For Devdasi & Socially Excluded

European Union

CDI Project Learnings……

Choice Dignity & Integration

THE CHOICE DIGNITY AND INTEGRATION PROJECT

Before this project devadasi practices were common in Belgaum district of Maharashtra State, despite them being banned under the Prohibition of Dedication Act of 1982. Parents forced their daughters (usually between 10 and 12 years of age) to ‘marry’ a temple god. She then ‘served’ the priests, temple inmates and other wealthy men as a ‘sacred prostitute’ for the rest of her life. Devadasi, along with people affected by leprosy, people with disabilities, widows and people living with HIV were shunned and excluded from society. This is against Indian law and an abuse of human rights, yet in most cases went unchallenged.

Devadasi, persons affected by leprosy, HIV and disability, and marginalised women and girls were the target groups in this project. They were supported to make informed decisions to improve their quality of life and be gainfully employed through business and other enterprises.

The project worked with high-risk groups (devadasi and truck drivers) and the surrounding communities to support prevention of the spread of HIV and co-ordinate access to treatment and holistic support for those affected by the disease. It also raised awareness of leprosy and women and child rights, supporting the target group to access their legal entitlements and human rights. It encouraged community groups to work together to lobby against devadasi practices and discrimination, for the upholding of the law, and for improved equity and access to education and health services. People with disabilities were supported through community based rehabilitation, with a particular focus on children with disabilities.

The project also focused on building the capacity of local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and local government to effectively implement a strategic approach to community development in four taluks of Belgaum district.

The project adopted a holistic approach to development that addressed the broad definition of quality of life and provided support for marginalised women to escape material poverty but also exploitation and discrimination.

Many of the activities within the project were implemented by the target group with the support of project staff. This grass roots methodology built the capacity of primary stakeholders, developing women’s knowledge, skills and abilities. The key players in project implementation were women from the target communities who were trained as volunteers and peer educators. They developed and supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs), trained SHG leaders, delivered primary healthcare messages and training on rights issues, helped raise women’s self-esteem, helped organise workshops and rallies, etc.

Networking with other local NGOs and government departments provided support for the project and avoided duplication.

Implemented by The Leprosy Mission (TLM) Trust India, with support from The Leprosy Mission England and Wales, the Project had three associate partners: MASS (Association of Ex-devadasi), Spandana (Positive People’s Network) and Ashraya (Human Rights specialist). The project worked closely with these three partners to achieve its results. These three partners are crucial to the sustainability of the project after TLM withdraws.

CONQUERING STIGMA Girimalla Patil lives in Kurni Village within Hukkeri Taluka. Seventeen years ago, exactly one year after his marriage to Daddau, he was diagnosed with leprosy. It was also at this time that his son Nilash was born. The doctor visiting Kurni Village prescribed a course of treatment for Girimalla. This appeared to be working and he was able to live a normal life for a further three years. However, he then developed an ulcer which needed treatment at The Leprosy Hospital in Belgaum. When other people in his community discovered that he was being treated for leprosy, they immediately barred him from all social gatherings, and villagers stopped visiting their home. When TLM's Choice, Dignity and Social Integration Project started, the project team organized a large rally and street play to mark World Leprosy Day. This provided the opportunity to educate the local community and explain more about the disease, particularly how successfully and easily it could be treated. Girimalla and Daddau both received individual counselling and were given as much information about the disease as they needed. They were also shown the various self-care techniques including important physiotherapy exercises. Girimalla now does his daily self-care activities independently. Daddau has since become a member of the local Self Help Group. In fact many of the local group meetings take place in their house. Girimalla no longer experiences stigma or discrimination now. His entire family has been welcomed back into the ‘community fold’. A few months ago, Girimalla and Daddau received more good news. A new house was built for them through The Leprosy Mission's Low Cost Housing Scheme. The house has made a significant difference to their lives, because the previous house had become overcrowded as their family gradually expanded. REFLECTION: Girimalla originally experienced stigma and exclusion from his own community simply because of the misconceived beliefs about leprosy. However, the community's attitude towards leprosy has changed and he is now fully included in community life. People are happy to enter his home and interact with him. LEARNING POINTS:

A wide variety of awareness activities are needed to reduce stigma, not just one- off events.

It is not only the person affected by leprosy that needs counselling. Other community members need to be counselled on leprosy to bring about a change of attitude and behaviour.

