A Celebratio n of E m p owe r m e nt Th e Wo me n E m power ment Pro jec t
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Our Inspiration We draw inspiration and guidance from our chancellor, world renowned humanitarian leader Sri. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known throughout the world as “Amma” or “mother” for her selfless love and compassion towards all beings. Her entire life has been dedicated to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally. Amma devotes every moment of her life in this service. She says, “My sole mission is to love and serve one and all”
Sri. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
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Acknowledgements We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and the MA MATH for their support in the execution of this project. We would also like to thank our implementing partners for their continued and dedicated support: Embracing the World, AVIEW, Amrita Self Reliance Education and Employment (Amrita SREE), Amrita Jan Shikshan Sansthan (Amrita JSS), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Amrita Vidyalayam, Mata Amritanandamayi Math Branch Centres, NMEICT, MHRD, Govt. of India and Citibank India. And all of the volunteers who helped contribute to this effort.
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Table of Contents Introduction..................................... 5 About Ammachi Labs..................... 6 The Motivation................................. 11 Field-Tested Solutions.................... 17 WE Project Strategy......................... 22 Project Activities.............................. 39 WE Project Milestones.................... 55 A Celebration of Empowerment.. 64 Change Makers................................ 68 Stories of Change............................ 97 What’s Next....................................... 108
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Introduction
Over the course of 2 years, The WE Project empowered over 3,000 women in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with an enhanced ability to participate in the democratic process and strengthened capacity to make decisions at the individual, family, and community levels. In commemoration of the Fourth and Final Milestone of the WE Project, we take a look back at what made it all possible, and a look ahead.
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About Ammachi Labs About Us Amrita Multi-Modal Applications and Computer Human Interaction (AMMACHI) Labs is a multidisciplinary research center of Amrita University, focusing on technological innovation for social impact. Active fields of research include vocational training course development, computer-human interaction, haptics, multimedia, and virtual reality, with application areas in education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness. AMMACHI Labs supports Amrita University’s mission of providing skill development through effective value based education at all levels and in all disciplines. AMMACHI Labs aims to strengthen the economic fiber and social stability of the nation by empowering India’s masses in a sustainable, cost effective and scalable way. AMMACHI Labs provides livelihood training through innovative technological solutions and access to education, healthcare, and skill development.
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About Ammachi Labs About Us
AMMACHI Labs is composed of over 100 staff and volunteers from around the world, in areas as diverse as computer engineering, robotics, graphic design, videography, social science, business management, web design and more.
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About Ammachi Labs Projects The goal of the Sakshat Amrita Vocational Education(SAVE) Project is to foster technological innovation in vocational training to help alleviate poverty and preserve traditional skills. SAVE is a vocational education application that uses multimedia, virtual reality and haptic technologies, thus providing portable, cost effective, scalable, and standardized vocational education and training courses.
The Women Empowerment (WE) Project (funded in part by the United Nations Democracy Fund and the M.A. MATH) has sought to empower 3,000 women in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with an enhanced ability to participate in the democratic process and a strengthened capacity to make decisions at the individual, family, and community levels.
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About Ammachi Labs Projects While the country is currently putting a strong focus on technology and the web, electricity to run these new products still remains a problem in many places. Education cannot wait until the infrastructure is in place for permanent training centers to be established in every remote location. To tackle this problem, AMMACHI Labs has designed and developed the Mobile Vocational Education (MoVE) Project. MoVE equips vehicles with solar-powered tablets and laptops to provide vocational education in logistically and geographically diverse areas.
MySangham is an online portal and community-networking platform that will bring skill-based education and employment within reach of everyone. MySangham will serve as a massive learning exchange for job seekers to develop new skills in a vocation or trade, for potential employers to connect with apprentices in training, for teachers to share online courses, and for local employers to post job opportunities. The portal can be accessed wherever internet is available such as in village resource centers throughout India.
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About Ammachi Labs Research
A core value of all research at AMMACHI Labs is to provide innovative technological solutions that are available to the masses. Through the parent organization, Embracing the World, AMMACHI Labs strives to ensure that the outcomes of this research find its way to the impoverished and needy populations across the globe. By developing innovations in computer-human interaction, multimodal education software, and strategic deployment, AMMACHI Labs will be able to greatly improve quality, accessibility and scalability in skill development, life enrichment education, healthcare, disaster risk reduction and much more. 10
The Motivation
“Only when women are accorded the honor they deserve, can we create a world of light and awareness� -Amma 11
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The Motivation
Globally, two thirds of women shoulder a majority of the responsibilities as primary caretaker and food producer for their families. Providing women a greater voice in the decision-making process at the home and in the community holds great potential for strengthening both family and society systems. Vocational education and training is an effective way to empower women, yet the current vocational training model in India is unable to meet demand. Limited educational opportunities and a lack of monetary resources, financial support, and societal barriers, further limit the ability of women to participate in economic decision-making. Women constitute approximately 68% of the unskilled population in India[1], in large part because providing training to this population is paralyzed by several factors. The degree of urbanization in India is one of the lowest in the world with approximately 70 percent of the total population living in rural/ tribal areas – which means that accessibility to education for the targeted populations is extremely limited[2].
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The Motivation
Even in urban centers, a lack of qualified and high-quality trainers means there is not enough supply to meet the evergrowing educational demand. The demand for skilled workers is continually increasing: Twelve million join the workforce each year, yet the capacity of existing vocational training institutions is only 3 million[3]. Where education is available, infrastructure and equipment is typically limited and low quality, and often unaffordable for many of those who need the training. Women constitute approximately 68% of the unskilled population in India[1], in large part because providing training to this population is paralyzed by several factors. The degree of urbanization in India is one of the lowest in the world with approximately 70 percent of the total population living in rural/ tribal areas – which means that accessibility to education for the targeted populations is extremely limited[2].
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The Motivation
Individuals must also be trained in general life skills including human rights, civic responsibility, community engagement and support, critical thinking and decision making skills, money management and communication skills (among others) to overcome all of the barriers that prevent them from reaching a greater quality of life. It was in response to all the impediments that prevent vocational education from reaching its potential, that AMMACHI Labs began developing a solution that addressed each of the multiple problems facing women and poverty in India.
References: [1] Higher, F., & Summit, E. (2012). Higher Education in India: Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012–2017) and beyond. [2] US Central Intelligence Agency. 2010. “The World Fact Book.” Retrieved January 9, 2012. [3] Times of India, Education Times. (09/01/2012). “Skill India”. Retrieved on 12/01/2012. [4] United Nations Population Fund. (2007).
