From Role Plays to Role Models .■ • A Resource Book for Women Representatives of the Panchayat Raj
Item
- Title
-
From Role Plays to Role Models .■ •
A Resource Book
for
Women Representatives
of the Panchayat Raj - extracted text
-
UMA PRACHAR
For Private Circulation
UMA RESOURCE BOOK - 1
From Role Plays to Role Models
.■
•
A Resource Book
for
Women Representatives
of the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This Resource book has been conceptualised, written
and
produced by the LIMA Resource Centre at Institute of Social
Studies Trust, Bangalore. The UMA Project has been made
possibly by the generous financial assistance of the Ford
Foundation.
We feel privileged to express our admiration for and solidarity
with the protagonists of the episodes in the book. We would
like to express our grateful thanks to Smt Suman Kolhar
who has been a constant source of inspiration and
encouragement in our endeavours. She helped us locate the
episodes on which this book is based. The major portion of
the resource book which is dei’oted to its implications for
and usage as a training resource was conceptualised and
written by Ms. Anita Guruniurthi/, consultant to the UMA
Project. We express our gratitude and appreciation to her. We
take great pleasure in recording
our gratitude to Sri
Umashankar Period! of Hengisara Hakkina Sangha, (HHS),
Bangalore, who brought his considerable experience as a
trainer to his comments and critiques of the drafts. For his
patience and time, we are deeply grateful.
Written by
Assisted by
Illustrations by
Secretarial Assistance by
Cover illustration by
Anita Gurumurthy and Revathi Narayanan
UMA Project Team
G.S. Praveen
Grace Fernandez
Shirley Alex Kuruvilla
BforewordW
STRENGTHENING WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES : A NEED FOR NEWER
APPROACHES
In the past decade or so. training organisations and individual trainers have, with sustained
efforts, risen unequivocally in their support for grassroot movements. On the basis of the
insights drawn from their training experience as well as of people’s experiences of social
change in their specific cultural contexts, these organisations and individuals have evolved
modules and approaches to train people toward social action.
Now. just as our training strategies are being validated especially by women activists who
acknowledge the need for such support, a new dimension of social change is clamouring
for attention, demanding that new approaches be evolved. The 73rd Amendment of the
Constitution has given a new shape to Panchayati Raj and training institutions and trainers
are being required to take cognizance of these new spaces for women. Although there is an
agreement among most people involved in Panchayati Raj about the need for training of
women representatives, we are faced with the Herculean task of having to be pro-active;
leave no stone unturned in demonstrating our support for these women who will go ahead
and architect a new. more representative understanding of people’s governance.
Our efforts need essentially to be located in newer approaches. Readymade formulae are
conspicuous by their absence. But even as we are still learning, we still do have some pegs
to hold on to.
For ISST. the success stories of women representatives in the erstwhile Panchayati Raj
Institutions have been powerful in their inspirational value. We have attempted to identify
through these women’s experiences, some issues of concern, some questions, some impera
tives for action. We hope they are useful not just as training material but also for the grit
and determination that they share.
ABOUT THE RESOURCE BOOK
This Resource Book records the true experiences of women members of the Karnataka
Panchayats (1987-1991). Each episode is first summarised and is followed by a role-play
based on it. The language and style have been deliberately kept simple. Trainers could
enact the role plays and initiate discussions around issues emerging from the role plays.
The episodes can also be modified into skits, mimes, stories, songs or any other desired
form.
Some pointers for training have been provided with every episode. These are only sugges
tions and can supplement the role play session based on the episode, during a training
programme. It has been our earnest attempt to present these "success stories" in a manner
that any interested reader can appreciate not merely the "success" element as much as the
"struggle" element. We sincerely feel that the experiences of women in these stories are not
isolated, random occurences, but are representative of the lives of many more women in
many more places.
INTRODUCTION
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
Access to knowledge and information
The attitude of the politically powerful.
‘educated’ upper class/caste male
bureaucrats and politicians is a reflection
of patriarchy and its mechanisms to ensure
that women are excluded from the creation
of knowledge and are denied access to in
formation. For women, and particularly for
women in political life, access to and use of
information is vital to the performance of
their role as is manifested in Episodes 2 and
3. Women members in the Panchayats
need to perceive access to information as
their fundamental right.
Through these case studies, we attempt to
articulate some of our concerns and also
initiate a dialogue on the "how" and
"whether" of dealing with many issues.
These we hope, will enable the brainstorm
ing for a common understanding on ap
proaches to and the content of training
women representatives in Panchayati Raj.
The thoughts expressed in this section are
not generalisations from the case studies
but statements of our understanding that
women's experiences are rooted in a com
plex reality that is indisputably one in
which there is a skewed distribution of
power and of resources. Therefore, the is
sues and concerns derived from the.
episodes are meant to be construed as an
attempt to capture the hues and shades of
an unequal society characterised by
patriarchal, feudal, casteist institutions
and structures and as an attempt also to
locate the success stories in an ideological
context.
Representing the voices of the mar
ginalised
Women representatives will have to
strategise to break the nexus between the
hitherto all powerful contractor, bureaucrat
and political leader who have distorted
decision-making processes at the village
level. Episode 3 reflects how the voices of
the marginalised have been feeble in a social
context that has repressed them.
Panchayats in the emerging context will
provide spaces for the marginalised, espe
cially the poor women who are among the
most victimised. These spaces need to be
used to stake claim over the resources that
reach the village in the names of the poor
and the marginalised.