Holding Self Help Group meetings in the house of a person affected by leprosy is a good way to demonstrate to the community that there is nothing to fear from the disease.

COUNSELLING– A BENEFICIARY'S PERSPECTIVE My name is Gopal Bilkundi and I am from Prabha Nagar in Gokak Taluka. Because of my family's poor financial situation, I had to drop out of school after 8th Grade so that I could earn money to help maintain the family home. I worked as a coolie (daily labourer) in agriculture. It was very hard work and poorly paid. Around 20 years ago, my world came ‘crashing down’. It was 1992 when I discovered small light coloured patches appearing on my body. The number of these patches started to increase each week. My parents became increasingly concerned and so eventually took me to see a doctor at the Gokak Taluka Hospital. The doctor recognised the symptoms as leprosy and so I was immediately prescribed a course of multi-drug therapy. However, as time went on, even whilst taking the medication I experienced increasing physical impairment. In particular, the shape of my fingers changed and I became embarrassed to be in the company of other people. I became a total recluse. As I no longer worked, this placed an increasing strain upon my parents as they struggled to provide enough income to run the family home. TLM Providing Care and Cure Whilst self-imprisoned within the four walls of my house, one day I happened to meet Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) workers from whom I learnt about the existence of The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Belgaum. I went to this hospital where I received the best possible attention in terms of medical treatment and physiotherapy. The priceless counselling provided by the CBR workers helped to transform my life. Invaluable Financial Support In order to help me to become independent, I received financial support from the CBR Project. With this help, I was able to open a telephone booth in the village. Initially, business was good and I earned a reasonable income. However, then came the internet revolution with mobile telephony, and as a consequence the number of customers coming to my telephone booth declined sharply. Eventually, the income stream completely disappeared. Once again, I felt ‘at rock bottom’ and that my life was totally worthless. CDI as a catalyst for change Nevertheless, in 2008, not long after the collapse of my telephone booth business, I received a visit from volunteers from the CDI project who were carrying out a disability survey. When they noticed ulcers on my hand, they again referred me to The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Belgaum. I was again put on a course of treatment and the CDI volunteers checked with me on a regular basis to see how I was progressing. Then, in January 2009, at the suggestion of CDI staff, I joined The Leprosy Mission as a volunteer worker.

Although the work was voluntary, I received an honorarium of 2,400 rupees each month. Since becoming part of the CDI project, I have once again become financially independent. In addition, I have benefitted enormously from the diverse training given to me which has increased my skill sets. As a volunteer, I have opportunities to arrange and organise many inclusive programmes for excluded and marginalised people. I feel honoured to be part of this vital work of The Leprosy Mission. Today I am proud to be able to help in creating awareness about leprosy for the community as a whole. I highly value my role as counsellor for people affected by leprosy as well as their family members. My association with the CDI project has helped me to gain wider acceptance within my own community, especially amongst young people within the Gokak Taluka. Our youth group will very soon have its own self-help group. REFLECTION: There was a dearth of health awareness in the target communities and an absence of clear understanding on leprosy. Poverty forces parents and other family members to neglect the condition of their children when leprosy symptoms or indeed other signs of illness first appear. Government health programmes in respect of leprosy only extend to providing medication and go no further. Special care for people affected by leprosy is not provided by government hospitals at taluka level. Building community knowledge of the disease, through empowering those affected, has proved useful for both awareness raising and stigma reduction. LEARNING POINTS:

Counselling is an essential component in any project aimed to empower people affected by leprosy

Supporting marginalised people to engage in project implementation helps to build the knowledge of the community, and also builds the self-esteem and skills of the individual.

Engaging people affected by leprosy and disability in awareness-raising and other project activities helps to break down stigma and challenge stereotypes.

Advocacy for Leprosy In the past Mahadev had been employed as a daily labourer on a local landlord's farm. However, his problems began in earnest when a wound which had appeared on his foot failed to heal. The medicines which he had been prescribed locally had no effect and he did not have enough money to pay for treatment in the city. As time went on, the wound started to

deteriorate and his leg became very swollen and ulcerated. To make

matters worse, the villagers started to keep away from Mahadev and excluded him from their village activities because they believed he was suffering from a highly infectious disease. He was even prevented from washing his clothes in the village. Mahadev became so concerned, he left his own wife, Laxshmi, and became a total recluse.