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Field-Tested Solutions Pilot #1
The first field test of SAVE was the Fabric Painting course in Idukki, Kerala on October 19th 2009. In collaboration with Amrita JSS, 25 women were identified and trained – all of whom possessed rudimentary literacy levels and lacked any computer experience. The main objective of this preliminary study was to assess the usability of the application among a population with depressed education levels and first time computer users. While 62 percent were unemployed at the time of the pilot, 90 percent felt optimistic that completion of the course would help increase their job prospects. 17
Field-Tested Solutions Pilot #2
In March 2010, AMMACHI Labs delivered the first module of the computerized, Modular Employable Skills Assistant Plumbing Course and a revised version of the Fabric Painting course to a tribal community in the rural district of Idukki, Kerala. To enhance the practical portion of the course and positively contribute to the community that hosted the pilot study, AMMACHI Labs sponsored the building of a community water tap which served as the practical component of the course and was built by the students during the 10 day plumbing course. AMMACHI Labs also provided the Fabric students with plain colored saris and women’s night dresses to paint and create their first complete product. 18
Field-Tested Solutions Pilot #3
In October 2010, AMMACHI Labs conducted a pilot training of the Fabric Painting course in Parippally MAM Home for Children on Oct. 30, 2010. A total of 12 participants (students from grades 10 through 12th) attended the training. This study demonstrated the varied impact computerized training has on individuals with higher levels of education and those who have prior experience with computers. The course was effective in raising the self esteem of the students. 19
Field-Tested Solutions Pilot #4
In August 2011, AMMACHI Labs delivered for the first time, the complete Assistant Plumbing course based on the Modular Employable Skills (MES) syllabus at Amrita University, Amritapuri, Kerala. Participants consisted of 7 women. For the first time, this pilot combined cVET with Life Enrichment Education (LEE), which empowers students to be confident in themselves and their new profession through soft-skill training. The combination of cVET and LEE, contributed significantly to the success of the vocational training outcomes. All 7 students successfully completed the course (which included a 3 month apprenticeship), and received immediate employment in plumbing. 20
WE Project Strategy
Over the course of two years, The WE Project empowered 3,000 women in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with an enhanced ability to participate in the democratic process and strengthened capacity to make decisions at the individual, family, and community levels. 18 centers were established and maintained throughout the duration of the project. Economic empowerment was fostered through AMMACHI Labs’ computerized vocational education and training (cVET) programs and social-democratic empowerment through a Life Enrichment Education (LEE) tailored to the needs of the community.The aim of this blended approach was to ensure students received the technical knowledge required, as well as the confidence and support to take the learned skills forward.
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WE Project Strategy Computerized Vocational Education and Training(cVET )
The Vocational Training component of the WE Project employs the multi-modal learning tools of the SAVE program to provide quality education regardless of the student’s experience or literacy level. Supplementary materials and expert training sessions bring all of the training to life and ensure the participants are able to successfully use their new skills.
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WE Project Strategy Computerized Life Enrichment Education (LEE)
The LEE curriculum incorporates values of democracy and social participation into the cVET courses, with the focus on improving the decision-making and critical thinking skills of participants. Relevant social issues are presented, and group activities including community action allow the participants to exercise their voices to make a real impact in their community.
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WE Project Strategy MoVE- Mobile Vocational Training Centers
MoVE was deployed in response to the limitations and challenges experienced by the deployment team in remote regions of India to deliver a high quality vocational education program: especially where reliable electricity, infrastructure, transportation and travel facilities are inadequate. Over 500 graduates of the WE program were trained entirely through the Mobile Training Centers. MoVE’s mobility and capacity to operate off of the power grid, allows for the deployment of multiple courses in multiple centres on a given day even in the most remote locales. 24
WE Project Strategy
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WE Project Strategy Project Framework
This Results Framework lays the conceptual framework and basis for the project plan. Essentially, the project planned to achieve the following outcomes: Economic Empowerment and Social Democratic Empowerment. The stated indicators were utilized to assess project effectiveness. 26
WE Project Strategy Implementing Partners The following partner organizations are members of Amrita University’s parent organization, MAM, and were of immense support in the implementation of the WE Project.
Amrita JSS
Amrita Jan Shikshan Sansthan
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) (translates to People’s Education), is a Government of India initiative and the MAM is running branchesin two districts – Idukki in Kerala and Shivakashi in Tamil Nadu. The mobilisation of the beneficiaries, identification of the deployment sites, curriculum development, and provision of resource experts are some of the main contributions of Amrita JSS in this project.
Amrita SREE
Amrita Self Reliance Education and Employment
Amrita Self Reliance Education and Employment (SREE) assists women in the formation of self help groups among disadvantaged communities across the southern states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Given the mutually held vision of women empowerment, Amrita SREE served to support in various areas such as program outreach to potential participants, and application distribution and retrieval.
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WE Project Strategy Implementing Partners The following partner organizations are members of Amrita University’s parent organization, MAM, and were of immense support in the implementation of the WE Project.
Amrita Vidyalayam The network of schools across India agreed to provide the physical infrastructure to establish the deployment centers wherever available. So far 4 deployment centers have used or shared infrastructure with these schools (Mananthavady, Thrissur, Paripally, and Changanassery, all in Kerala).
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AIMS
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
The Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences contributed to the WE Project through the development of course materials in Life Enrichment Education (LEE).
A-VIEW
Amrita Visual Interactive e-Learning World
Amrita Virtual Interactive e-Learning World (A-VIEW) is the educational conferencing tool developed by E-Learning Research Lab and was made available to the WE Project. A-VIEW was deployed in every centre for the purpose of monitoring classrooms from a central location.
WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Permanent WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Mobile WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Mobile WE Centers
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WE Project Strategy Mobile WE Centers
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Project Activities Needs Assessment
A needs assessment is performed during the pre-training phase to understand community needs and dynamics, which determines courses offered at the center and customizations to the LEE curriculum as well as the the relevant vocational training course course and potential market opportunities.
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Project Activities Center Set-Up
During the center-set up phase, the training center is equipped with all of the required infrastructure to function as a computerized vocational training center.
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Project Activities Train the Trainer
Facilitators are key to the effective running of a training center, and therefore essential towards meeting the objective to empower 3,000 women. At the start of the project in 2012, 23 women successfully completed the first Training of the Trainer (TTT) conducted by AMMACHI Labs. Thereafter, refresher-training sessions were conducted periodically to incorporate streamlined processes such as online administration and data collection, which are managed by the facilitator. The final refresher TTT focused on social entrepreneurship, a 5-day workshop conducted by iCreate, a non-profit organization that provides entrepreneurship training to marginalized individuals. 40
Project Activities Outreach
Outreach programs were conducted periodically at each of the 18 centers to promote the WE Project in the community, attract new participants, and build community support for the graduates. Local dignitaries and community leaders were invited to participate. Prior WE Graduates were often invited to attend to share their experience with newcomers.
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Project Activities LEE in the Community
Through “LEE in the Community� events graduates have made positive changes in their communities, demonstrating how effectively they can participate in a democratic society.
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Project Activities Industrial Visits
Certificate Ceremony
Each participant received a range of learning opportunities during the training, including a visit to a local industry engaged in a similar business to what was taught in the course. This visit allowed participants to see the skills they learned in action, and to ask questions of business owners and employees about their experiences in the field. This was a crucial part of the WE Project, and served to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and courage in the participants.
Each participant who successfully completed all of the components of the course received a formal certificate from Amrita University. This certificate is proof positive of their skills and can be used to avail public services, secure bank loans for business, etc. The confidence and support that comes with this certificate is equal if not more important, to its tangible benefits.
