Possibilities for Dalit girls Empowerment and

Participation in Social Change

Iliana Björling 2010

Why….dalit girls?

Suppression of double dimensions

Counter power

Change Agents

Prerequisites

Possibilities and Restraints

Government Civil Society

Dalit Girls

Where do they fit in?

Women Dalits

Dalit girls

Youths

The voice of the Dalit Girls

“They do not receive a good education”

“Even among women dalit women are not recognized, if we do work the upper cast women take credit for it”

“For e.g. dalit women has to cover themselves with veils”

“She cannot work according to her own wishes, her family decides”

“Women face social boundaries, they are not free to raise their voices in local panchayats”

“Those who are literate know about their rights, the upper cast dominates those who are illiterate”

“Women face family pressure”

How?

Constutional framework

Reality

What?

Civil Society - R w a n d a

Why? 56% 30%

Success factors

A strong Women's movement

Civil Society mobilization

Commitment from politicians

New Gender roles

To use 100 % of our Human Resources

Why?

Success factors

Addressing gender roles

Lifecycle Mainstream gender

Across Society

A Good Example

Inclusive Education as a Method

Why?

Success factors

Human Rights on the agenda

Use teachers, students and parents

Involve all stakeholders

Empowerment Awareness

A Good Example

Co-operation between the Government and Civil Society

Strengthening Civil Society

Gender-awareness and lifecycle perspective

Inclusive educationEMPOWERMENT

Conclusion

“I want to work against discrimination of dalits and for equal rights.”

“I want to work with dalit women for a better society and for empowerment.”

“I want to work with dalits through education and create awareness. I will not let discrimination be.

“I will bring change by fighting with people who discriminate. Also by creating awareness about rights through education.”

“I want to work with various groups. For. e.g. I want to work with men on the patriarchal issues.“

“I want to work with society development.”

Suppression of double dimensions

Counter power

Change Agents

Thank you!

Iliana Björling 2010