Confidence Building
Episode 1 clearly demonstrates how
women's entry into political circles is bound
to be resisted especially in the form of empty
threats. The ideal reaction to such threats
would be to meet them squarely and not get
cowed down. Also, women may be used as
pawns by power brokers. The need here is
for women to look at their own spaces in the.
political process with much less skepticism
and their own capabilities with much more
Challenging oppressive social struc
tures
Episode 4 challenges the oppression and
exploitation inherent in casteist. feudal.
patriarchal social structures. Women rep
resentatives need to emerge as a powerful
lobby to bring into the agenda of
confidence.
1
Panchayats. issues critical to the everyday
lives of women, such as water, forests etc.
dimension of the Panchayafs function that
will determine to a great extent its
credibility as a people's institution. Inter
estingly. the judicial function of the
Panchayati Raj Institutions has been left
very much to the will of the individual State.
Governments to determine. While a few
states such as Himachal Pradesh have in
corporated the Nyaya Panchayats in their
Acts.there is no mention of this function in
the other State Acts. Episode 7 is but one
example of the increasing vulnerability of
not only women village level functionaries
but also of poor women in villages.
Informed decision-making
The provision of amenities, facilities and
development itself is linked inseparably
with the introduction of technology and
people who control technological know
how.
For village communities to benefit from op
timal utilization of the Panchayafs resour
ces. decisions must be based on an.
evaluation of the relative merits of several
options; otherwise women representatives
in particular, will find themselves helplessly
dependent on people in control of tech
nological know-how.
Episode 8 and 9 also exhort women repre
sentatives to build connections with one
another irrespective of their social back
ground or differences to promote an agenda
that protects and promotes the interests of
women. Women in power need to question
the locus-standi of men or officials who
encroach on women's personal lives.
Episode 8 in fact is not merely an issue of
abuse of power but is inextricably
entrenched in the issue of subtler forms of
violence against women.
New work-culture
Patriarchal societies undermine women’s
health needs. Women's protests against
drunkenness, alcoholism and smoking are
therefore likely to be dismissed as trivial.
Episode 6 and 7 highlight how it is impera
tive to relate such a protest to the larger
question of work-culture (episode 5 also
questions red-tape and absence of account
ability) as well as to the stance that Gram
Sabhas and Panchayats need to take vis-avis the role of alcohol in power politics.
Participation in management of resources
Women representatives need to use the
authority vested in them in the manage
ment of the Panchayafs resources. As
depicted in Episode 9. an item such as
celebration of International Women's Day
on the agenda of women, may seem super
fluous to those whose, attitudes mirror
patriarchal values. Episode 10 reiterates
the need for women’s representatives to use
their authority to ensure accountability.
Creating an agenda to promote women’s
interests
Women in Panchayats carry a responsibility
to tap on its potential of serving as a system
of social justice. There can be no develop
ment without justice and it is the justice
We have articulated these concerns not as theoretical constructs
built hastily around a "small" episode in the life of "some woman"
in "some distant village", but as an attempt at presenting larger
issues related to women's struggles towards equality that lie
hidden within the stories.
2
ARE
WOMEN
POLITICAL
PAWNS?
A bitter dispute to contest for the post of Upa-Pradhan arose among the rival contest
ants. both men. in a certain Mandal Panchayat.' No solution emerged for quite some
time. With the last date approaching for the election, the rival groups decided to ask a
woman to contest. They were sure that they could get her to resign anytime they
wanted. The woman consented to contest and also got elected. After a few weeks, the
men decided that it was time for her to resign. She had served her purpose.
But they were in for a surprise. When they approached her. she refused to oblige them!
She had been elected member and she had every right to continue in that position, she
said. She resisted all their threats and blandishments. Finally, the men realised that
she was not just a convenient pawn they could push around. We are delighted to inform
our readers that our courageous woman member completed her term successfully.
ina to contest right now. We
can always get rid of her
later.
Elections are nearing. Groups of men are
busy discussing and deciding the relative
merits of the candidates. A bitter quarrel
starts between two powerful men vying for
tt
o n
the post* ofr.T
Upa-Pradhan.
Man 2:
Yes. yes. I feel this is the best
solution...
But
will
she agree to contest?
Man 1 :
Where is the problem? We
will pressurize her.
It
The men come up with a plan.
Man 1 :
Why are we arguing so
much? Let us ask Shantam-
3
Visitor 2:
should not be too difficult to
convince this woman.
Shantamma is persuaded to contest and
gets elected.
One day soon after. Shantainma is seated
in the Panchayat office when a group of men
and women come to meet her.
Woman 1:
Is there
any personal matter for us to
discuss?
Shantamma: Personal matter?
Amina, our children are not
going to school.
Visitor 1:
Shantamma: Yes I do know: my children
also keep running around
the whole day
Woman 1:
The problem is that the
teacher is so irregular: she is
not from our village.
Woman 2:
(angrily) But that is no
reason to be irregular. She
is paid to do this job. (ad
dresses
Shantamma)
Amnia, why don't you come
with us and talk to the
teacher. After all. you are a
Panchayat member.
No.no Madam. There is no
problem. We are all friends.
So we thought we could dis
cuss personal matters at
home.
You see. it is something very
simple. (Pause) We made
you a Panchayat member.
that is true, isn’t it? You
really never wanted to take
on the responsibility.
After all. why should you?
Maybe you can resign now.
Shantamma: Resign? Why should I? lam
happy, the people are
happy, so why resign? (looks
from one face to the other.
bewildered...)
Visitor2:
Shantamma talks to the teacher and per
suades her to come regularly. This ex
perience emboldens Shantamma and gives
her the confidence to tackle problems.
Gradually, she wons the trust of the vil
lagers.
Shantamma: (confidently) But I don't
want to resign. I think I can
do a lot of useful work and I
have been doing useful
work in the last two months.
However, after a couple of months. Shan
tamma gets an unpleasant surprise. It is
the early hour of the morning: she is in the
midst of her daily chores.
Visitor 1:
After all you have to take
care of your house, your
husband, children. We
know it isn’t easy for you.
Visitorl:
Namaskara. How are you?
You seem to be very busy.
Hey. look here, if you act
tough, we know how to get
rid of you. Don’t try to be
too smart.
Shantamma: (in a self-assured manner.
calmly) I want to make this
clear to you. I have been
elected to follow the
people's dictates and not
Shantamma: Yes, this is the way it is for
women. I will come to
the office. Why did you take
the trouble of coining
here?
4
a responsibility towards
them. I have decided to com
plete the term. None ofyour
threats will make any dif
ference. Please leave and
learn to respect others.
those of ruffians like you. I
refuse to even talk to you.
Visitor2:
Amina, you better change
your mind, otherwise you
will have to face the conse
quences.
Visitor :
Shantamma: (determined) I am ready for
OK. we shall see.
Shantamma stands firm, convinced that she
is right. Eventually, her opponents stop
harassing her and she completes her term
successfully.
any challenge. This is my
final decision. Listen. I have
been
elected
by the
people for a cause and I have
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
How do women plan for various oc
casions such as festivals, marriages
etc?
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
A discussion to address and debunk
the myth "Politics is the forte of
men alone"
How can what is normally understood
as a "weakness" in
women be
reinterpreted as a strength? Say. for
instance, the ability women have to
empathise.
Trainers can explore with the group the
attributes that are important for politi
cal participation and highlight that
such attributes are also intrinsic to
women.
4.
A role-play to highlight various
qualities of a leader, such as ability to
prioritise, to be impartial, to be asser
tive etc.
c.
Exercises on assertiveness, building
a positive self-image exploring
means to counter threats.
Eg:
1.
Women take different decisions every
day
2.
Women have excellent skills in human
relations
3.
Women are practical and resourceful
b.
An exercise to focus on women's
strengths, their managerial skills
and their acumen for political par
ticipation.
Trainers can use a ‘mirror-game-. One
woman talks to another who is the
mirror. Every statement the woman
makes, the ‘mirror- reflects back in a
more assertive manner. Women can
take turns in being the "mirror".
Other games on self image related to
posture, body language, voice modula
tion will be useful.
Eg:
1.
Ask participants to list or talk about
what women do successfully. High
light how women, usually overlook the
achievements in their everyday lives.
What are the things women do during
the day and what managerial skills do
they use in such tasks.
5
It will be helpful to explore participants’
views about "dealing with threats'. The
trainers can enact the role-play till the
point where the visitor threatens Shautamma and then stop and ask the participants
to visualise how Shantainma would have
countered the threat and to enact it. one by
one. A variety of responses will emerge and
the trainer can assess the relative merits of
each approach to counter threats along
with the group.
Subsequent to this, a small input on the
concept of "fear", its social and psychologi
cal roots can be given.
A NOTE FOR TRAINERS
In dealing with sensitive issues such as strengths, perceptions, self-image etc., it is
imperative that trainers play their own role with sensitivity. It would be catastrophic
if trainers did not work with the premise that women are as capable as men. Trainers
need to be firm believers in the principle of equity. Only then can we communicate to
women who are diffident and unsure about their inner resources that skills in
managing, decision- making, assertive communication like all skills, can be acquired.
K_________________________________ _________________________________ _
EPISODE 2
WOMEN’S
SANGHA
TO THE
RESCUE
In a particular Mandal Panchayat. one seat reserved for women was vacant. The
dominant political party of that mandal while looking for suitable women candidates,
chanced upon an illiterate, timid and reticent Scheduled Caste woman. Madamma.
The party workers decided to persuade her to contest the elections as they felt they
could mould her the way they wanted to and hence, she would not pose any threat to
them. She did contest but only after the party workers gave her an assurance that she
could depend on them for advice about her role and responsibilities when in doubt. On
assuming office, every time she approached them for help and guidance, they mocked
at her. After several such disheartening encounters at the party office. Madamma
realised that she had to explore different avenues for support. She then turned to a
local women’s collective for support and with their help she was able to build up her
confidence. Eventually, she became a successful member of the Mandal Panchayat.
With the Mandal Panchayat elections near
ing. political activity in the village is at its
peak. Elections are to be held for one post
reserved for a woman. The workers of the
leading political party decide that a
Scheduled Caste woman will be their can
didate as she appears submissive.
Worker:
Madamma. listen to us.
Why don’t you contest for
this seat? This is a great
opportunity for you to enter
into politics. You will be
come well known in your
area.
Madamma:
(diffidently) No. jib... jflFaS? v' \1KfyTix$i
leave me qut.xrf
f
;;
cannot undersiarKl^fS^^s ' ■ pt/ ■
all about. I dp
.
..
i .x,
,
'
r '
MadaWttJia:
what tb-e cHif4e%;
Pancbayat member are,.,
Worker:
Do not worry nbotrt . ifringSlike that. We are alt Irere tt>help you. All you need -to do
is to contest. We wtU takes .
care of the rest.
Madamma:
If you agree to guide we. I«
shall contest. I am keen .to
work for the poor.
Worker:
That’s good... here’s yplir
nomination form...
Oh that... Why are you so
worried? Just ask them to
come
next week, next
month... where is the hurry?
Ondier way home Madamma meets Savitri.
a member of the local women’s sangha.
Madamma narrates her tale of woe.
Savitri:
Maybe you should come for
our meetings. Many women
have found the meetings
helpful. Some officials will
also be present in the next
mating. You can talk to
them.
Madamma:
I will certainly come.
The first Panchayat meeting is scheduled
for the following week. Madamma goes to
meet the par ty worker in his office, to clarify
her doubts.
Madamma:
But ... so many poor people
are coming and asking me.
What should I do?
The worker dismisses her concern and
sends her away. Madamma leaves the of
fice, feeling bitter.
Madamma contests and emerges victorious.
Worker:
Why do you want to bother
about such things? We will
take care of everything.
Cofne in., come in. Madam
ma.... I am happy to see you.
Tell me. what brings you
here?
Marfhmma finds the sangha meeting an
enriching experience and slowly gets more
and more involved in its activities. She soon
finds that she is able to be more articulate
and play a meaningful role in the Panchayat
also.
Swamy. 1 have come to seek
some clarification from you.
Could you provide informa
tion regarding government
schemes available for
Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes?
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
b.
Information relating to Panchayati
Raj,
which
can
be
shared
through songs, picture booklets. The
concept of "Mahiti
melas" may be
introduced.
A group discussion on
(i)the socio- historical context in which a
certain segment of society has been
denied access to information and
knowledge.
8
(li) an inquiry into who has benefitted from
a division of society on the basis of
caste/class/gender.
c. An exploration of the participants'
views on
(i)
Here, trainers can explore cultural and
religious beliefs that participants have in
ternalised. Trace these beliefs back to
religious ideology and the religious
prescriptions in the various religious texts
that discriminate against women. Make
another backward linkage by highlighting
that religious beliefs that perpetrate the
lower status of certain castes, classes and
women are "man-made".
the role of women’s collectives/sanghas
in empowering or supporting women
members in the Panchayat.
(ii) the role of literacy in the new political
scenario.
Trainers can ask illiterate participants to
name the middle-men/women who they ap
proach in order to understand the written
word. Emphasise the need to do away with
such middle men/women.
A NOTE FOR TRAINEEW
Trainers will need to read about the history of religion to deal
with such analyses. Also sensitivity is a pre-condition while
treading on issues such religion.
9
DON’T
WOMEN
HAVE THE
RIGHT
TO KNOW?
Gowramma had become a Panchayat member for the first time. She was moved by the
plight of the poor Scheduled Caste people in her village. She had heard about some
government programmes to help the poor and wished to get more details about them.
Whenever she attempted to get this information from the Pan'chayat members and from
the BDO’s office, she was ignored, snubbed or shouted down.
Eventually she met a woman member.the Upadhyaksha of the Zilla Parishad who was
on a visit to the village. The aggrieved Gowratnma poured out her troubles to this
sympathetic Upadhyaksha who promised to Intervene.
Suddenly Gowramma found that the officials were far more co- operative and this went
a long way in helping her perform her role effectively.
A Panchayat meeting is in progress
Gowramma:
I understand there are a
number of government
schemes but
nothing
reaches the Harijans.
MR:
You have just entered the
Panchayat and you talk so
much.
10
Gowramma:
Please Sir. Just think of the
poor people. They work as
coolies on daily wages.
Shouldn’t we do our bit to
help them? After all. the
schemes are meant for
them.
MR:
You leave it to us. We have
more experience.
. ■
Not satisfied she decides to meet the BDO.
But this experience is even worse. The
official is very rude.
Gowramma:
In that case. I will have to
approach higher officers.
Officer:
(arrogantly) Go anywhere.
Go to your DC, Vidhan
Soudha or even Delhi. I am
not bothered.
Some time later, the Panchayat office is
getting ready for the visit of the Upadhyaksha of the Zilla Parish ad who is a woman.
The Upadhyaksha arrives.
Upadh
:
Gowramma:
Upadh
:
(looks at Gowramma) Aren’t
you a new member?What is
your name?
Gowramma:
(pauses) What can I say?
Upadh
(encouragingly) Do tell me. I
am here to help you with
your problems.
:
Gowramma tells the Upadhyaksha about
the uncooperative attitude of the male
members of the Mandal and the BDO.
Upadh
:
(sheepishly) No madam.
even if we tell them, what will
these women understand?
BDO:
Upadh
(hesitantly) I am Gowramtna.
(addresses the BDO) What is
this that I am hearing?
:
(firmly) Don’t underestimate
women. She is a member of
the Panchayat and you have
a duty to cooperate with all
Panchayat members.
From that day onwards. Gowramma is able
to perform her sole more effectively.
How do you find your new
role?
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
"Knowledge is Power".
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
Inputs on the federal structure of the
Indian polity, the three tiers of
Panchayati Raj as well as on finances
and resources of panchayats..
b.
A discussion on the theme -
Emphasise that knowledge can be ac
quired easily; by interacting with
others, by cultivating a desire to ask
questions and a willingness to be open
to new experiences and learning.
11
. ANO
•J.
’f-|;
/
WATER
POLITICS
Scheduled Caste women in a particular village faced the all-teo- common problem of
water shortage until a woman member of the Panchayat took interest in their welfare.
A separate drinking water pipe was provided to the colony and the women who had
been walking several miles to fetch water until then, were overjoyed? A few days later
however, the taps went dry. They posed the problem to the woman representative. An
inspection team was sent by the Zilla Parishad. However on that particular day, plenty
of water was available at the tap, making the women look very foolish. Suspecting foul
play, the woman member along with some village women, decided to investigate. She
found out that some rich farmers had drilled holes in the pipe and had diverted the
water to their fields. Whenever they heard that there was an inspection, they would
block the holes and make it difficult to catch them red- handed.
The woman representative therefore suggested that the women take their problem to
the authorities in the Zilla Parishad. They did so and the Zilla Parishad sent a team
which took the culprits to task.
Some poor Scheduled Caste women go to
the Panchayat office.
Womanl:
seems as if it is only the
upper caste people who are
blessed with everything.
(to the woman repre
sentative) Amnia, the water
has stopped again. It
12
Woman2:
This is our fate. Why is it so?
WR
No, don’t feel so. We will all
do something about the
water problem.
:
WR
The following day she visits the spot and
opens the tap. To everyone’s surprise, water
flows out. They wonder why it is that only
when the Panchayat representative opens
the tap, there is water.
Womanl:
Something is wrong some
where.
Woman2:
Let us find out.
The woman representative also suspects
some foul play. Together they start walking
along the pipe line. Suddenly, they notice
water gushing out of a hole in the pipe?
Womanl:
Woman2:
Look, the problem lies here.
These rich farmers'have
drilled holes and are divert
ing water to their fields.
This should not be ignored.
We need to take stern action
against these people. Why
don’t your all go to the Zilla
office and ask them to take
action? I will also put in
a word.
Sometime later, a team from the Zilla
Parishad makes a surprise check and con
fronts the culprits.
ZP mem:
This is not expected of you.
You have stooped to such
low levels.
Farmer:
But it is not like that ...
ZP mem:
I don’t want any justification
for your selfishness. But I
warn you. Never repeat this.
In future, if any complaint
comes to me, I will not spare
you.
Thus, through collective action and the key
role played by the woman representative,
the women were able to solve their water
problem.
How awful! How unfair!
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
fy these needs do not challenge estab
lished structures. They do
riot
question the gender division of labour.
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
A discussion on "What are the issues
located in women’s everyday lives? "
Strategic gender needs arise out of the
recognition that women’s long-term inter
ests lie in challenging social structures that
disadvantage them. Examples of strategic
gender needs include redefinition of the
gender division of labour, removing institu
tional forms of discrimination.
Begin with the questions
1 ."What is an issue?", "Can women iden
tify issues in their everyday lives as
issues?"
j
2 Elaborate on the concept of "right to
resources".
b.
Connected to these concepts are the ones of
position and condition. Providing water
facilities may change womien’s condition
but will it change their position?
Inputs on "Practical and strategic
gender needs?"
Whether from a well, or a tap, it is women
who get water. Unless there is a change in
gender division of labour, women’s
lower
status remains unaffected.
Practical gender needs are those that
arise from concerns such as food, fuel,
fodder etc. The measures taken to satis
13
i
...I J<hou9 k)harto do««
TAKING
THE JOB
SERIOUSLY
r The women members, although new to the job, took it seriously. This attitude certainty^
forced a change in the working style of officials attached to the Panchayat. In this
episode, water and sanitation facilities of a particular area were on the agenda for the
Panchayat meeting. The Junior Engineer, responsible for preparing the blueprints and
the plan of action, failed to turn up at the meeting. This was so, although he had been
informed in advance. Meeting him later, the woman representative reprimanded him
strongly and insisted that he come to the Panchayat office with all the required
documents. A somewhat chastened Junior Engineer realised that he could not take
things lightly and proceeded to complete his job within the allotted time.
The meeting commences. Everyone is wait
ing for the engineer. Several hours later...
WR2 :
It is okay. Let us go ahead
with the agenda.
What is the last point on the
agenda?
WR 1 :
This is ridiculous. He is
aware of the meeting and yet
he has not turned up. How
irresponsible.
MR
:
•- ■,
:
W
'
The Engineer was supposed
to bring the blue-prints for
water and drainage lines.
But he has not turned up
yet.
After the meeting, the woman member
meets the Junior Engineer.
14
W R1 :
Sir. this is negligence on
your part.
5
But these things take time.
Preparing a blue-print is not
so easy.
WR2 :
What is so difficult about the
blue-print? All it involves is
identifying where the pipes
will be laid and then estimat
ing the time, material and
cost involved. Don’t tiy to
fool me with big words.
JE
JE
:
W R1 :
(sternly) But things are
somewhat different now. I
don’t want this to happen
again. If you fail in your
responsibility, we will have
to take serious action.
J E:
(sulking) Alright, what do
you want me to do?
W R2:
In the next meeting, either
be present or at least see to
it that the blue-print of the
sanctioned water plan is
presented. I don’t want any
excuses.
Madam, I have been here for
many years and I know how
serious everybody is.
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
b.
c.
A discussion to explore ways in
which transfer of technical
know
how to village communities can hap
pen and on the need to
be more
self-reliant.
Inputs on academic/research in
stitutions which can help in
transfer of technology to village
communities.
Eg: Application of Science and Technology
to Rural Areas (ASTRA) is an organisation
located in the Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore which has considerable ex
perience in the adaptation of technology to
rural areas. There are such organisations
in different parts of the country.
Sharing case studies of communities
which have used traditional/low
cost technologies in the area of ir
rigation, sanitation, public health,
farming etc
15
WOMEN
BRING IN
DECORUM
, An official was in the habit of coming to meetings in a drunken state. This was a big
nuisance, especially to the women present and they began to protest. They requested
hint, several times to improve his ways but to no avail. Finally the Upadyaksha of the
Zillax Parishad, a woman member, complained to the Chief Secretary of the Zilla
Parishad. The District Health Medical Officer was summoned to conduct a medical test.
which proved positive. Strong disciplinary action was taken against the erring official.