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Project Activities Expos
A formal, large-scale exhibition is an effective way to promote the WE Graduates’ business capabilities. Five such expos were held, including four at the Amrita University headquarters and one in Coimbatore, the second largest business center in Tamil Nadu. The positive impact of bringing together graduates from all of the centers, allowing them to express their creativity and new skills in a large arena and to receive instant feedback for their hard work cannot be understated. 44
Project Activities Observational Visits
Periodic observation visits were conducted throughout the duration of the project, in addition to the regular staff visits. These periodic observations were done to check on the performance of facilitators, of project infrastructure, and to get feedback from students, facilitators, and community leaders alike on the impact of the course. These visits have been an invaluable source of information both in impact assessment and project management, and have led to several best practices that were immediately implemented in the WE centers. 45
Project Activities
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Follow Up
Best Center Awards
Three months post-training, the WE team conducted Followup events with the graduates of each center. During this event, surveys and interviews are collected, LEE in Community events are held and certificates of course completion distributed. Local dignitaries and community leaders are invited where possible to participate. This is an opportunity to witness more long-term changes the course has brought about in the graduates, and is a valuable research event.
Every 3 months, a center is recognized for its’ performance as a WE training center in adhering to the goals and objectives of the project: economic and social democratic empowerment. Centers that have won this award have often gone above and beyond the requirements, demonstrating successful post training results such as taking initiative to engender continued economic empowerment and increased community participation.
Project Activities Post Training
While the training course may be over, it is just the beginning for the graduates’ entrepreneurial efforts. To promote this, the WE team started the “Post Training Initiative.� The goal of post-training initiatives is to help graduates of the WE Project kick start their own businesses and to earn an income through the creation of high quality products. As a part of this project, participants have received continuous advanced training in order to improve their production skills, as well as instruction in how to create a budget, write a business agreement, and learn about quality standards for products to sell, foster team-work, develop critical thinking and organize a business. The AMMACHI Labs Post-Training Team is currently involved in seeking new business ventures, setting up international orders, researching viable government assistance programs, and much more for graduates that pass through the program. Launched recently in October of 2013, already more than 100 job placements have been identified for the graduates. 47
Project Activities Advanced Training
Advanced training sessions were offered in all WE project centers, and served to improve graduates’ vocational skills while boosting the confidence level of students. Experts in a specific application of a given trade –for example a professional mural painter, textile expert, or sculptor, are invited to hold a workshop teaching interested graduates. These workshops were extremely popular and widely requested in each center. Such popularity indicates that the WE courses sparked a desire for more and more training that did not exist before. Advanced training workshops are continuing to be held in many of the centers. 48
Project Activities Artisan card
The Artisan Card is a program initiated by the Government of India to promote craftsmen and preserve traditional arts. The WE graduates who work in the field of fabric painting, jewelry making, hand embroidery, and other handicraft work are eligible for this card and once received, have access to a host of benefits such as: Reduced security requirements in the procurement of bank loans up to 2 lakhs (INR); Full family health insurance; Academic scholarships for children; Financial remuneration in the event of a death in the family, free or reduced fees for setting a stall in craft fairs, and more. The Post-Training initiative of the WE Project is working with all interested graduates to help them apply for the Artisan Card. 49
Project Activities International Orders
To date, the WE graduates have filled three successful international orders. The most successful of these has been the Secret Pillow Project, started in collaboration with a philanthropist/entrepreneur in the UK who is helping to create a market for the product. Operating out of the Meppadi and Calicut Centers, WE graduates have been trained in sourcing material, producing, and shipping these special products. So far, they have sold 50 secret pillows for customers in the Europe, USA, Australia and South Africa through a UK outlet, and have secured an order for 200 more through a Kickstarter campaign that received a pledge of £16,571. Other international orders include an order of 500 handmade shoulder bags, custom painted to meet the customer’s specifications, and a shipment of hand painted bamboo bangles. 50
Project Activities Competitions
“Reveal Your Talent,� was a product competition held across centers to recognize the best graduates of the WE project for their creation of the highest quality products, as well as provided them opportunities to interact with local, national and international buyers. The first step of the center wide competition was a selection process, conducted at each center during the month of February, 2014. More than 200 graduates participated in the competition. Through their interaction with expert judges, participants learned to improve the quality of their creations, new fashion designs and styles, and better color combinations. The final round of the competition was held during the Milestone 4 Event with the presence of national and international experts. Competition participants received special sessions with handicrafts and quality experts who provided further guidance in a variety of areas such as marketing, expanding enterprises, and design tips. 51
Project Activities Workshops
Special workshops were held at the centers on a variety of topics relevant to the interests and needs of the participants: financial literacy, health and hygiene, personality development, etc. Amrita University’s parent organization, MA MATH, attracts a wide array of influential people from around the world, mostly drawn to the organization for its unwavering commitment to social service. The WE Project has benefited from several international and domestic leaders who have graciously held workshops for WE participants. Global entrepreneurs, Hollywood actresses, social activists, teachers, trainers, doctors, and others have added another level of quality and recognition to the WE Project. Undefeated World-champion boxer, Hollywood actress and renowned activist and Women Empowerment speaker Lucia Rijker joined the WE team for a special discussion session at the Paripally Center on overcoming obstacles to follow your dreams and basic self-defense. Nearly 50 women and young girls were inspired to take more control in their lives and grew in self-confidence.
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WE Project Milestones
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - St. Francis of Assisi
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WE Project Milestones
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WE Project Milestones
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WE Project Milestones Milestone 1
Following the signing of the WE Project in Milestone 1, the Second Milestone (April 2012 to February 2013) began with the initial centre identifications, facilitator training, and course launch, continuing until the goal of 1,000 women trained was reached.
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WE Project Milestones Milestone 2
Centers Launched
MoVE
First Major Expo
Milestone 2 Highlight: 29 graduates from the Amritapuri Centre Fabric Painting course received a chance to interview for the Artisan’s Card, a Ministry of Textile (Government of India) initiative.
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WE Project Milestones Milestone 3
In the third milestone (February 2013 to September, 2013) the WE project reached its goal of another 1,000 women trained, and expanded the original project design to include several post-training initiatives. With the project infrastructure well in place, the Ammachi Labs deployment team also took the opportunity to study the project inside and out - by making observation visits at each center, which in the process also strengthened the connection between the deployment team and training centers. 2,000 graduates, extensive post-training, advanced workshops, and project-wide exhibitions marked the success of this milestone.
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WE Project Milestones Milestone 3
Advanced Training Workshops
Coimbatore Regional Expo
Coimbatore Regional Play
Milestone 3 Highlight: September 1, 2013 marked the culmination of the Third Milestone of the Women Empowerment (WE) Project. The Milestone Event, titled, “The Women Empowerment Project Exhibition,” was a success – well attended by 160 participants (graduates of the WE Project training courses) and their families from each of the eighteen centres, special invited guests and speakers, members of the media, expo patrons, students and staff from Amrita University (Coimbatore and Amritapuri Campuses), as well as the Ammachi Labs team. Participants of the Expo collectively earned over Rs. 60,000 through the 1-day Regional Expo, the highest yielding expo to date. 60
WE Project Milestones Milestone 4
From September 2013 to April 2014, the fourth and final milestone of the WE Project took place, wherein the final goal of empowering 3,000 women was successfully reached. A greater quantity and quality of post-course initiatives were conducted including: formal SHG formations, securing international orders and job placements for graduates, and holding advanced workshops in financial literacy, personality development, and health awareness in each center. The final analysis of survey and interview data, and an assessment of overall project impact were also completed.