Fortunately Laxshmi became a

member of Bhavani Self Help Group run by the CDI project in Sindogi Village within Saundatti Taluka. Because of the health awareness campaign run by this project, Laxshmi realised that her husband's symptoms could be caused by the leprosy bacteria. Her suspicions were confirmed when Mahadev was diagnosed as having leprosy. He immediately started to receive multi drug therapy. Today Mahadev is back with Laxshmi in their family home. After receiving help and guidance from the CDI project workers, he has now started to receive regularly government pension payments of 400 rupees per month. He is currently applying for an additional government pension of 1,000 per month which is available to people who have more than 70 per cent disability. Mahadev himself has become an advocate for people affected by leprosy. In a rally which took place in Sindogi Village on World Leprosy Day on 29th January 2010, he spoke on the importance of being aware about leprosy symptoms. Laxshmi has also benefited from the SHG training received on income generation. She has been able to secure a small loan which has enabled her to start her own shop. Their standard of living has therefore improved considerably. REFLECTION: In the community there was a tendency to believe in the old tradition that leprosy is a curse from God and is not treatable. The community has now become aware that it is a curable disease because medicines and treatment are available. As a result, stigma has reduced. People affected by leprosy as well as their families should be part raising awareness. LEARNING POINTS:

On-going awareness campaigns will help people to understand that leprosy is treatable, reducing fear, panic and prejudice.

Integrated programmes that address awareness alongside poverty reduction help people previously excluded to become more valued by their community.

Income Generation

In Hebbal Village within Hukeri Taluk, 51 women have started a milk collection centre. Also in Hukeri, women have received goat rearing training which included awareness about insurance schemes and the need for proper vaccination in order to reduce mortality. In total, 627 goats were insured and vaccinated. During the reporting period, 413 Self Help Group (SHG) members purchased goats and are now earning an income of between 6,000 rupees and 8,000 rupees per annum. A further 170 villagers are now earning a regular income through buffalo rearing. This activity brings in around 1,500 rupees per month in addition to the milk used for family consumption. In addition, 310 members of the SHG took out loans to purchase seeds and agricultural equipment. REFLECTION: SHG members, when given appropriate training on viable livelihoods that are based on market research, are able to make profits from the various business activities in which they engage. LEARNING POINTS:

Rather than providing seed money it is possible for SHGs to access financial assistance from a national bank for income generation purposes.

By women working together in a cooperative and linking the buffalo milk scheme with the Nalawade Dairy, systems for distribution and sales ensured a profitable business.

SHGs provide a good platform for members to motivate and encourage other people within their community to become involved in income generation activities.

Supporting socio-economic empowerment and decision-making

Sunita's husband is a drinker and exposed her to regular physical and mental torture. So Sunita despite the cultural implications that could lead to social exclusion, she left her home and returned to her parents along with her children. This meant that she had to take responsibility for schooling the children; however she did not have sufficient money. Sunita was totally confused as to what to do. The CDI project helped Sunita to join a Self Help Group and provided her guidance on income generation programmes as well as information on the free tailoring training available from the Government. Since she was interested in tailoring and the market analysis revealed that there was a need for tailoring in that area, the business seemed viable. Sunita took financial help from the Self Help Group in form of a loan, purchased a sewing machine, attended training and started her own tailoring business at home. She is now earning a monthly income of Rs.1500/ which is sufficient for her family. She is repaying the loan in instalments from her earnings and can now support her children and send them to school. REFLECTION: The main aim of most women becoming involved in a Self Help Groups is economic empowerment. By providing women with easy access to credit, adequate training and instilling in them the importance of saving, women are able to engage in income generating activities to better provide for their families. LEARNING:

Joining a Self Help Group enables women to have increased mobility. This means a lot to marginalised women and to those who have been restricted by religious taboo. The visits to the SHG meetings have made women more bold and confident. Earlier, women were often confined to the four walls of the kitchen and sometimes to the work place. They are now able to meet each other and discuss their problems.

Once women have their own

income they are more confident in making decisions and are not as dependent on their husbands.

When advising on livelihood

opportunities a market analysis should have been undertaken, as well as exploration of the interests of the individual concerned. If they want to do that livelihood activity it will be more likely to be successful.

The income of the women

usually increases after joining the SHGs. However, so does their monthly household expenditure. It is rare for people to increase the amount they save without promoting from the group. Group members should encourage each other to save as much as possible to reduce their vulnerability.

