Targeted campaigns in the Marathwada region sensitise young people, adults and state actors against gender based violence and discrimination. Through a holistic approach, the dream of a life free of violence should finally become a reality for as many girls and women as possible.
Facts
Aims
In India, the extreme gender inequality is reflected in a high level of violence against women, with domestic violence commonplace. Many women are under the age of 18 when they get married. This project therefore focuses on preventing domestic violence and ending child marriages. SWISSAID and the local partner organizations work together with state actors to mobilize the entire society and thus enable sustainable change. For a future in which women experience less violence and more self-determination.
This project is co-financed by the European Union.
The Marathwada region in the state of Maharashtra is underdeveloped. 30 percent of families live below the poverty line. The level of education is low and malnutrition is widespread. Increased drought poses further challenges for the 20 million people living in the Marathwada region in central India. Suicides among farmers are not uncommon; many people migrate and try their luck in another state
Patriarchal structures
Against this backdrop, many patriarchal structures prevail. «Indian girls should be married off early to avoid sexual confusion.» According to a study, 67 percent of Indian men in Marathwada are of this opinion. Yet it is precisely child marriage that leads to a life without rights and education for girls.
It is often accompanied by early pregnancies, which are a great psychological and physical burden for the girls. According to a study, almost half of the women in the Marathwada region are married off as underage girls (young women aged between 20 and 24 were surveyed). Child marriage and domestic violence are closely linked, as studies show: The younger the women are, the more often they become victims of domestic violence.
Another problem is domestic violence. Around 42 percent of respondents believe that violence by the husband towards his wife is justified under certain circumstances and that the wife should tolerate it for the good of the family. Domestic violence is commonplace in India. Victims receive little to no help from their families, communities and the government.
This is why SWISSAID, together with local partner organizations, supports women in building a life free of violence. Prevention measures are designed to raise awareness of the issue not only among girls and women, but also among boys and men. Sneha Giridhari from SWISSAID India was able to see the effectiveness of the prevention measures for herself on site. She says that it is important to work with young people in particular in order to bring about fundamental change.
Peers as role models
But what is the best way to reach young people? In over 100 villages in the Marathwada region, SWISSAID relies on so-called «peer educators» from existing groups of boys and girls. A few motivated and socially competent young people from each group are trained in gender issues.
At the monthly meetings of the youth groups, they present various topics for discussion. For example: What is masculine? What is female? What does violence mean for the victim? What for the perpetrator? What are the consequences of child marriage for those affected? Songs, discussions, posters and role-playing games are used to explore the topics in a playful way. In addition to the monthly meetings, there is also the opportunity to get advice.
Indien Mädchen Magazin
Women's sponsorship
Holistic change
You have to start with the young – stop with the old. Public campaigns such as rallies, video clips and poster campaigns should spread the message of gender equality as widely as possible.
In addition to social approaches, state actors must not be ignored. They must be aware of their role and actively offer support if necessary. Be it legal services or state counseling offices: The aim is to ensure that child marriage and violence against women are taken seriously. This is why representatives of institutions are also sensitized.
Through this broad approach, SWISSAID supports measures that are intended to initiate change in society as a whole. So that gender based violence and discrimination in Marathwada will soon be a thing of the past.
“My name is Anjali Ramdas Jadhav. I am 29 years old. My parents married me when I was 14, and I became pregnant very quickly. I was only able to go to school for a few years. After 8 years, my husband abandoned me with my two children.I struggle with supporting my family. I can no longer afford to buy milk for my children. The last time I bought vegetables was a month ago.” The project has provided Anjali with mental and social support over the past two years. It has helped her gain the self-confidence to cope with her difficulties. She got a job as a cook in the state lunch program at the local school. Slowly, she is emerging from fear and shame (society considers a woman guilty of her husband’s irresponsible behavior). She is now trying to live her life with dignity, courage and respect.
Like many Indian girls, Sheetal was married off at the age of 15. Two boys were born of this union, but after three years of marriage, her husband died. Her stepfather began sexually abusing her, as did her brother-in-law a few years later. When the father-in-law heard the news, he resented it and drove Sheetal out of the house, preventing her from taking her sons with her. Sheetal found refuge with her parents. Our local partner organization was informed of her fate. She received psychological and legal support at the counseling center. Today, Sheetal is happy again, has married a charming man and sees her children whenever she wants. “I’m a human being again, not an object. Without the center, none of this would have been possible.” Sheetal Bhalerao, 26-year-old uneducated woman from Latur district in Maharashtra.
Archana Suryawanshi’s story is a sad one. Like many young girls from poor families in India, she had no choice but to marry while still a minor (15 years old). Six years after their union, her husband started drinking. He hit her and insulted her every day, in front of their two young daughters. One day, she couldn’t stand it any longer and fled with her children. In distress, she turned to our local partner organization, which fights domestic violence. A discussion ensued with her husband. He promised to stop drinking and being violent. Today, the young woman lives again with her children and husband. “Peace has returned to our home,” she rejoices. “Thanks to the organization’s advice, I felt very supported. It changed my life.”
