Kudumbashree to impart gender sensitisation training to members

140-page course to be taught in Neighbourhood Groups over six months

PALAKKAD, KERALA, 24/11/2015: Workers sowing vegetable seeds at a field near Anaikatty near Attappady in Palakkad. Formed with support of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in 2013, Attappady has 506 all-tribal women Kudumbasree units at present. The units which restrict membership only to tribals is now playing a significant role in decreasing infant and neo-natal deaths. Photo: K. K. Mustafah

At a time when gender justice is being discussed in the State like never before, the Kudumbashree Mission has come up with a module-based gender sensitisation training programme, which has already been rolled out in the district through the Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs).

The six-month programme themed on “Gender Justice and Equality” is the fourth module to be introduced under Kudumbashree’s Gender Self Learning Programme that was rolled out in 2010 for women empowerment.

“The topic chosen is very relevant in the present social milieu. What we need are empowered women assured of their place in society and are capable of making meaningful social interventions, breaking the stereotypes forced on them by society and the family. We felt that inculcating such a thought in an organisation like Kudumbashree that commands over 43 lakh members will help convert large sections of society” said Shine T. Money, District Programme Manager (Gender), Kudumbasree Mission.

Over a year was spent on preparing the 140-page course material comprising 27 chapters through brainstorming sessions among NHG members with the support of experts.

The training programme for the district level facilitators (DLF) for teaching the first 10 chapters will be wrapped up by February 10 after which they will conduct classes in 24,000 NHGs in the district spread over 101 Community Development Societies (CDS) reaching out to three lakh members. One chapter will be covered in a week and the programme is likely to be completed by June.

"We have adopted different methodologies, including sharing of personal experiences and statistical and case studies to ensure maximum reach for the programme,” said Mr. Money.

A 60-member core team, including community counsellors and staff of Snehitha project, for the welfare of women and children, has been formed for the supervision of the programme in the district. Kudumbashree Mission also plans to document the findings of the programme through feedback from DLFs and NHG members with the help of a trained documentation team.

“We will be forming a WhatsApp group for each CDS to post feedback as voice clips. Besides, NHG members will be encouraged to share their less-than-pleasant experiences with the 32 community counsellors who have been given charge of gender resource centres set up at 70 CDSs in the district, based on which Snehitha staff will intervene in the matter,” said Mr. Money.