Sagar's Story

Sagar lives in Sattigeri Village within Saundatti Taluka. He attended school until the 3rd Grade. However, because of his hearing and speech impairment, the other school children teased him and were very disrespectful. He therefore ‘dropped out’ of school. Staff from the CDI Project visited the school to carry out a disability assessment which included detailed discussions with the teachers. The school directed the project staff to Sagar's home to discuss his situation with his family. Then the project arranged for a medical assessment following which a hearing aid was provided for Sagar. He is also now receiving regular speech therapy, organised by the project. As a result of these interventions, not only is Sagar making good progress in terms of speech improvement but his self-confidence has also been given a significant boost. He has returned to school where he is now taking a keen interest in his studies. The other students are also now more respectful towards him.

Reflections: Before the project's intervention, Sagar was not attending school. After providing a hearing aid and speech therapy, he can now hear and speak. He is back at school and participating and engaging more fully in lessons. He has a significantly improved quality of life. Sagar's parents are also happy that their son now has better prospects. They have shared this positive message with other parents who have also referred their children to the project for hearing support. Learning Points:

Hearing aids offer a simple and practical way of enabling children like Sagar to continue their education and improve their communication skills.

Physical aids and appliances on their own are not sufficient to transform situations like this. Counselling and advice is needed for the individual and their family.

It is also necessary to educate teachers and peers on how to make education inclusive for children with disabilities.

Krishnawa Kamble Krishnawa is from the Devadasi community living in Raibag Taluk. She is 55 years old and has one son. All of the Devadasi in the village are single women. They earn money by farming four acres of arid land which previously yielded a very poor return. Krishnawa did not therefore earn a sufficient income to support her family. The crop cultivation was totally weather-dependent. Without rain, the harvests failed. The community was therefore in desperate need of some kind of irrigation system. Krishnawa managed to dig a bore hole, and even managed to acquire a water pump. However, this would only work if she could access an electricity supply, and without a working pump the water could not be extracted. Unfortunately, the Electricity Board were not very helpful and had specific rules regarding distribution; Krishnawa believed a large bribe would have been needed to bring electricity to the community. Intervention of the Project Project staff, together with members of the Self Help Groups (SHGs), approached the officials of the Electricity Board to discuss the feasibility of bringing electricity to the village. After intense discussions, the request was finally granted. The necessary infrastructure was put in place including electricity poles and a transformer. As a result, Krishnawa has been able to operate her pumping station and water irrigation system. This means that she is now able to produce a more sustainable yield from her land which in turn gives her a viable and more secure source of income. She now has a better quality of life and she is very grateful to the project for providing the volunteers (and staff from MASS) to see the process through to completion.

Reflections: Although lack of electricity was an issue for Kishnawa is was also an issue for the entire community. Therefore it provided a common cause to lobby for. Advocacy is a

prolonged process and support is needed to follow up and see the issue through. Learning Points:

Self Help Groups uniting and mobilising to support a member and common cause when meeting with officials can be an effective advocacy approach to achieve access to services without paying a bribe.

For Self Help Groups to unite there needs to be a forum for them to be able to share their common concerns and a desire to support each other.

Community volunteers are well positioned to support advocacy activities at village level and to provide follow up support.

Rupa of Saundatti Taluk had been experiencing health problems for a while. Her symptoms included chronic diarrhoea and fever. However she was not aware that these were typical HIV symptoms even though her husband had died from the AIDS virus. (He had not been aware of the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy). When she received a visit from project volunteers, they were able to explain that her symptoms were consistent with HIV. They explained about self-care and the availability of treatment. They referred her to a government doctor who arranged an HIV blood test. When it was confirmed that she had the virus she became very depressed and she tried to commit suicide. However, the project staff provided counselling and arranged for her to start Anti-Retroviral Treatment. She was also given advice on self-care, and within one month of starting her medication, her general health showed noticeable signs of improvement. She is now working as a community health worker, having completed her training, and is therefore able to earn a living in spite of her condition. Reflection: Many people within the community are not aware about the signs, symptoms and treatment regimen relating to HIV/AIDS. There are many misconceptions about the HIV/AIDS virus within the community. Community awareness talks can help, but door to door contact with people enables them to ask more personal questions and share their fears. Learning Points:

Door-to-door health awareness strategies are time consuming but often able people to ask for additional information and confront their fears, something not always possible in larger awareness events.

Counselling was essential from moving Rupa from being suicidal to becoming actively engaged in helping others. However, the help provided to Rupa was only possible because of links with other NGOs specialising in counselling and support for people living with HIV. Such links should be built into health programmes.

Project staff need to follow up all cases where a need has been identified, as people are particularly vulnerable after diagnosis.

Rupa’s Story

Girls at risk of becoming Devadasi

Yallawa from Raibag Taluk now lives with her grandmother. Her mother is no longer alive and her father has a serious mental illness. Because of this, he is unable to work. It is for this reason that her grandmother is now looking after her. The family has a small piece of farm land on which they are sometimes able to keep animals. This is how they earn a living, although it does not produce a regular income. Yallawa was experiencing health problems, including regular fevers. Her grandmother could not afford the medicines and doctors' fees. Therefore her grandmother went to the local temple to seek help for the problem. The temple priest suggested that they dedicate Yallawa as a devadasi in their home, rather than in the temple, and so this was done. REFLECTION: The dedication took place because of the poor health of Yallawa and because her family were unable to afford the medicines and doctors' fees. Project staff found that the community also supported this dedication. Their strong superstitious beliefs meant the community was not supportive of project staff when they challenged the dedication. The family and community were ignorant of current ‘anti-dedication’ legislation. LEARNING POINTS:

We have to be in the community in order to change the community, as without community support, their engagement and desire to change nothing can be achieved.

Changing a deeply engrained belief is sensitive and takes time. Commitment is needed by many groups within the community so that they can come together to push forward the cause. Therefore, networking with other local NGOs and CSOs must be strong and they should be supportive.

The whole issue of temple dedication is a very sensitive one. Confusing and contradictory stories and statements are often given to project staff making it very difficult sometimes to understand exactly what is happening. It is important to clarify the situation before any action is taken. It is also important to work closely with the association of devadasi (MASS).

The issue needed to be addressed at both personal and community level. Examples of successful interventions included:

PERSONAL LEVEL: One-to-one counselling given to

Yallawa, and counselling and advice was given to her family, regarding marriage and the problems associated with the Devadasi way of life. This changed her attitude to dedication and now she would rather a conventional marriage.

It was recommended that one member of her family joined a Self Help Group in the community. This has helped increase their income and has provided a support network.

Yellawa was referred to MASS for legal advice.

COMMUNITY LEVEL: Awareness was increased through:

Legal awareness training to Self Help Groups focusing upon current ‘anti-Devadasi’ legislation (1982)

Door to door awareness advice was provided on health issues

Village level meetings were held to discuss all of these issues. These meetings were attended by people of all ages and included Panchayat members, teachers, and members of the general community (of all ages).

Empowerment of Devadasi to help the Marginalised

Sundrawa of Gokak Taluk was dedicated as a Devadasi before 1982 when the law changed. She is a member of MASS and has also received help and advice from the CDI Project. Sundrawa is an active member of a Self Help Group (SHG) formed by MASS. This SHG has been successful in securing various benefits from the State government. It has also enabled members to obtain microfinance from other NGOs and access training

programmes relating to rights entitlements and women's

empowerment issues. The CDI Project has been advising women’s groups on existing government policies and how to access benefits for those in need. These women have also been made more aware of the political system, to the extent that some now have the confidence to contest the Gram Panchayat (Village Council) elections as scheduled caste women. These women have challenged the stereotype that claims women from scheduled castes are socially backward. In fact, many work hard in the fields to earn their livelihood but are also taking an active part in development work such as attending the Gram Panchayat meetings and helping to address community issues. The CDI project has helped them to better understand the government system and improve Gram Panchayat administration. As a result of training from the project, Sundrawa contested the Gram Panchayat election and was elected. She is now using her knowledge on the facilities and reserve funds for Scheduled Castes and Devadasis to access benefits for marginalised women. Jayshri Satnaik is a 5o year old devadasi who was dedicated before 1982. She is a member of MASS and also the representative of the SHG in the village. The SHG undertook training and awareness programmes as part of the CDI project. Project volunteers and youth groups recognised the leadership skills of Jayshri and encouraged her to stand as a candidate in the Gram Panchayat election 2009. Because of her strong conviction to support the marginalised, she was elected. She is bold enough to address the problems of devadasis and marginalised communities, and also has the confidence and skills to administrate the Gram Panchayat in very professional and accountable manner. Renuka Kunttennawar aged 45 is an ex-devdasi from Raibag Taluk who was dedicated before 1982. She is a member of MASS and also the representative of Adevada SHG. She recognises the value of education and is sending her children to school. Renuka undertook empowerment courses from MASS and received additional input from the CDI project which has provided updated information regarding government schemes and health to SHG members. CDI project training also involved encouraging women to engage in politics, included awareness on their rights and the role of Gram Panchayat members.

CDI projects volunteers, youth groups and project staff recognised Renuka's abilities and passion and motivated her to contest the Gram Panchayat election in 2009. In spite of strong opposition from the opposing political party she was elected. As a Gram Panchayat member she has managed to provide a community hall, which is now used for project meetings and community awareness programmes. She is also instrumental in engaging the community in development initiatives and encouraging them to attend community awareness programmes. The community feel free to share their problems with her and she has be instrumental in achieving significant development work in the villages she leads, such as road development work, a housing scheme for people from scheduled castes and solving the drink water problem through providing tankers of water courtesy of the Gram Panchayat. Reflections: The project identified the leadership qualities of Devadasi members. All SHG groups received training focused on leadership, consolidating initial leadership training provided by MASS to its members. The project provided rights awareness training, including those focused on seats reserved for specific groups in Gram Panchayat elections. Even though women in the villages were illiterate they have gained knowledge of their rights through awareness programmes from the CDI project. Project advocacy groups/youth groups encouraged these Devadasi’s to contest the election and convening was done by the youth groups as well as other community members, networking with other CBOs. Before the election the women attended the Gram meetings and stated their issues. Learning Points:

Raising women's awareness of rights, helping them to understand the election process and responsibilities' of Panchayat Members, and providing them with information on reservations for scheduled castes and other marginalised groups is essential. Once women better understand the electoral and government system, and development opportunities, they have more confidence and passion to stand for election.

In addition to rights awareness and understanding the election process, leadership training is also an essential component in equipping women with the skills to stand for election.

Awareness and empowerment are the important components to building capacity and confidence of the women in the SHGs. Personal counselling and motivation will be needed to persuade someone who is marginalised to stand for election.

It is essential to build support for marginalised women who are contesting elections by working closely with other community groups and NGOs, and encouraging them to continue motivating the women standing for election and help facilitate the process.

Self-Care Groups in Raibag Taluk CDI Project staff and volunteers visited Bhawan Saundatti Village located within Raibag Taluk and collected information from the Gram Panchayat about the village. The anganwadi (nursery school) teacher introduced them to four people affected by HIV. The volunteers met with them and asked whether there was anyone else in the village affected by the virus. They gave them the names of four other people and the volunteers arranged to meet with them in order to provide counselling. All of these women were then brought together to form a self-care group to encourage one another and to help each other in any way they could. All of the women in this group were unable to work because of their poor health. Some had discontinued their Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). These women were encouraged to meet with representatives of SPANDANA, an NGO of HIV affected people, to discuss the recommencement of treatment. They received information on the importance of nutrition and were given advice on other hygiene and health care matters. All of those in the self-care group then decided to form a Self Help Group (SHG) and commenced a savings plan with each member adding 10 rupees each week. Two other women subsequently joined the SHG, bringing the total membership to ten. They also received training from CDI Project staff on government schemes, book keeping, literacy and numeracy skills. After improving their health, group members took the initiative to improve their economic situation. Reflections:

There has been a change in mind set. The women instead of dwelling on their health issues are now more focused on improving their living conditions through the savings and loan scheme operating within the SHG. They are also now open about their illness and are happy to counsel others who are struggling to cope with the HIV virus. They are happy to share their positive experiences with others in their community.

Learning Points: Regular awareness counselling and follow-

up meetings help to build the self-confidence of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Encouraging people to share their experiences in groups with other people affected helps others to come forward for assessment and treatment.

It is important to provide information to the community, including SHG members, about the signs, symptoms and treatment relating to HIV/AIDS. This helps to counter misunderstandings about the virus and encourages people to come forward for diagnosis and treatment.

