Page 284 - PDI Vol 2

ensuring the correlation between VPRP and GPDP, is yet to be
fitted in by a process of discussion at GP level, rather than
being seen as two tick boxes, without imbibing and putting into
meaningful practice, two excellent processes in two different
Ministries, which are most powerful tools for planning and
development. PPC campaign for GPDP and VPRP by the
VPRC consisting of SHG members, need to be seen as a single
campaign. The focus from the NRLM to cover these processes
and participation in the Mahila Sabha would undoubtedly
increase, with NRLM looking to go beyond SHGs getting
financial assistance, into empowerment of women and
participation in the development processes for the GP as
partners, and not be seen as adversaries. In organizing Mahila
Sabhas, the venue of the meeting is also an important
determinant for attendance related decisions with women are
likely to face restrictions or may be inconvenienced while
moving to certain areas within the village. The Mahila Sabha
meetings are to be held at different places depending on Women’s economic empowerment is beneficial not only for
availability and other considerations for more meaningful individual women but also for their children, households, and
participation in Gram Sabhas, and addressing of localized issues communities. There is evidence of strong positive links
for women in engendered development in the GP. between women’s economic empowerment and foundational
health outcomes for women and their families, including
Theme and SDGs beneficial effects on nutrition – SDG 2 – Zero hunger, family
Gender equality is a cross-cutting issue with interlinkages with planning, maternal mortality, and child mortality – SDG 3 –
all 17 SDGs. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Good health and well-being. There is also a growing body of
cannot be fully achieved unless gender inequality is addressed. evidence that indicates that increasing the share of household
The theme is interconnected to specifically 10 out of the 17 income controlled by women may produce other benefits as
goals. Social and economic empowerment are critical for well, including greater investment in children’s education –
gender equality. A woman who is a healthy and empowered SDG 4 – quality education, delayed marriage, and reductions
will possess the three critical features:. in gender-based violence – SDG 5 – Gender equality.

 Access to income and assets: When women have a Other interrelated SDGs are also listed below:
source of income, they are on the path to becoming
1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation are critical to ensure
empowered economically and socially;
women’s participation in work.
 Control of and benefit from economic gains: Women
2. Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy impacts women’s
capable of deciding where, when, and how to spend their
household dependence on clean cooking fuel.
income see improvements in their social and economic
3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth speaks
status and the level of resources devoted to their children;
largely about safe workspaces and gender sensitive and
 Power to make decisions: Decision-making is a core inclusive growth strategy can be planned.
expression of agency and refers to the capacity of women
4. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure are likely
and girls to take purposeful action and pursue goals free
to have a bearing on the opportunities for women and their
from the threat of violence or retribution.
participation in work.

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Theme 9: Women Friendly Panchayat