Many of them are, in fact, forced to stand for elections as proxies for their husbands or their fathers. The state’s record on every parameter – from early marriages and maternal mortality to women’s literacy, domestic violence and healthcare – has been quite dismal.
Studies indicate that women in leadership roles can bring about dramatic changes in their communities. However, they must garner the necessary experience to run their constituencies, like managing budgets, monitoring health and education services or managing domestic conflicts, etc.
C3 has taken the initiative under its project Pahel to make a difference where it matters the most – by strengthening the voice, participation, leadership and influence of the elected women representatives in Panchayats. We have been mentoring and training over 4,000 of these women leaders across 10 blocks in 4 districts of Bihar. Building in them the self-confidence and determination to decide on behalf of themselves and their communities. Creating a cadre of change leaders who will have the power to pull out Bihar’s women from their current state of abject poverty and marginalisation.
“I am no longer known as someone’s wife, daughter or mother. I am known as mukhiyaji. And everyone listens respectfully when I speak.”
At 30, Kesari is the elected mukhiya (head-woman) of her village panchayat. She is well-informed, decisive and supremely confident. And she thanks C3 for this. C3’s mentorship programme for women leaders in Bihar’s local governance systems – Pahel -- has transformed over 4,000 women like her.
Want to know more about the project? Get in touch here
*Disclaimer: The money that you contribute will be pooled in and allocated towards the initiative where the need is the most.