Women members also protested strongly against excessive smoking in Panchayat
meetings and a resolution was passed to ban smoking in Panchayat meetings. Thus
the presence of women members brought decency and decorum to the Panchayat
meetings.
A Panchayat meeting is in full swing. The
official comes in very drunk and unsteady.
The women are irritated and worried.
WR1
WR2 :
Just l<j>ok at this man. How
can we sit in the room with a
person like this?
WR3 :
And he is going to carry out ,
Panchayat duties!
WR 1 :
What shall we do? We must
think of a possible solution.
The women members discuss the issue with
the lady Upadhyaksha of the Zilla Parishad.
Upadh :
He cannot even walk proper
ly or stand on his own legs.
16
Let me talk to him and re
quest him to change his
ways. Let us see if it works.
Before the next meeting, she summons the
errant official
Upadh :
There have been complaints
that you are drunk even
during the meetings. Many
of the members, especially
women don’t like it at all.
Official:
How does it bother them as
long as 1 am doing my work
properly?
Upadh :
(sternly) But that is not the
point. Such conduct is not
in keeping with the be
haviour expected of officials
and Panchayat members.
What kind of example are we
setting? How can you expect
people to respect you if you
come drunk to meetings?
Adh :
Please calm down. We do
need to take this up with the
Chief Secretary. I promise
you something will be done.
WR1:
We also need to do some
thing about excessive smok
ing during meetings. I get a
severe headache after every
meeting. And we have ap
pealed enough number of
times.
MR :
What a fuss you women
make!
W Rs :
(in one voice) We should
pass a resolution to ban
smoking and drinking
during meetings. This is no
fuss. It is a real problem.
Aren't men also affected by
smoking?
The request falls on deaf ears. He comes
back to the next meeting in a drunken state
and gets into a brawl with other members.
W Rs :
The President takes action and a resolution
is passed.
(loudly) Mr. Adhyaksha.
either you ask him to go out
or we will stay out.
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
Sharing stories about the anti-arrack
movement in Andhra Pradesh.
b.
Exploring women representatives'
vision of an alternate work culture.
The exercise can be an essay, role
play or a mime.
1. Ask participants to critique the existing
work-ethos in the bureaucracy or
within the Panchayat. Can they iden
tify that corruption, redtape. etc. are
problems that can be addressed?
17
2.
Trainers can enact the roleplay till the
point where women demand that some
thing be done about smoking in meet
ings. Ask participants how something
can be done? Do they know resolutions
to regulate members’ behaviour may be
passed?
c
Ask women how it would be if there
were no controls on their mobility,
no fear of physical molestation, rape;
no dependence on anybody. Can
they visualise such a society?
BBepisode-t^W
WHY SHOULD
WOMEN
PUT UP WITH
VIOLENCE?
The Anganwadi workers in a particular village were being summoned by officials at odd
times of the day. The women were obviously inconvenienced by this procedure. The
other problem facing them was that they were being teased and pestered by the men of
the village. One day. when an Anganwadi ayah was returning home after a meeting
held late in the evening, a gang of thugs molested her.
Later, some women from the village sangha heard about this crime and they were
extremely agitated. Along with a woman representative, they decided to take up the
matter with a woman member of the Zilla Parishad.
The woman member of the Zilla Parishad reassured them and promised that she would
do her best to get the culprits to book. She also took immediate action and got a notice
issued to the effect that no woman worker could be summoned after 3.00 p.m for any
reason whatsoever.
Although the fact that the culprits could not be traced is a sad commentary on our
society, the presence of a woman representative in the Zilla Panshad at least ensured
the personal safety of the Anganwadi workers after this incident.
At 9 a.m, Savithri usually leaves for the
Anganwadi centre. She is usually back by
6 p.m, but today for some strange reason
she has not returned. It is past 8 p.m and
everyone at home is worried. She finally
arrives, in tears, looking shattered.
18
Mother:
(looks worried) Wliat is the
matter? What happened?
Savithri:
(totally shattered) What I
used to always fear... The
meeting got over at 6 p.m
and I started to walk back ...
Some horrible men followed
me. dragged me to the
Fields and molested me. I
struggled. 1 screamed ...
but there was no one to help
me... What should I do
now? 1 am ruined forever ...
of crime happen again?
(looks atSavitri) First, let us
call the lady doctor here.
Shantamma: Tomorrow during the meet
ing we will talk to our sangha
leader. Our Panchayat
member Siddhamma will
also be
there. Some
thing needs to be done. We
won't keep quiet till the
dirty fellows are caught.
At the sangha meeting Siddhamma
proposes that they bring this incident to the
notice of the lady Upadhyaksha of the Zilla
Parishad and immediately file a police com
plaint.
Mother and two women from the neighbour
hood listen to her horrified.
Mother:
Gowrannna:
(sobbing) Why has such a
terrible thing happened? I
do my Puja everyday. My
poor daughter was only
trying to earn a living and
help the family. Now the girl
has lost her good name
forever. Who will marry her?
All is lost. Shantanuna.
Gowrannna. (looking at
neighbours) for pity's sake
do not tell anybody about
this.
Siddhamma meets the Upadhyaksha
Upadh:
Akka. it is not Savitri’s fault.
Don’t you think by keeping
quiet we are letting this sort
I am glad you have filed a
police complaint but we
should see that such inci
dents are not repeated.