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WE Project Milestones Milestone 4
LEE Workshops
SHG formations
Competition
Milestone 4 Highlight: Collectively the graduates of the Women Empowerment Project have earned over Rs. 1,106,068, within three months of graduation. To date, the WE Project has helped 400 graduates enroll in Micro Enterprise Self Help Groups (MESHG), which give the graduates collective power to undertake businesses and access financial resources. The uniqueness of our MESGH model is the focus placed on income generating activities, and profit sharing that will enable equal access to a common fund of resources. 62
A Celebration of Empowerment
On May 2 & 3, 2014, Amrita University celebrated the successful conclusion of the Women Empowerment (WE) Project, an event entitled, “A Celebration of Empowerment.” Over the two day event, graduates displayed and sold products made using their learned skills in a Product Expo. Graduates also participated in knowledge sharing sessions led by experts in community development, advanced skill workshops and an “Ideas and Innovation” discussion to promote business skills. Workshops included paper jewelry making, entrepreneurship, origami product creation, plumbing home repairs, legal counseling and waste management. Her Excellency, the Governor of Kerala-Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Head of the UN in India-Lise Grande, Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer- VP of Reliance Jio, and actor-Mr. Kunchako Boban graced the event with their presence to honor and recognize the remarkable achievement of the empowered graduates. 63
A Celebration of Empowerment
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A Celebration of Empowerment WE Graduates’ Achievements 3,136 WE Graduates (Surpassing the target of 3,000) Over 20 Lakhs earned by graduates – approx. $34,000 USD 6 major product exhibitions 8 small new businesses launched 7 International orders *Inspired by the vision of the WE Project, several industry experts approached Ammachi Labs with the idea to conduct specialized workshops for skilled graduates to teach specific products that had high market value. What made these workshops unique was the fact that graduates invested their own resources, demonstrating increased control over life, decision making and dedication to their craft. Eight product workshops were conducted for WE Graduates in: paper and terracotta jewelry, beaded wrap bracelets, and temple jewelry.
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A Celebration of Empowerment 73 graduate-led community initiatives
30 new Self Help Groups created by 400 graduates
1102 graduates became beneficiaries of the government scheme offering social and economic benefits for artisans
2 Online stores launched featuring products by WE Graduates: www.heartfeltarts.com and http://believeyoucanmakeadifference.co.uk/secret-pillow-project/
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Change Makers
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.� - Mahatma Gandhi
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Change Makers
In the history of the Women Empowerment Project, there have been numerous success stories and examples of women making positive impacts in their communities. The Milestone Three photo album, published in the summer of 2013 highlights some of the more brilliant graduates of the project. In this Milestone 4 volume, we would like to turn the spotlight on the backbone of the project’s achievements: the facilitators and the culture of success in the highest-performing centers. These Change Makers, facilitators and entire training centres (made up of high-performing participants), have shown remarkable courage and strength in overcoming social and economic barriers, to improve their lives and communities. 68
Change Maker: Facilitators Vasantha Kumari V.
Paripally WE Center
Facilitator Vasanta Kumari’s steadfast motivation and support are the main reason for the center’s success. The Paripally WE center was the first of 18 centers to form an informal business group, which led to the formation of a formal SHG and the opening of a shop. And while, like the other 17 WE centers, the Paripally center has transformed the lives of hundreds of women, Vasantha Kumari says her own transformation is something she never expected. Vasantha Kumari’s ability to lead by example is what propels the Paripally Center’s success in achieving economic and social empowerment of its graduates. She insisted that her daughters take the course and emphasized the importance of family bonds in the LEE discussions. Interestingly, the Paripally center has had the most family groups participate together: mother and daughter pairs especially. Vasantha Kumari’s leadership and ability to set an example is what makes her a change-maker. 69
Change Maker: Facilitators
“I believe that every woman plays an important role in building up society, so it is imperative that every woman should have social awareness. Through this course they are given this. The expectation of this course was to find a source of income, build selfconfidence, and also to be able to make important decisions within their families on any issue. As a facilitator, I could meet this expectation to some extent, but it depends on the hard work of the participants to make this a reality. The main problems among the women I worked with include lack of self confidence, lack of support from the family, and a generally bad family atmosphere. Not all women have the ability to earn money because of restrictions from family members. There are families where women are able to make decisions on how to spend money for their family, but in some families it is not possible. All of the women I worked with think that it is logical for a woman to have the right to spend money as she wants, but many know that this is not possible from personal experience. Empowerment, according me, means the power to gain emotional and physical strength, and also to get the awareness and ability to participate in social and family issues. Empowerment is really essential for women in this day and age. I feel very happy and proud to be a part of this world-recognized “Women Empowerment Project.” I was able make some changes in the life of a small percent of women through this project. Being a facilitator, I also changed a lot, and would have never believed that I could make changes in others’ lives. Working with a computer was a totally new and different experience for me. I gained self confidence and my family also realised how much more confidence I gained through the job I am doing.”
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Change Maker: Facilitators Sreekala L.
Changanasseri WE Center
Before she became the Changanasseri facilitator, Sreekala was a WE student herself. When the facilitator before her wasn’t fulfilling her duties, AMMACHI Labs had no choice but to look for a replacement. Fortunately we didn’t have to look too far. The choice was clear, Sreekala, a student leader from the third batch, believed in the project and the potential women hold in transforming society. It’s precisely this attitude that has led to the center’s successful execution of LEE in the Community activities. Having overcome challenges in her own life, Sreekala is an inspiration to her students who are also just beginning their own transformations, and is leading by example through her new work with the Mahila Samajam women’s groups (a popular women’ s rights network in South India). 71
Change Maker: Facilitators
“I believe in this project, and think it is a good opportunity for women to find a source of income to lead a happy and peaceful life. Along with this job skill course, they also learn so many other things that will be very useful throughout their lives. I really feel that my life was changed through this course and in my experience as a facilitator, especially because of the LEE sessions. I have been able to motivate my students to conduct some activities in the community such as awareness campaigns and street plays on the issues of alcoholism, mobile phone misuse, and child sexual abuse. These issues are very important to me and close to my heart. My husband is addicted to alcohol and is creating many problems at home. Before the WE Project, I used to bear the brunt of his drunken abuse, but now I stand up for myself. I am only able to do this because of gaining confidence by attending the course. I have even found the courage to file a case against him! By sharing my story with my students during the LEE sessions, I have been able to help many others like me by giving them confidence, awareness, and motivation to overcome this abuse. What I have been able to bring out most of all is better leadership qualities. I have become an active member (the secretary) in one of the WE Project Self Help Groups in Changanassery, and was recently elected as the president of Mahila Samajam, a women’s group that is very active in promoting women’s rights. Last month, I inaugurated three new Mahila Samajam groups locally, on my own initiative.”
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Change Maker: Facilitators Prema
Madurai WE Center
Prema is perhaps the most beloved of the facilitators. The glowing reviews of participants in the course, paired with the success of graduates in making economic changes in their lives earned Prema the runner-up award for “Best Center� during the Milestone Three event. Since joining the project as a facilitator, she has changed from a quiet, isolated housewife caring for her husband and aging mother and worrying about her children living abroad, to a vocal community leader supporting a network of 135 women to address community issues and nurture their new entrepreneurial skills. Prema is a shining example of an effective and compassionate facilitator and embodies the philosophy of the WE Project.
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Change Maker: Facilitators
“Since joining the WE Project as a facilitator, I have been enjoying many changes that have come because of my work. Even my role in my family has changed for the better! I feel I’ve been given a golden opportunity to prove my talents and skills, which before were limited to within the four walls of my home. I used to not be able to make decisions on important family matters because no one ever asked my opinion, and honestly I didn’t believe I had anything useful to say. These problems were unresolved with my family for a long time. Now I am speaking up, and am easily able solve these crucial problems. My family respects what I have to say because they have seen that I am able to carry out such huge responsibilities with the WE Project and the United Nations. Before this chance I was only doing household work, and my circle of friends was very small. Now, I feel like I am a part of a big society that I am deeply connected to. I think, like me, every women should be allowed to develop these qualities. I know the WE Project is successful in doing this through my own experience. Every woman can get self-confidence and make crucial family decisions when facing problems like me. In truth, I have seen this happening in the classroom. So many of the students have shared a similar experience with me. From this confidence at home, we have started expanding our activities and decision making skills into our community. Right now, the most threatening problem faced in the village is that children even at 12 years old are using drugs. They are bound by the chains of drinking and smoking. It is our (the students and my) ambition to raise awareness within the schools and families nearby about this problem so that we can do something about it.”
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Change Maker: Facilitators
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Change Maker: Facilitators
“Women should be able to earn money for her basic needs, and must participate equally in family affairs. When women do this, she will be better able to look after her family and her children. That’s because women do not have so many unwanted expenses as men like drinking and smoking, etc. To me, empowerment means the equal rights for men and women in society, and also the ability to become educated and earn money for yourself. The main social issues that I see in society holding us back are alcohol addiction by men, and a narrow mind when it comes to allowing women rights.I don’t think men are ready to send women outside the home to participate in public matters. I have been given a golden opportunity from AMMACHI Labs. Before joining the project, I was only a housewife. Lack of education, especially intechnology prevented me from participating in so many wonderful things around me. But now I can easily use email, type up documents and run many computer programs. My social circle has grown so much as well, and I’ve been given a kind of motherly respect and affection from everyone. People have started calling me “Amma” (mother), and instead of just saying good morning to me, people are greeting me with a “Namah Shivaya” (a formal greeting, akin to Namaste or God Bless you). This support has given me so much confidence and satisfaction.I am especially happy that my family is showing such respect to me because it means they can see my abilities as an administrator and teacher.”
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Change Maker: Facilitators Jilsha A.
Calicut WE Center
The Calicut WE Center was the first to demonstrate examples of concrete economic empowerment - and the students owe it all to their facilitator, Jilsha A. The Calicut 7 (now Amrita Fabrics, a group of 7 graduates banded together to form a small group business) and Calicut 5 (Aleef Fabrics, also a small business group of 5 graduates) say that Jilsha’s encouragement is what gave them the confidence to actually follow through on their idea to start a business together. Jilsha’s mentorship has reached over 200 women who have graduated from the center, and remains a consistent source of support and encouragement to all who pass through the center’s doors. Jilsha believes in her students -- and that has helped them believe in themselves.
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Change Maker: Facilitators
“This course is a great opportunity for women to learn a new skill through computers, and also to get some knowledge on social issues that happen in our society. The LEE video lectures were by far the most important element in making sure the students understood all of the content and also sparked many deep conversations. I would say that, as far as the impact of the course, most of our students gained selfconfidence. Students could see changes not only within themselves, but also in their families. Many of the students shared with me how much their lives have improved since the course, for example they are better able to control their anger and have become more organised in their life. Women have many roles in this society. One of the most important is as a mother, to create a peaceful life for her family. A mother would want to satisfy the needs of her children, and for that an income is really very important. So if she has her own money to spend, then she can spend it in whatever way feels it is best for her family. From what I have seen, many women feel at the mercy of their husbands when it comes to providing for their family. If the husband has an alcohol problem or is not willing to allow the wife to decide what is necessary for the family, often everyone suffers. From my experience, lack of self-confidence is what hinders a woman from earning money. To me, empowerment means gaining the mental power and self-confidence to do anything, and to believe that men and women are equal and should have an equal status in this society. In order to be successful in life, we should have self-confidence and should have faith in God. I have seen many changes in myself because of the WE Project. Working as a facilitator has helped me to gain self-confidence, and I have learned many important things about life. I have trained around 220 students, and I feel very happy about this. I’ve had the chance to be a positive part of many women’s lives, and for that I thank AMMACHI Labs who gave me the opportunity. At the time I started working with the WE Project, I was very nervous and lacked confidence. I was honestly afraid that I would be unable to complete this task. But by God’s grace, I have been able to carry out this job in a good manner, and now my life is successful and I am very happy.”
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Change Maker: Facilitators Seetha Murali
Meppadi WE Center
Seetha is the Meppadi center facilitator in the rural Wayanad District in Kerala. She was among the first facilitators trained during the 2nd milestone, and stands out as a prolific facilitator. Her center has trained 297 More than being efficient at her job, she really understands the philosophy of Women Empowerment, and has helped each and every WE participant through the course and in post training. She spearheaded the Land Rights Petition and other successful LEE events in Meppadi, and made sure all of the needed work was done properly to ensure a successful outcome. Beyond that, Seetha has become a mentor and trusted friend for many of the participants, helping them in times of need and supporting them as they face life’s challenges. Her affable nature and staunch support of the participants has been a key factor in the success of the Meppadi center. 79
Change Maker: Facilitators
“I have seen that the vocational training courses provided by AMMACHI Labs are very useful. I was impressed by the teaching method used; it is quite different from all the other trainings I have been a part of, and it is really effective. The combination of LEE with CVET is the main specialty of this training. From this course we have come to see that every woman has a role in society. She must come forward and work to improve society. She should have courage to face any problems that hold her back or hurt others. This training gives women the self-confidence she needs to earn an income after completing the course. Students really enjoyed coming to the center to attend the training sessions. I could see the unity developing among them throughout their time in the course. This training center has brought the women together, allowing them to make new friends and find allies in facing life’s challenges together. The classroom became a platform for everyone to share their sorrows and difficulties, and the group has always come forward to help each other. Many of them have started earning money and have gained the self confidence to speak openly. I cannot thank AMMACHI Labs enough for the opportunity to teach such a beautiful course. Working as a facilitator, I could even see changes happening in myself. I have become more self-confident and feel like I can take on any challenge. The satisfaction and happiness I have received from my job is more value than any money. I am satisfied with the job I am doing.�
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Change Maker: Centers “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.� – Cesar Chavez 81
Change Maker: Centers Changanasseri Center Every center is encouraged, as a part of their Life Enrichment Education Assessment to come up with some activity or event they feel would be beneficial to their communities. Based largely on their Ideal Village Exercise, these events have been a remarkable success, and many centers have gone above and beyond the original assignment to take on community issues. Changanasseri is one such center. The following report, written by a graduate (translated from Malayalam to English) of the Changanasseri Center, describes an event the graduates conducted. The program was inspired by one of the graduate’s sons who attended the local high school. Reports of alcohol abuse among the parents had reached a participant of the WE project and she wanted to hold an awareness class with her fellow graduates at the school on the topic of alcoholism. “Fourteen of my fellow graduates and I went to the CMS High School, about 15 km far from our WE center to conduct a LEE in the Community program. For this event, we put on a skit to raise awareness against alcohol use. There were nearly 500 students. We decided to keep the theme simple because alcoholism is so rampant - children don’t even recognize it as a problem. Through the skit, we told a story about an alcoholic father who beats his child and wife. One day, some social activists try to help the family by intervening and get treatment for the father. There was a huge applause after the skit. Some girls even presented a rose to the main actress as a token of their appreciation. After the skit, a few children came to the stage to share that they would tell their parents to quit alcohol. We are very proud of this event!” In an interview with Brahmacharini Nishtamrita Chaitanya, who is in charge of Changanasseri MA MATH branch center (home of the Changanasseri WE center) , she shared the changes she has observed in the women and community:
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Change Maker: Centers Changanasseri Center “The students who take these courses through the WE Project are seriously benefiting from it. I often interview the students who come to attend this course by asking them: Why you are taking this course? What is the purpose behind attending this course? Are you learning this skill to meet your own requirements or is it for your friends and relatives, or are you learning this course to earn for your living? Their answers are by and large the same: “to earn a living.” But they don’t have the confidence that they would be able to earn a living. Through this course many of the women get an opportunity to learn a new skill. They get a chance to know more about different fields, which they were not aware of before. These are the real changes happening in one’s life. Besides money, this course provides mental relief. Most of the women joined this course without the consent of their family but after this course their family members realized the value and now all of them get family support. This is a great blessing provided by AMMACHI Labs. “Liquor consumption is a major problem in this community. There is a place here called Paral, which is full of drunkards after 5 pm. Adults from 20 years and above use alcohol. Family members want to stop them from alcohol consumption but they can’t; instead they try to adjust to the situation. It is only through awareness programs that change is possible. Nearly 80% of the population is educated, but they don’t mingle with their neighbors. Even though there is domestic violence, women don’t want to reveal it in society. They suppress their sorrows within them.” - Brahmacharini Nishtamrita Chaitanya 83
Change Maker: Centers Changanasseri Center
Changanassery Street Play (LEE) 84
Change Maker: Centers Adimali Center Prior to the WE Project, life for a majority of graduates had been restricted to the home for several social and economic reasons. Women of the same community knew very little about one another and found comfort and strength in the realization that they were not alone in the challenges, sorrows, and even joys they experienced as women. One of the greatest areas of impact the WE Project has made is the heightened sense of community graduates feel as a result of the course which is developed through the sharing of a common new experience: learning a vocation through computers and discussion of important social issues. One of the most potent illustrations of this is the Adimali WE center, where graduates refer to the WE Center as their second family.The bond that the graduates of the Adimali center share is truly heartwarming. “We have regular get-togethers. We call each other often and get together whenever we can,” shared Afsa and Kumary, two student leaders from the 3rd batch. Shashikala, a student from the 5th batch jested, “The main thing is, we share all of our curries with each other. Each house has its own style of cooking. I make food that has a Tamil Nadu flavor to it – like that everybody’s food has a different taste. We share all of our dishes. And if someone forgets their food, we’ll share with them.” Beyond sharing recipes however, the Adimali graduates’ bond is further strengthened by the skills they learn together and continue to advance following the course; they meet regularly to practice their trade and also plan activities to benefit their local community. The Adimali center has conducted 5 LEE in the Community events to date, each one reinforcing the confidence gained through the course toactively participate and contribute to the community.
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Change Maker: Centers Adimali Center
LEE activity conducted at Chinnaparakudi, a nearby tribal Village 86
Change Maker: Centers Madurai Center Many of the graduates in Madurai are from the community of Palamedu. Inadequate community drainage facilities and leakage into the drinking water tanks had been plaguing the community for some time. The tanks were flowing over, creating pools of stagnant water and mosquitoes spreading disease. While the government is supposed to address such issues, no efforts were made to do so. When Dengue fever began to spread and affect the children, the graduates of the Madurai Center felt they had to do something right away. The graduates, with support from the facilitator, decided to approach the local Panchayat directly and submitted a formal petition to address the water problem. An excerpt from their petition to the Panchayat (translated from Tamil to English): In Mannaarthirumalainaayakkar (12th ward), the drainage water tank that was built by the government two years before is not functioning properly and the drainage water is mixing with the drinking water. Because of this, mosquitoes are increasing day by day; it has already resulted in a few cases of dengue fever. Please fix this error by redirecting the drainage pipes or in some other way cover the filthy water. Our children are playing there and getting dengue fever. We humbly request that you do what is needful and protect the villagers from this issue.
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Change Maker: Centers Ettimadai Center Anti-Plastic Awareness Workshops, Female Health and Hygiene, Diabetes Awareness, Education Campaigns -- the Ettimadai WE Center graduates have done it all, and say they’re just beginning. “We’re going to follow up on each class we give to know whether we’re making an impact,” said 7th batch graduate Rajalakshmi. The center’s sustained commitment to address problems of their community is inspiring. The Principal of the Ettimadai Amritavidyalayam, where the WE center is located, shared her observations: “Every lady has found herself worthwhile. Women have expressed to me how worthless they felt earlier and how this class has given them a lot of confidence. They learn computers, they learn product design, and they learn values. I think the vision of Amma (Chancellor of Amrita University and Founder of MA MATH, the parent organization) comes across through this project. What I’ve learned through this project is that all good things can reach anybody, not just young children.” To understand how the Ettimadai WE Center has been so strong in community participation is to understand a little bit more about the student leaders who have led the way. “This course helped me grow so much, that I will do anything I can for this center and the community,” said Vanitha, a student from the 7th batch who has earned approximately Rs.25,000 since completing the course 3 months prior. Before the course, Vanitha felt her freedom was constrained because she wasn’t able to earn any money. Her husband also restricted her movements to the home. Since completing the course, however, Vanitha says what she got from this course is freedom - freedom to earn and spend for the sake of her children. “People see me go out and they try to make trouble by asking my husband where I’m going. He responds confidently, ‘She’s going out to sell the products she’s made.’ He is supportive and proud of what I can do now.”
