasami, \u00e9tudiante \u00e0 l\u2019universit\u00e9 catholique de Bukavu en Bac +3 \u00e0 la facult\u00e9 des sciences sociales, la fili\u00e8re communication des organisations. J\u2019ai tellement \u00e9t\u00e9 ravie de te lire et d\u2019apprendre sur les r\u00e9alit\u00e9s auxquelles font face les femmes en Inde. J\u2019ai beaucoup appr\u00e9ci\u00e9 l\u2019angle que tu as pris qui parle de \u00ab l\u2019autonomisation \u00e9conomique et l\u2019ind\u00e9pendance des femmes.\u00bb <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Il y\u2019a une phrase qui m\u2019a le plus marqu\u00e9e : \u00ab Les femmes sont l’\u00e9l\u00e9ment cl\u00e9 de l’am\u00e9lioration de toute communaut\u00e9 humaine. Elles doivent donc \u00eatre trait\u00e9es sur un pied d’\u00e9galit\u00e9 dans tous les domaines de la vie, y compris dans les institutions politiques. \u00bb J\u2019enrichis en disant que l’\u00e9galit\u00e9 des sexes, en plus d’\u00eatre un droit humain fondamental, est essentielle \u00e0 la mise en place de soci\u00e9t\u00e9s pacifiques dot\u00e9es d’un plein potentiel humain et d’un d\u00e9veloppement durable. De plus, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9montr\u00e9 que l’autonomisation des femmes stimule la productivit\u00e9 et la croissance \u00e9conomique, car les femmes sont au c\u0153ur des \u00e9quilibres familiaux, culturels, sanitaires et sociaux. Elles jouent un r\u00f4le central en mati\u00e8re de sant\u00e9, de d\u00e9veloppement et d’\u00e9ducation. A ce titre, leur autonomisation est un indispensable facteur de paix et de progr\u00e8s social, \u00e9conomique et environnemental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ce point va consister \u00e0 apporter certains \u00e9l\u00e9ments de r\u00e9ponse aux quelques questions qui m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 adress\u00e9es.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La premi\u00e8re question \u00e9tait: Quel est votre point de vue sur l’\u00e9mancipation \u00e9conomique et l’ind\u00e9pendance des femmes ? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parlant de l\u2019\u00e9mancipation \u00e9conomique, \u00e0 mon avis c\u2019est la capacit\u00e9 de contribuer significativement \u00e0 la croissance \u00e9conomique et assurer que cette contribution est enti\u00e8rement reconnue dans la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 enti\u00e8re.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parlant de l\u2019ind\u00e9pendance des femmes c\u2019est lorsque la femme fait les choses \u00e0 sa mani\u00e8re ? elle ne se fait pas dicter de ce q Mais ce qu\u2019elle doit faire ou ne pas faire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Votre deuxi\u00e8me question \u00e9tait: Quel est le statut \u00e9conomique des femmes dans votre pays et que fait votre pays pour elles ? Quelles sont les diff\u00e9rentes mesures que nous pouvons prendre en tant que citoyens du monde responsables ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La femme congolaise \u0153uvre principalement dans le secteur primaire o\u00f9 les revenus ne sont pas substantiels par rapport aux salaires. De surcro\u00eet, dans la plupart d\u2019unit\u00e9s de production, la femme congolaise se fait recenser comme aide familiale et n\u2019a pas acc\u00e8s \u00e0 la propri\u00e9t\u00e9. En tant que citoyen du monde responsable je dirais qu\u2019il est temps de briser le silence. La science, la technologie et l\u2019innovation peuvent acc\u00e9l\u00e9rer les efforts visant \u00e0 \u00e9radiquer la pauvret\u00e9, r\u00e9aliser la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 alimentaire, am\u00e9liorer la qualit\u00e9 de l\u2019\u00e9ducation, augmenter les opportunit\u00e9s de travail d\u00e9cent et am\u00e9liorer la durabilit\u00e9 environnementale, d\u00e9velopper les comp\u00e9tences des femmes, assurer leur acc\u00e8s \u00e9quitable \u00e0 tous les domaines de l\u2019\u00e9ducation, d\u00e9velopper les talents, permettre aux femmes d\u2019entrer dans la comp\u00e9tition \u00e0 la recherche d\u2019emploi d\u00e9cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharon, j\u2019aimerais en savoir plus sur la mesure prise par le gouvernement indien, dans le but de r\u00e9primander les hommes qui sont violents \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard de la femme et qui freinent le d\u00e9veloppement \u00e9conomique et social de la femme indienne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cordialement,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kasami Virginie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letter 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ranchi, 13-04-2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greetings from my side. How are you doing? I hope you\u2019re keeping well. How is the weather in Bukavu? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several acts and laws in India that aim to reprimand men who are violent towards women. Some of the important ones are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Women seeing each other\u2019s 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\u2019s voices are heard. Women who raise their voices against powerful men (top officials of government or wealthy men) are always suppressed and they don\u2019t have much power until they struggle very hard or are helped by other powerful people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2018women empowerment\u2019 has helped to improve the socio-economic conditions of Congolese women?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hoping to hear from you soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks, and regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amol Sharon Lakra<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PGDM-Rural Management<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letter 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bukavu ,15 Mai 2023 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Je vais bien merci. J\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019il en est de m\u00eame pour toi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Il fait beau \u00e0 Bukavu avec une temp\u00e9rature qui varie entre 22\u2022C et 25\u2022C Le plaisir est pour moi de te lire \u00e0 nouveau. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aujourd\u2019hui je vais te parler de la femme congolaise et des principaux d\u00e9fis auxquels sont confront\u00e9s les femmes congolaises. Pour cl\u00f4turer je vais r\u00e9pondre \u00e0 la question de savoir si j\u2019ai des observations ou des histoires personnelles o\u00f9 l\u2019autonomisation des femmes a contribu\u00e9 \u00e0 am\u00e9liorer les conditions socio-\u00e9conomiques des femmes congolaises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Je souhaite d\u2019abord parler des diff\u00e9rentes violences auxquelles fait face la femme congolaise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Parlant des principaux d\u00e9fis auxquels sont confront\u00e9s les femmes congolaises travaillant dans le secteur primaire, je dirais que les femmes sont g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement les premi\u00e8res dispensatrices des soins aux enfants et aux personnes \u00e2g\u00e9es. En temps de crise, elles perdent de mani\u00e8re disproportionn\u00e9e leur emploi et sont contraintes de rester \u00e0 la maison. Elles sont vuln\u00e9rables \u00e0 l\u2019accaparement de leur espace agricole par des individus qui n\u2019en font rien. Et elles sont les premi\u00e8res victimes de l\u2019\u00e9tat piteux des routes de desserte agricole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laisse-moi cl\u00f4turer avec une histoire personnelle o\u00f9 l\u2019autonomisation des femmes a contribu\u00e9 \u00e0 am\u00e9liorer les conditions socio-\u00e9conomiques des femmes congolaises. Je te partage l\u2019histoire de Nabintu Matabaro, qui est une femme mari\u00e9e et m\u00e8re de 12 enfants. Elle est rest\u00e9e veuve apr\u00e8s la mort de son mari. Se trouvant dans une situation \u00e9conomique critique, elle a d\u00e9cid\u00e9 de se lancer dans un petit commerce de vente de tomates. Cette activit\u00e9 ne lui a malheureusement pas permise de subvenir aux besoins majeurs de sa famille. Ainsi elle d\u00e9cida de s\u2019inscrire au sein d\u2019une association pour la promotion de l\u2019entreprenariat f\u00e9minin, APEF en sigle, o\u00f9 elle participa \u00e0 une formation de coupe et couture. Apr\u00e8s la formation elle a \u00e9t\u00e9 sanctionn\u00e9e par un dipl\u00f4me, ce qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 le d\u00e9but de l\u2019am\u00e9lioration de sa situation \u00e9conomique. Aujourd\u2019hui elle engage plus de 100 personnes dans ses diff\u00e9rents ateliers de couture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Je suis convaincue que les femmes sont capables de faire de grands exploits. La participation des femmes \u00e0 la planification et l\u2019ex\u00e9cution continue d\u2019\u00eatre faible, alors que la communaut\u00e9 internationale a reconnu qu\u2019il ne peut y avoir de d\u00e9veloppement durable sans la pleine <\/p>\n\n\n\n
participation des femmes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cordialement <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kasami Virginie <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An exchange between Amol Sharon Lakra from India and Virginie Kasami from DR Congo. Letter 1 Dear … <\/p>\n