In a three-day capacity building centred on ‘Women and Mother Earth’ helped 55 young participants from Andhra Pradesh discover their potential for social change. Their active engagement and openness to new ideas set the stage for collaborative efforts in building resilient and inclusive communities. This experience emphasized the vital link between women’s roles and environmental stewardship, instilling purpose and commitment. Empowered by knowledge and shared vision, these emerging leaders are ready to drive positive social change and contribute to a thriving, sustainable future for both humanity and the Earth.

Catherine, an MBA student, said, in my family and community, women have played vital roles that have often been overlooked. Traditionally confined to caretaking, women have been the backbone, ensuring household well-being. Today, women break barriers, excelling in fields once male-dominated, like medicine, engineering, and business.

Girija, who coordinates things at CDSSS- Veeraghattam, talks with a lot of excitement about amazing women leaders. These leaders didn’t let challenges stop them. Like, how Indira Gandhi became the first woman Prime Minister and Sushma Swaraj did great diplomacy. Even Mary Kom showed incredible skill in boxing. These leaders give hope to young people, showing that with strong determination, we can achieve great things. Girija wants us to know that these stories are not just about being a boy or a girl – they show that hard work can bring big success.

Sujatha said, after attending the training, she understood the real difference between sex and gender much better. Sex is about the physical things that make males and females different, while gender is about many things like the jobs we do, how we act, who we feel we are, and what others expect from us based on whether we’re seen as boys, girls, or something else. This new learning is important because it helps make things fair and equal for everyone. The training gave me knowledge that’s not just plain words but something that makes me see how these ideas work in our own community and world.

Rahul said, Ambedkar’s Hindu Code Bill was like a big change for us, especially for women. Before this, women in our Hindu families didn’t get their fair share of property. But this bill changed that. Ambedkar cared about fairness and wanted things to be equal for women. Rahul says, today this has empowered women become more equal and respected in our society.

Adv Karuna Rao, State Facilitator of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana appreciated the youth for understanding the deep-rooted inequalities affect us and our environment. The program’s impact reaffirms his belief in the strength of learning to create a better world where everyone’s voice matters, rights are honoured, and our precious Mother Earth is treasured.

The training was held at Canossian Daughters Social Service Society, Veeraghattam from 17th to 19th August 2023 by Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru in collaboration with Loyola Tribal Animation Centre Seethampeta, LAYA- Seethampeta, Canossian Daughters Social Service Society Veeraghattam and Gopalapuram, St.Ann’s Rajam and Holy Cross Society Thudi. There were 20 male and 35 female participants.

 

Adv. Karuna Rao

Facilitator, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana

Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit