In 2004 the National Conference
on Women with Difference was
followed by a Status Study of
Women with Disability - A major
research work undertaken by Mrs. Sneha Mishra on behalf of NAWO,
Orissa Chapter that intended to
come out with a status paper on
women in Orissa.
The entire process of the
research work took around 8
months for completion. The study
targeted women in the age group
of 16-60 in eight districts of
the state, covering social,
political, economic and
psychological aspects. The
report authenticated the
marginalization and extreme
vulnerability of women with
disability in the society.
Download the report here
Formation of Associations of
Women with Disabilities &
Capacity Building
Since 2004 we have been involved
in mainstreaming women with
disabilities and addressing the
double disadvantage faced by
women with disabilities, in 10
blocks of Ganjam.
Awareness and Sensitization
Special attention is needed for
awareness as one has to present
the heightened vulnerability and
marginalized state of being
disabled and a woman.
Sensitization of families of
disabled girls is essential, in
order for them to realise that
if provided with the right
intervention at an early stage,
a disabled girl will be a more
independent individual and a
support to the family.
Exclusive women oriented meets
were conducted to raise
awareness among the village
women on women’s health and
hygiene. The criticality of such
knowledge and practice with the
women with disability was also
stressed.
The need for physical
rehabilitation and education of
girl child with disability was
also shared with family members,
teachers, community leaders,
CBOs and neighborhood families.
PRIs were made aware of the
needs for an empowered women’s
group that included the women
with disability. Consequently
they agreed to apportion a
certain part of the facilities
and provisions made by the
Government for the women with
disability.
Formation of SHGs
Demand for your right and
establish your worth - this was
the message passed to the women
with disability in the region.
United you can stand for your
rights and also create work
opportunity and financial
independence. This motivated the
women with disability to form
SHGs in the villages.
A monthly saving habit was
created with the SHGs and
processes were on to credit link
them with financial
Institutions.
In Solidarity
International Women’s Day
and World Disability Day are
celebrated with the women from
the village, promoting the
issues concerning the women and
disability.
Read about
International Women’s Day 2011
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