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Change Maker: Centers
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Change Maker: Centers Ettimadai Center Rajalakshmi, a graduate from the 7th batch, says she was never able to speak in front of others. But since the course, Rajalakshmshi has been instrumental in organizing several of the Center’s LEE activities, such as the plastic awareness session and the health and hygiene class for young girls. “I know that we’re making a difference because we surveyed the students before and after and some show that they have changed their habits. We have to keep going though and plan to continue this effort in other areas also. Education in tribal communities is very poor. Many of the children don’t go to school. They either stay at home or go to work. But we feel that some basic education is necessary for all children.” Uma Maheshwari, a graduate from the 5th batch was instrumental in carrying out the Plastic Awareness Workshop in a nearby village. “First we went house to house inviting people for the class and the next day we gathered in their community to teach them about the harmful effects of plastic to the environment. We showed them all sorts of things they can do to reuse plastic. We felt it was successful but we have to go back and see whether they have made any changes.” Uma Maheshwari used to be a schoolteacher, a job she had to give up job once she was married. The AJM course has enabled her to earn on her own for the first time in over a decade. Uma Maheshwari earns about Rs. 1,000 a month, which is just enough, she says to help contribute to the household expenses. “I used to be mentally depressed, stuck in routine. Now, I can differentiate my time for myself and for work and the family. Since completing this course, my in-laws look at me in a different way - it’s given me a good name. Now, they see what I can do. The course has increased my value. My husband appreciates me.” Saraswati, a graduate from the 7th batch, felt the biggest problem in her community was alcoholism. Following the course, Saraswati led the effort to conduct an alcohol awareness class for students at the local government school. “I felt that we need to concentrate on the children because there’s still a chance they may never pick up this bad habit if they are given proper awareness about it, said Saraswati.”
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Change Maker: Centers Ettimadai Center “I learned how to solve a problem. Even for the smallest problem, I used to think a lot. After attending this class, I feel like my problems are less because what I recognize as a problem has changed.” Since the course, Saraswati continues to participate and take an active role in the center’s LEE in the Community activities. Nisha Rameshan, a graduate from the 3rd batch, migrated to Tamil Nadu from Kerala after getting married. Meeting people and making friends had been difficult before. An active participant in the LEE activities, Nisha says, “Now I have the confidence to talk with others. It’s important for us to get to know others in the community; we have to help each other.” Since completing the course Nisha has earned about Rs.10,000 (a portion of which she’s invested in her own business for materials). While graduates of the Ettimadai Center often visit the center every week to use the Internet to find new designs, Nisha encouraged her husband to get an internet connection installed at home. Graduates of this WE Center continue to meet every month to plan LEE in the Community activities as well as advance their repertoire of skills and technique by researching online. The most active participants plan to forge their skills and form an SHG group.
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Change Maker: Centers Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers Alcoholism is the most salient issue in the district of Wayanad, an area where tribal communities are the majority and the abuse of alcohol has spiraled into an increase in domestic violence and poverty. It is precisely why a majority of LEE activities in the Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers have focused on raising awareness on the ill effects of alcohol. The Great Debate For the first time ever in the town of Meppadi, women and men were provided an open forum to discuss alcoholism, a problem that has plagued this town for so long and deeply that a solution in sight hardly seems plausible. But the first step to solving any issue is of course recognizing it as such. In the debate, the women held their own against their male counterparts, undoubtedly strengthened by their debate experience while they were students during the course. Shaji, one of the more outspoken husbands in attendance felt that the issue of alcoholism was too big to solve. The women quipped back with several reasons and ways as to how and why alcoholism could be addressed, at least on an individual and family level. “Alcoholism, said Jayashree (a graduate from the 7th batch) “has long been treated as something better left ignored. But it’s gotten out of hand.” “We have to approach people with love and patience. That’s the only way. And we have to stop children from drinking before they even start,”said Chitra, a graduate from batch 7 and one of the organizers of the community presentations.
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Change Maker: Centers Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers
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Change Maker: Centers Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers And this is in fact exactly what the graduates of the Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers have done through the organization and delivery of alcohol awareness classes for tribal colony members, school students, and the most vulnerable members of the community, young children. While every effort to mitigate the issue of alcohol abuse in Wayanad has made some impact, the most tangible demonstration of the graduates’ commitment to spreading awareness was the March through Mananthavady, which culminated in the removal of a toddy shop dangerously close to the local school and WE center. The rally goers, all WE graduates (and even some of their children) decided to design and wear their own fabric painted saris to draw attention to their message: eliminate the use of alcohol and close down toddy shops that are too close to schools. Comments of support came from some of the auto rickshaw drivers parked on the side of the road, “What you’re doing is really needed!” One of the participants commented, “Next time, if we cover our mouths with ribbon, they would have paid even closer attention – it sends the message that “we won’t raise our voice. Instead, read our messages on our placard.” Pramilla, another graduate from the first batch shared her experience: “When we reached Gandhi Park, a representative from the Jana Prati Needhi (a political party) – asked me where we were from. I told him that we were conducting this as a part of the Women Empowerment Project course we got from Amrita. He congratulated me, saying you’re doing such a great thing! I felt so good hearing that!”
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Change Maker: Centers Meppadi and Mananthavady Centers
International Orders Beyond their contribution to the community, graduates of the Meppadi Center are the first to successfully establish an international market connection through the “Secret Pillow Project” and have sold over Rs.100,000 worth of products through a collaborating partner in London. The Secret Pillow was an innovative idea by a London-based philanthropist and friend of the WE Project, Fritha Vincent, who has a keen interest in developing entrepreneurial women’s groups with the WE Project. The pillow is a simple idea, but its charming story and catchy image has sparked huge demand internationally. The trained graduates of the Secret Pillow venture are paying it forward by traveling to other centers to train more WE graduates in how to make and sell Secret Pillows. The goal over the next year is to have 1,000 Secret Pillows made and sold by WE graduates.
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Stories of Change “Women have to find their courage. Courage is an attribute of the mind; it is not a quality of the body. Women have the power to fight against the social rules that prevent their progress.� -Amma 96
Stories of Change Vidya V.
Amritapuri
My childhood days were happy, but after my wedding I had to face so many challenges. My husband’s character was not good, and some time back he left me and got married to another women. It was a huge shock for my family and me. Before the incident, our family was financially stable, but now I am struggling to make ends meet. When my husband left, he took all of the money and property. Now, the only family I have is my daughter and my mother. I want to be able to care for them. My mother needs medical treatment, and my daughter is still in school and that can be costly. Right now, I do not have any other support. This course has been very good for me. Before having my daughter, I was a government teacher, so studying in this course was very natural and I did well. From this course, I now have more confidence to work for my daughter. Part of this new confidence comes from my new ability to use a computer. I have never been able to use one until now. Through this course I finally have some peace of mind, and I feel I am able to move courageously forward in my difficult family situation. I’ve been inspired to give back as well, and I wish to give some personality development classes for children. From the course I’ve been able to earn Rs.10,000, with an investment of Rs. 5000, all from orders I’ve been given in my neighborhood. My ambition is to start a new business even if it means I have to sell my family land. I would like to share a message to all participants in this course, “Don’t expect anything from others. Work hard. Women should keep their family assets for the future. You need to go forward in your life with full confidence.”
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Stories of Change
Vidya V, Amritapuri 98
Stories of Change Deepthi, Anitha, Ajeena
Onampilly Center
Deepthi, Ajeena and Anitha are graduates from the Fabric Painting course and have always been active when it comes to LEE. The issue they feel the most proud of themselves for solving is: a community wide power outage problem. The trio led the effort to file a petition with the Kerala State Electricity Board, which included some suggested solutions. Later the KSEB Engineer replied that a transformer was required to fix the problem, and would be impossible due to the lack of sufficient space. The group refused to take “no� for an answer and took their petition a step further. The graduates sent a copy of their petition to the Kerala Chief Minister stating the problem and how much it meant to society. The issue was solved thereafter. 99
Stories of Change Prasana P.B.
Alleppey Beach Center
Prasana P.B says that the LEE course gave her the courage to address social programs in her own community. “There was a man in our neighborhood who drank heavily. One day a few of us women got together and spoke to him when he was sober. We told him that if he continues to drink and harass his wife, we would have her lodge a complaint against him. He said no matter how much he beats his wife, she will never complain. When he started beating her again, we complained to the Residents Association. People came from there to counsel him. But he soon went back to his old ways. He used to beat not only his wife, but also his mother. One day she came to us crying and showed us the bruises from his beating. I took my daughter, and some of the neighbors and went to his house. We called him out and told him that we would lodge a complaint with the police. After that he has not caused any trouble in the house. Now when I see his mother, she’s really happy.” 100
Stories of Change Renjini
Meppadi Center
“In my family my dad used to come home drunk and hurt my mother, and was verbally abusive. My dad didn’t bring home any money; it all went to drinking alcohol. There was a point where he even threatened to sell me to pay for his alcohol habit. Every day in LEE, we used to share our views and experiences. I got the courage to share this with my students only by coming to this course. In my locality women make alcohol like arrack and they used to sell it. I wish that the people in my place could get the same awareness we got in the class.� Renjini and the other young graduates of the Meppadi WE Training Center did just that and conducted an alcohol awareness class in the rural interior of their own Tribal Colony, Karakulli. What was impressive about this initiative was not just that the youngsters managed to bring awareness to their community on an issue that was so controversial, but that they managed to gather together, in one place, individuals on both sides of the issue. As the session came to a close, the graduates asked for feedback. The community suggested the young organizers repeat the same but in a much larger venue, where they can share their fabric painted work as well as spread awareness and break the silence on this important issue. Renjini demonstrated incredible strength in overcoming her personal struggles, using the knowledge she gained through the LEE courses, and the network of support from fellow WE participants to challenge the norms around her.
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Stories of Change
Renjini Meppadi 102
Stories of Change Shabana
Onampilly Center
“I have a lot more courage now to speak out. I was married very young at the age of 14, when I was studying in the 9th grade. Someone came with a lot of money, and said they would give us a lot of gold, and my parents arranged the marriage. Actually my marriage was originally arranged with my cousin from childhood. We became very good friends. But later because of financial reasons the family opposed this, and separated us. Of course, my family also had my interest at heart, and they felt I would be happy in the new family. It was as if they had adopted me. After one pregnancy they felt I lost my good looks, I had no money of my own, and they did not like this. My health was an issue, and they sent me back home saying I should stay there and recover. By then I had two children. I said I would leave only if both of them came with me. They did not agree to this. My younger child cannot stay without me, so they let me take the younger child. After one year I heard my husband had remarried, without my permission. Now if I file a court case against him, the court will support me and he will be in jail, because he went against the law. I cannot do it though, because there is nobody to support me. We are not financially well off. Even if I sue, they will bribe the court and get away with it. I remarried the man I was originally supposed to marry. He already has one wife and two children. But seeing my situation, after consulting with other family members he married me. No one is against it, not even his present wife. We live right next door to them. After seeing the videos in the LEE classes the women have started sharing their stories, and sorrows with each other. In the past we would just keep it hidden within us. We did not know we could talk about it and change the situation. I was very withdrawn, and never spoke to anyone about my problems. Then, I came here and saw the videos in the LEE class. I met all these people and was able to unburden myself and share my feelings. That itself was a big change, and I felt a lot stronger after that. It was hard to find that kind of support in the family or neighborhood. I was always afraid to talk to people about these things. I never knew whom I could trust, and who would ridicule me.�
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Stories of Change Deepa
Paripally Center
“This course was a turning point in my life,” says Deepa. “I dropped out of school after failing the 10th grade.” The course renewed Deepa’s interest in school and instilled within her the self-confidence to go back to school and complete the 10th grade. Deepa started earning money from her skills while still enrolled and says now she’s able to earn her own income and is also a member of the self help group.
Anitha
Alleppey Beach Center
I used to think I couldn’t study anything. A friend told me about this program. My husband was not really interested in my joining. He was very particular that I give all my time and attention to the children. We also have Father and Mother at home, and I have to look after them. If we both leave the house then there will be no one at home. Slowly, when he saw that I was learning something, I think he became more interested. He would even call me sometimes and ask me if I had not gone to class that day. He sees that we are learning so many useful skills. So even without me directly asking him if I can go, he is open to me attending the classes. His mind has changed.
Subhashini
Madurai Center
My husband generally never encourages me in anything especially going out. But I told him that I wanted to go to the class and that I would finish all the housework. He generally doesn’t give me any freedom but I negotiated two hours to come to the class. When I came, I just wanted to check out what it was but I felt the course was immensely transformative. We’ve learned a lot but I think it’s time to put it to practice. My life has been very difficult for a long time. It’s about 45 days since I finished this course. Somehow, I feel very peaceful since then. Of late, the fights in the house have also reduced. 105
Stories of Change
Subhashini, Madurai 106
What’s Next Although the Women Empowerment Project has reached its goal, Ammachi Labs continues to reach out and expand its efforts to strengthen entire communities. In September 2013, Mata Amritanandamayi Math (the parent organization of Amrita University) announced two massive charitable projects: a Relief-and-Rehabilitation project in the flood-ravaged state of Uttarakhand, and Amrita Serve, a program to adopt 101 villages throughout India. Along with the provision of numerous services that will be offered free of cost (new homes, medical care, education, capacity building through SHG formation, etc.) skill development will also be provided and is critical to achieving the economic security of these communities. Given our experience in effective skill training, Ammachi Labs will take on the role of vocational training provider. The first batches of vocational training students have already graduated in Uttarakhand. While the primary focus remains empowering women, the program is also open to men so that the entire community can benefit from the training. Many graduates have experienced that bringing their training back to their homes had a big impact in changing their families’ mindsets. When the whole village works towards a common goal, the possibilities are endless. So while the Women Empowerment Project has reached the final milestone of training over 3,000 women, our mission to economically and socially empower individuals is going strong.
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UNDEF aims to support those partners who undertake action oriented project to bring about measurable and tangible improvements in the democracy and human rights on the ground, thereby, translating the concept of “democracy�into practice solutions for people to have their voices and choices heard. This publication has been produced with assistance of the United Nation Democracy Fund. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Amrita University, Amritapuri campus, and does not necessarily reflect the view of the United Nations, the United Nations Democracy Fund or its advisory board.
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