Women's Leadership Schools Empowering Indian Women

Sarah Berry talks about a pioneering initiative by S M Sehgal Foundation, Gurugram, Haryana, that empowers women in a few Indian states to become advocates of their own development, by providing them information and support and making them aware of government programmes to ensure better delivery of public services. At Women’s Leadership Schools, women learn about crucial issues, such as food security, health and nutrition, their right to information, and social security programmes.

- Sarah Berry

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” These words by Mother Teresa hold a deep meaning, especially when it comes to the role of citizens in the governance of a country. Why is this role so important? As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” it could not be a more apt answer.

In India, the role of citizens is accentuated; India is the largest democracy in the world—for the people, by the people, and of the people. However, ensuring citizens’ involvement is easier said than done. Factors, such as awareness, collaboration, and finding practical solutions to valid problems are vital.

In India, almost 70 per cent of the population inhabits rural areas, of which approximately 50 per cent are women. Poor literacy levels and sociocultural restrictions place rural women in India, most of the time, in a position of disadvantage. How can these women be empowered if they are not aware in the first place? Most women in rural villages are not even aware of the government schemes, which, if availed, could enhance the quality of their lives as well as those of their families.

Women’s Leadership Schools: Learning by Doing

One such initiative which empowers women to become advocates of their own development, by providing them information and support and making them aware of government programmes to ensure better delivery of public services, is the Women’s Leadership Schools. Here, women learn about crucial issues, such as food security, health and nutrition, their right to information, and social security programmes. Women are trained to apply for and claim their entitlements and to appeal to the appropriate government official if their rights are delayed or denied.