Program Title: Gender Inclusion and Mother Earth
Module: Module V – Women and Mother Earth
Location: RWD Trust, Tharamangalam – Salem
Dates: 12-09-2025 to 14-09-2025
Partner Organizations: Rural Women Development Trust (RWD Trust), HOME Trust, Better Life Educational Development Trust and Uthayam trust.
Resource Person: Mr. Gurusamy & Mr. Radhakrishnan
Youth Participants: 47 (Male – 15, Female – 32)
The capacity building training on ‘Women and Mother Earth’ highlighted the challenges faced by women in society and the exploitation of our planet. This training inspired the participants to stand for women’s empowerment, protect the environment, and work collectively for a just and sustainable future.
Soundarya, one of the participants, said: “As a young woman in India, I have seen and experienced the struggles that many women face every day. We face so many challenges; harassment in public spaces, discrimination at home, unequal wages at work, and exclusion in decision-making. Through this training, I am empowered to join hands in the education for girls, safety in our streets, equal pay, and, above all, respect at home and outside. Women should be able to speak, decide, and lead without fear.”
Illayaraja, another participant, said, “Before this training, I never fully understood how climate change is affecting our daily lives. I thought it was only about melting ice or rising sea levels in faraway countries. But through our discussions, I realized climate change is already here in the droughts, irregular rains, heat waves, and floods we face in Tamil Nadu. I saw how farmers in my village suffer when rains fail, and how families struggle when drinking water becomes scarce. I understood that this is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of survival, justice, and equality. The youth learnt about SDG 13 (Sustainable Development Goals) Climate Action.
The resource persons, Mr. Gurusamy and Mr. Radhakrishnan, guided the participants to see the deep connection between women’s lives and the well-being of Mother Earth. Through stories, discussions, and interactive activities, they explained how both women and nature are often exploited, yet both remain powerful sources of life and resilience. They encouraged the youths to reflect on their own attitudes and to take responsibility for building respect, equality, and care in their families and communities.
Premkumar D
State Facilitator – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Social Inclusion and Democracy