Suchergebnisse

The Kerala Model of Development is widely acclaimed for its contribution in generating favourable social indices at par with Scandinavia. The central issue of the development in almost all the underdeveloped and developing countries is the empowerment of women constituents. In Kerala, the story of empowerment of women, is not just economic, but psychologically, and this has happened largely through the Kudumbashree and LSGs. Under Article 243(D) of the Constitution of India, there is a mandate to provide 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, this constitutional amendment is regarded as a path-breaking move to empower women at the grassroots level. The present study portrays the impact of government interventions for ensuring the participation of women in decision-making as well as in the power structure in Panchayaths. The researcher(s) used cross-sectional research design for this particular study which adopts purposive sampling. The data was collected through in-depth interview and focus group discussion is used for triangulation. The finding of the study shows that how the women are empowered though various government interventions such as Kudumbashree, Thozhil-urappu Padhathi (MGNREGA), ASHAs (frontrunners for the NRHM), Panchayati Raj and house wives.

The Kerala Model of Development is widely acclaimed for its contribution in generating favourable social indices at par with Scandinavia. The central issue of the development in almost all the underdeveloped and developing countries is the empowerment of women constituents. In Kerala, the story of empowerment of women, is not just economic, but psychologically, and this has happened largely through the Kudumbashree and LSGs. Under Article 243(D) of the Constitution of India, there is a mandate to provide 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, this constitutional amendment is regarded as a path-breaking move to empower women at the grassroots level. The present study portrays the impact of government interventions for ensuring the participation of women in decision-making as well as in the power structure in Panchayaths. The researcher(s) used cross-sectional research design for this particular study which adopts purposive sampling. The data was collected through in-depth interview and focus group discussion is used for triangulation. The finding of the study shows that how the women are empowered though various government interventions such as Kudumbashree, Thozhil-urappu Padhathi (MGNREGA), ASHAs (frontrunners for the NRHM), Panchayati Raj and house wives.

Indigenous peoples are "peoples … regarded as indigenous, on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or colonisation or the establishment of present state boundaries and who, irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural and political institutions" (ILO, 1990). At least 370 million people worldwide considered indigenous, live in remote areas of the world. There are at least 5000 Indigenous peoples ranging from the forest peoples of the Amazon to the tribal peoples of India and from the Inuit of the Arctic to the Aborigines in Australia. Indigenous peoples do not necessarily claim to be the only people native to their countries, but in many cases indigenous peoples are indeed "aboriginal" or "native" to the lands they live in, being descendants of those peoples that inhabited a territory prior to colonization or formation of the present state. Indigenous peoples have their own distinct languages, cultures, and social and political institutions that are very different from those of mainstream society. While indigenous peoples face the same experience of discrimination and marginalization as other ethnic minorities, there are very important differences in terms of their rights and identity. This is compared and contrasted with Indian and Australian experiences through this paper. There are numerous challenges posed to indigenous people. A common feature is the attempts by federal/ central authorities to suppress their cultures for the purpose of mainstreaming, by way of long-term assimilation policies, e.g. the Norwegian Sámi population. In India, Adivasi women refuse to deliver their babies in health centers because they "don't think it necessary"; this the health providers perceive to be on account of 'ignorance'. But then, a few and some social workers perceive this as women exercising their choice. Further, they simply refuse to go to a health facility where they are treated badly and their customs are disrespected. The present paper attempts to explore and document the unique challenges posed to the Kanikkar Tribe habiting the Forests of Southern Kerala, India. The study will be a case study dwelling deep into the experiences of the Kannikar as they negotiate with the fast catching pace of globalization as a moderator on their socio-demographic status, culture, and subsequently their health seeking behaviour. The paper is a clarion call for inclusion, aimed ultimately to give an alternate perception of "social inclusiveness" as both a concept and practice in generating a better understanding as to why the Kannikar are reconciled to submitting themselves to their "fate."

Development is complete only with genuine acknowledgment of the roles of women as well as their active engagement in all forums – political, economic, and social forums – in life. Providing a conducive environment for women has been a developmental debate in India for many decades now. Yet India's progress and performance on women's empowerment and gender mainstreaming leave much to be desired by global standards. Women who venture into business or entrepreneurial activities seek active support – spousal and familial – right from the beginning stage of the venture. However, experience seems to suggest that such perceived support systems turn around and in themselves present social impediments to the healthy development of women-lead enterprises. This article is a case study that attempts to portray the travails of a group of young women who attempted to launch an enterprise in a rurban setting. This article describes the social challenges posed to the Unarvu Self-Help Group, in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, and their resilience in overcoming these impediments. This article is a reflection of the experience undergone by many women, and also showcases the resilience generated by self-motivated women venturing as entrepreneurs in the wake of resistance and impediments. The article is a qualitative portrayal of experiences of a social worker trainee in dealing with the issues hindering women entrepreneurship. This also opens up new avenues for professional social work engagement.