There is one thing I can do
immediately. I will request
the Zilla Parishad to issue
an order that women
workers should not be
called out on duty after 3.00
in the afternoon. Siddham
ma. we will also do our best
to bring the culprits to book.
Pointers for Training Intervention are included in Episode 8
19
r A hard working ayah in an anganwadi was not well one day. She managed to come to^
work but could not clean the premises. The officer-in-charge got annoyed and started
shouting at her. When the ayah protested that she was not well, he asked her rudely
how she had the tune and the energy to dress up and even put on her bindi when she
claimed she did not have the strength to clean the anganwadi. The ayah was very upset
and related the episode to the women representative. The latter was sympathetic and
•x reprimanded the official and warned him against hurting the sentiments of women
workers.
The anganwadi premises in a particular
village are kept scrupulously clean. The
person responsible for its cleanliness is an
old ayah. One day when the officer finds the
place dirty, he loses his temper with the
ay all.
Officer:
Why didn’t you clean the
place today?
Woman:
Sir. I am not keeping well. I
have some problem at
home. That is why I was late
and could not clean the
steps or decorate them with
rangoli. I promise you this
shall not be repeated in fu
ture.
Officer:
20
Is that so? You are not feel
ing well? Eh? You did not
have time to clean the place
but you had time to put
"bindi" on your forehead.
How did you remember that?
The ayah is very hurt and sits outside the
anganwadi building weeping. The woman
representative of the Panchayat is passing
by.
~
WR :
Laxmamma: Amina, doesn’t he know how
important thebindi is to a married woman.
WR :
Laxmamma. How are you?
(sees her weeping) Why?
Why are you crying?
(Laxinamnia relates her story)
Don't be upset Laxmamma.
The Officer has been very
insensitive. Don’t worry. I
will speak to him and make
him promise that he will not
offend you again.
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
An exercise on sharing personal ex
periences of gender discrimination
and an analysis of the underlying
social values, patriarchal ideology.
b.
Discussion/Inputs on patriarchal
control over women’s mobility, body
and sexuality
c.
An exercise to weave together from
individual life experiences
of par
ticipants, a collective experience of
gender
inequity
and
male
dominance. Participants can also
explore their own
dream of an
equal society and present it as a
song, poem or
mime.
NOTE FOR TRAINERS
These exercises may pose some difficulties if participants get
subsumed into their problems. As trainers, there is a need to
move beyond self-pity and encourage women to look for con
structive options.
055^3;
jXr no
PISODE 9
A LEGITIMATE
PLACE FOR
WOMEN’S
CONCERNS
The women representatives and many women in a village had plans to celebrate'''
International Women’s Day in their village. They had planned to organise a camp and
call in guest speakers to discuss gender-related issues.
The person they had to convince to get funds sanctioned, was the Chief Accounts Officer
at the Zilla Parishad. While a separate provision did exist to sponsor such events in
the village, the Chief Accounts Officer was not convinced that the money should be
spent to celebrate the International Women's Day. He felt it was not important enough
to warrant the expenditure. The women members of the Finance Committee then had
to intervene. They impressed on him the relevance of celebrating the International
Women's Day. They emphasised that it was an expression of solidarity among women
folk, not just in the village or state but all over the world. They were not spending money
on merry-making but the programme was intended to sensitise local people about
gender- related problems in society. The CAO finally accepted their arguments although
reluctantly and sanctioned the money needed for the celebration.
V---------------------------------------------------------- —______________________________________ 7
There is a heated discussion between the
women members of the Finance Committee
and the Chief Accounts Officer at the Zilla
Parishad.
CAO:
22
We can't sanction money for
such programmes. You
women want to get together
and sing and dance: some
women will come and give
speeches... how can we
spend
so
much
something like this?
W R 1:
W R 2:
on
But do you know what the
international Women’s Day
is? All over the world, on
this day. attention is
focussed on
women's
problems and how they af
fect society.
It is not just singing and
dancing. The women com
ing to this programme will
express difficult issues con
cerning their lives through
song, dance and drama. It
is not some cheap enter
tainment. It concerns their
day-to-day lives.
CAO:
But why should the Zilla
Parishad pay for all this?
W R 1:
But women’s problems are
social problems that con
cern every one of us. par
ticularly the Zilla Parishad.
WR2:
And we are sure that there is
a provision for organising
such programmes. Why are
we hesitating then? Maybe
there is no precedent but we
can assure you that the
programme will be very use
ful.
CAO:
OK. Ok, I will sanction the
money. But I am not very
happy. You women have
started making too many
demands!
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
b.
Inputs
on
Understanding
finance/resource management in
Panchayats.
A simulation exercise to explore
women’s negotiating and
bargain
ing skills.
The "closed-fist" exercise will be helpful.
One participant closes his/her fist. The
other is instructed to open it. The objective
of this process is to examine different ways
in which different participants open the
fist: whether they use
force, whether
they persuade, whether they bargain. The
trainer’s role is to highlight the merits of
negotiation and persuasion.
Trainers can explore women’s under
standing of budgets in the idioms that
they are familiar with. For instance.
explore
how women preserve food
for the rainy season. Basic
ac
counting principles may be shared.
23
TACKLING
CORRUPTION
A mandal panchayat sanctioned the construction of a road in a particular village. The
job was given to a contractor whose estimate included three truckloads of jell! stones
for the job. The proposed road happened to be near the house of a woman member of
the Panchayat. She kept an eye on the work as she passed that way everyday. She soon
realised that the contractor was trying to finish the job with two truckloads of jelli
stones instead of the three that he had mentioned in the estimate. She brought this to
the notice of the Panchayat and made sure an inspection team was sent to survey the
work. The errant contractor was caught and reprimanded by the Panchayat. He was
forced to make good the loss of material and complete the job to the satisfaction of the
Panchayat.
The pathetic condition of the village road is
bothering the woman representative who
brings it up at the Panchayat meeting.
sible because of the bad
road. Kindly grant permis
sion to begin construction of
the road.
The meeting has started. The lady member
raises her hand.
Pradhan:
So Madam, what is your
problem this tune?
WR :
Sir, 1 have mentioned it in
the detailed note given to
you. The village is inacces-
24
Pradhan:
Amma. all roads are like
that. There are more impor
tant matters.
WR :
Our village becomes com
pletely inaccessible because
of the bad road. It is a
priority issue.
Please
understand this and don’t
postpone the approval.
With great difficulty she manages to con
vince the President. The Panchayat ap
proves the construction. The task is
assigned to a contractor who gets a sanction
for material including three truck loads of
W Rep:
I see that the work is
progressing well. I saw
another truck bringing jelli
in the morning. When are
you expecting the third
truck?
Super:
The work will be over with
two: we don't need more Jelli.
jelli.
The women representative checks the es
timate and finds that the estimate includes
three-truck loads of jelli. She informs the
President about the misappropriation and
the Panchayat members come to the site.
The construction work begins.
Contractor to Supervisor
Contr:
So has all the material
come?
Super:
The second truck ofjelli has
also come. All the material
we need is here.
Contr:
There should be no delay.
Finish the job quickly.
WR :
(looks at the contractor)
Here he comes. Pradhan.
ask him in front of his men
how much material he sent
to the site?
Pradh:
(to supervisor) Tell us the
truth. How many trucks of
jelli came?
Later the women representatives stops by to
look at the work.
Addresses Supervisor:
The contractor is caught red-handed.
Pradh:
You had better make good
the loss. Don’t cheat the
public.
POINTERS FOR TRAINING INTERVENTION
Trainers can explain how elected women
representatives derive their authority from
the people who they represent and there
fore how accountability to the Gram Sabha
and the Panchayat is a primary respon
sibility.
The role play can be supplemented by
a.
Inputs on the concepts of authority,
accountability and responsibility.
b.
Exercises to enable women to use
authority commensurate with the
responsibility of being a people’s rep
resentative.
25
WAFTERWORPW
TRAINING WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES - SOME CHALLENGES
The essence of Panchayati Raj is derived from a philosophy of equality and self-determina
tion. The following questions relate to such a philosophy. There are some issues that 1.
How can women in Panchayats network horizontally with other Panchayats and also
with women co-members to counter dis- empowering forces working against them?
2)
Will the presence of more women in politics be akin to "old wine in new bottle” or will
women infuse democratic institutions with newer and more decentralised notions of
power? How can a shift from the existing "power over" (others) paradigm to the "power
within" (oneself) paradigm be facilitated?
3)
In the context of the global information revolution, how can training expand women’s
world view? What is the role of literacy and numeracy in the changing political
scenario?
4)
How can women representatives (Panchayats) forge links with social and political
movements?
5)
To what extent does the semantic range of the concept "self- governing" include the
Gram Sabha?
6)
To deal with a system tarnished by corruption, red-tapism. nepotism, lack of account
ability etc.. What new standards can women set?
TO READERS
We would be happy to receive comments from readers and users of this resource book. Trainers
who have used it are welcome to send their feedback to us.
It would be enriching to know the ways in which the role plays have been employed in different
learning situations. Do send us a note on the ways in which you have adapted the material.
The insights that emerge from the training programmes you are part of, will be valuable contributions
to the pointers for training that we .have suggested after every episode. They will also throw light
on newer issues and perspectives about women in Panchayati Raj.
Please write to us if you want more information about the UMA Resource Centre.
ABOUT US.
UMA is a resource centre for women in Panchayati Raj, a project of the Institute of Social Studies
Trust (ISST) located in Bangalore, Karnataka. ISST as an institution has made contributions in
the area of research and documentation on issues relating to gender, poverty and Panchayati Raj.
UMA aspires to strengthen the solidarity and enhance the capabilities of women in politics by
fulfilling the long-felt need for information exchange and networking among individuals and or
ganisations working in Panchayati Raj. UMA also publishes a newsletter related to issues in
Panchayati Raj.
A major component of the UMA project is the design and implementation of a training programme
for the women representatives elected to the Gram Panchayat in selected areas of four districts
!
of Karnataka.
/1
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List of Abbreviations
BDO
CAO
Contr
DC
JE
MR
Super
Upadh
WR
ZP .Mem
Block Development Officer
Chief Accounts Officer
i
j
;
i
i •
Contractor
District Commissioner
Junior Engineer j
'
| ' •
1 1 ..
r
i
■
i1 i
V
Male Representative
Supervisor
Upadhyaksha
Woman Representative
Zilla Parishad Member
J
, 1
.< y’ v
Oj Utsahi
Mahila
Abhyudaya
UMA is a Resource Centre
for Women in Panchayat Raj
_ __
AT
Institute Of Social Studies Trust
Head Office : Kamaladevi Bhavan,
5, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg,
New Delhi- 110 002.
(Ci : 3323850 Fax : 3312861
t '
42, 4th Temple Street,
• 15th Cross, Malleshwaram.
Bangalore - 560003.
c :3340315, Fax : 3311764
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