Advocacy - Networking to Secure Local Transport

Advocacy in Action: The project conducted a village meeting in Hebbal Village within Hukeri Taluk in order to discuss issues relating to village improvement work. The main problem identified was transport. There were no bus facilities which meant that villagers felt isolated and were not able to travel very far outside their own community. This was a particular problem for students who were not able to get to secondary school. The project volunteers therefore gave advice and assistance to enable the community leaders to approach the appropriate authorities and to discuss the provision of a local bus service. As a result, after much lobbying, a bus facility for the village was finally approved

The lobbying activities of the advocacy group in the village of Alaknoor in Raibag Taluk led to the Gram Panchayat agreeing to build a community hall. The village did not have a community hall for the villagers to gather for SHG meetings and other religious programmes. The members of the advocacy group working in

this village listed the needs of the community and worked

together to advocate to the Gram Panchayat to address these needs. Also in Alaknoor village, the community were not aware about the legislation regarding distribution of food crops in Fair Price Shops. As per the old Act the food crops were only sold once a week and people were compelled to purchase crops at that time. However, according to new Act there is provision that they can purchase goods at any time in the month. This had not been implemented in the village and the community were not aware of this new Act. The situation arose that food crops were not being supplied and suppliers cheated the villagers by selling the food crops at a high rate. This has been stopped because of the CDI's advocacy group's awareness programme organised in the village. Because of advocacy activities, crops in the Fair Price Shop are now supplied as per the new Act. Reflections: Advocacy is an important component of community development. Providing training and networking links strengthens groups and helps to build their confidence. Learning Points: The success of these activities is evidence that providing community people with skills and

knowledge, as well as linking them to other NGOs and government departments, can help them to help themselves.

It is important to ensure all advocacy groups are properly motivated and given clear guidance on which stakeholders to approach to address issues of community development; with this support they will be able to undertake their own advocacy activities.

Learning from Youth Group Activities Youth groups were developed by the CDI project and many were registered under the Nehru Youth Groups scheme. The young people were provided with careers advice, including information on competitive exams that they can take after leaving school to enter further education or business training schemes. They also regularly took part in community based activities, for example, organising awareness programmes for other young people living within their locality, helping to solve the problems of villagers by advocating for access to government schemes or helping people to complete the paper work needed to apply for benefits. Three youth groups from three villages in Gokak Taluk took an active part in cleaning the village and emphasised the importance of health and hygiene, as the villages were facing high levels of disease. Youth groups did not just concentrate on activities that benefited themselves, but actively engaged in activities that promoted the development of their communities. Youth groups of Saundatti taluk helped the villages to access drinking water by approaching to the concerned authorities, as many villages are experiencing drought due to lack of rainfall and water is scarce.

Learning Points: The project motivated youth groups by

providing information regarding people's rights and government scheme available through the Gram Panchayat. This knowledge enabled the youth of the villages to help solve community issues through the proper channels.

Empowerment programmes built the confidence of youth group members, which resulted in the groups becoming more concerned in the issues affecting their communities

Reflection: The younger generation were more conscious about the health and hygiene of the villages. Youth are able to identify the burning problems of the villagers and solving the problems on a priority basis. Some groups need continued motivation to keep them engaged.

Self Help Group Story

When women are supported and empowered, the whole community benefits. The whole family experiences better health, children are able to attend school on a more regular basis and the level of family income increases. Ganga Mayya Self Help Group was formed in Hebbal Village within the Hukeri Taluk. The SHG managed to close down the local liquor store because of problems it was bringing to the community. For example, one of the women from the SHG lost her son because of alcohol-related disease. Other women had experienced domestic abuse which was fuelled by alcoholism. Therefore, with the help of police and community leaders the shop was closed. The SHG had been operating for three years, but prior to this event, its main purpose had been to facilitate savings and microfinance schemes which were then used to develop livelihood and income generation activities. However, the CDI Project encouraged the SHG to develop its scope in terms of protecting and helping the more vulnerable members of its community. Awareness and empowerment courses were run on a regular basis. The SHG therefore extended its work to helping people in various ways, for example, to access child welfare support schemes and legal support for women who were victims of domestic violence. Reflection: The experience of Ganga Mayya Self Help Group (SHG) in having to have closed a liquor store is not unusual. Within communities, alcohol abuse is the most common reason for domestic violence which then impacts the whole community, including the education of village children. Women serving on the SHG played an important part in helping to close the liquor store. The empowerment and awareness programme instigated by the CDI Project helped to encourage the SHG members to stand up for what is right and to be bold in taking whatever action was needed to improve community life. Learning Points: Even though many women within the community are illiterate, the project activities gave

them confidence and strength to advocate for their rights. Project staff were very encouraged to find that many women who had been helped by the project were now networking with other NGOs, community leaders and even the police. The project seemed to help them to “find their voice”.

As people become increasingly well-informed about the laws and processes which relate to their lives and environment, they start to take a more proactive role in decision-making.

Sultanpur Village

Fighting Against Injustice In Sultanpur Village within the Raibag Taluk, the secretary of the Gram Panchayat behaved in a way which was considered to be dishonest and disrespectful towards the villagers, which included 15 SHG members. He promised the women equal pay under the government initiative known as ‘the 100 day employment scheme’. The Government had introduced this scheme to try and tackle the problem of unemployment. However, most people living within the Sultanpur community were unaware of the scheme. The secretary therefore

deliberately took advantage of the situation and underpaid many of the women for the work done. However, following intervention from CDI Project staff, all of the villagers were made aware of the scheme. Those who had been underpaid immediately went on strike to demand fair pay, so they could access their due entitlements. As a result, the secretary had to concede, and all workers are now receiving equal pay for equal work done.

Reflection: The situation arose in the first place because of corruption and a lack of justice. However, once the women were empowered to stand up for their rights, they gained the confidence and courage to address the problem. Through project assistance and training they were made aware of their entitlements, and were encouraged to take action to ensure they received the benefits due to them. This example confirms that by providing community members with the necessary knowledge and skills they will then develop the confidence to help themselves. The whole community is now aware of their rights, and as a result are keen to make good any injustices. They now have a desire to be involved in community

Learning Points: The project team was not directly involved

in the process. However, the issue was resolved because the programme empowered the women within the community to take action and fight injustice.

It is clear that given the opportunity, and with proper motivation and support, ordinary people can overcome big hurdles.

Empowerment and awareness are important components in the development and improvement in village life. This is especially true with respect to the women in the community. Therefore, why is the government not introducing rights-awareness programmes as part of its national social development programme? This should be advocated for.

To enable a community to ‘stand on its own two feet’ the project’s role is to help communities to help themselves. Therefore it is essential to move away from welfare activities and more towards developmental initiatives. All approaches should be rights-based to ensure greater sustainability.

Key Learning from the Project

1) A wide variety of awareness activities are needed to reduce stigma, not just one- off

events. 2) Using local volunteers to provide follow up is imperative to ensuring training and health

messages are embedded in community attitudes and practice. 3) On-going awareness campaigns will help people to understand that leprosy is treatable,

recognise the early signs and will help to address stigma. 4) Joining a Self Help Group enables women to have increased mobility. When these

groups provide empowerment programmes and not just savings and credit women can become change makers in their community.

5) The income of the women usually increases after joining a SHG. Once women have their own income they are often more confident in making decisions, shown greater respect by their family members and are not as dependent on their husbands.

6) Hearing aids offer a simple and practical way of enabling children like Sagar to continue their education, improve their communication skills and become more accepted by their peers.

7) Self Help Groups uniting and mobilising to support a member and common cause when meeting with officials can be an effective advocacy approach to achieving access to services without paying a bribe.

8) For Self Help Groups to unite there need to be a forum for them to be able to share their common concerns and a desire to support each other.

9) Community volunteers are well positioned to support advocacy activities at village level and to provide follow up support

10) We have to be in the community in order to change the community, as without community support, their engagement and desire to change, nothing can be achieved.

11) Changing a deeply engrained belief is sensitive and takes time. Commitment is needed by many groups within the community so that they can come together to push forward the cause.

12) Raising women's awareness of rights, helping them to understand the election process and responsibilities' of Panchayat Members, and providing them with information on reservations for scheduled castes and other marginalised groups is essential if they are to actively engage in the political process.

13) Awareness and empowerment are the essential components to building capacity and confidence of the women in the SHGs.

14) Regular awareness counselling and follow-up meetings help to build the self-confidence of people living with the HIV/AIDS or leprosy.

15) Encouraging people to share their experiences in groups with other people affected by HIV helps others to come forward for assessment and treatment.

16) The success of these Advocacy activities is evidence that providing community people with skills and knowledge, as well as linking them to other NGOs and government departments, can help them to help themselves.

17) Project awareness and empowerment programmes build the confidence of youth group members, which can result in the groups taking more active concern in the issues affecting their villages and engaging in community-based activities.

18) We need to share experience with other organisations, so that successful approaches can be replicated.

Choice, Dignity & Integration for Devdasi & the Socially Excluded The Leprosy Mission Trust India Vengrula Road, Hindalga, Dist. Belgaum Karanataka, India – 591108 Ph: 0831-2447751 E-mail: tlmbelgaum@tlmindia.org