Ms. Sangeetha, a college student from Cuddalore expresses that she is a victim of gender inequality in her family. She recalls how her younger brother is given all attention and opportunities by her parents, whereas she is not given importance at all, because she is a girl. Seeing her mother as a woman, she is always expected to do cooking and cleaning and all household chores. This makes her feel that females are not equal in a patriarchal society. After attending the training sessions on ‘People’s Entitlements’ organized by the Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru, she is motivated to speak about gender equality with her parents and brother. Sangeetha is working in HOPE Trust, Puducherry among the children, and she is determined to teach the children to practice gender equality. Sangeetha says, “I have more responsibility to work for the empowerment of the women and children”.
Mr. Kanniyappan, who comes from the Irular community said that after attending the workshop, I have realized that as a man I have to change my behaviour towards women and children. I must respect and treat them equally. The Irular people belong to a tribal community. They are treated as untouchables in society. Kanniyappan says, “We are not provided with the community certificate, which is our entitlement. Without the certificate, we are unable to claim any of the benefits that the government provides. Now, through this workshop, I have gained knowledge, and on how and where to access my entitlements.
Ms. Maria Stella is a knowledgeable person, and she is aware of several laws and policies related to the right to food, health, and education. She says that even though the laws and policies are in place there are several challenges in the implementation. Corruption and lack of accountability are serious problems that affect the proper implementation of the schemes. We need to educate our people to use extensively the Right to Information (RTI) Act, to deal with injustices in society.
The Basic Module III, on People’s Entitlements, was held at Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society in Pondicherry in collaboration with Hope Trust, SCOHD Society and Anbalayam, Mother Trust and Abhithi Foundation. 37 youths participated and among them, 11 were males and 26 were females.
Mr. Prem Kumar
State Facilitator, Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry