The ripple effect of individual & collective change in a Women's group

[Rituu B. Nanda]

29th Feb, the sun shining bright as John, Dhiraj, and I join the Avani Smile team for a SALT visit to  a 10-member Self-help group. This SHG set up in village Nandwal, India a year ago, includes three mothers-in-law amongst their members. About 3 months ago Jayshree and Koushalya initiated individual SALT conversations with these women.

Referring to the SALT conversations with them, women mentioned that once they realized their inner capacity, they wanted to do something for themselves.  This realization prompted them to take individual action like stepping outside their homes for the first time.

As a group, they also noticed that others also were gifted in many ways. They decided to form the first women WhatsApp group in the village, which now has nearly 80 women. Most women have now been able to negotiate smart phone using the excuse of accessing homework sent by school for their children. "Our families would have never agreed to get us a smartphone. My husband bought a new phone, and I could use his old phone", mentioned a woman. Whatspp has helped in many ways to plan collective action.

Using a meeting as a pretext, they organized a gathering at a resort. There, they dressed in clothes of their choice, enjoying a meal together and sharing laughter. "I could never have imagined myself doing this," remarked one of the women.

They also went to the local school to celebrate a renowned female social reformer Savitri Bhai Phule's birthday in the local school. The teachers were very happy as it was the first ever initiative by women on their own. "We had never attended any of our children's school function, this allowed us to see our children perform in school," mentioned one of the women. They ensured that a widow performed all rituals during the celebration, challenging societal norms.  What i liked also that they involve women with disability in their group. 

Despite facing criticism from some villagers regarding their newfound independence, the mothers-in-law in the group  urged the women not to pay attention to anyone and encouraged them to keep working towards their growth. The conversation showed us that relationships with mothers-in-law can be challenging, but when they become supportive, they can be strong allies. Women also noted the impact on their daughters. During the meeting, one daughter shared that her mother now encourages her to go out, even if she gets late from college, her mother supports her. Thus, mothers serve as powerful role models for their daughters. As mothers step out of their homes, they encourage their daughters to do the same, a ripple effect begins.

"What would you like to do next?" asked John. Their response brimmed with determination and clear outline of future actions. Firstly, they expressed their aspiration to establish a business akin to another successful women's group in the village. They would like to encourage other women to recognize their intrinsic worth. Each woman could do this in her own lane. However, the women admitted that there are still a few women who do not support the initiative of involving widows and need to support widows. Imran's suggestion of organizing a knowledge fair for connecting women from various villages excited the women. One old woman, her eyes twinkling with joy, that she could share knowledge of applying for an old age pension. to women not only from neighbouring villages but also to younger women within her own community.

Reflections

1. When women experience individual and collective changes, the impact extends beyond themselves to influence others, particularly young girls. Instead of viewing SHGs for financial transaction, we have to build social capital within these groups. SALT and CLCP can be one way to do that.
2. As facilitators, we have learned that transformative change cannot be rushed or achieved through shortcuts. It requires patience and perseverance. Stimulating communities to take charge of their own issues can be messy, time-consuming, and chaotic. At times, it may even feel frustrating. However, it is essential to trust in the process.
3. The Avani Smile team's deep understanding of gender dynamics, coupled with a longstanding relationship with these villages and the application of SALT, appears to be catalyzing a meaningful change. Seth Godin's quote comes to my mind- "The leap of choice. Not to suddenly get from here to there, but to choose to go on the journey."

Note: I found an article describing the above through social ripple effect model https://socialtrendspot.medium.com/how-we-can-change-the-world-the-...

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks Kasthuri, Sadia and Santi for your insights.

Kasthuri, would be happy to brainstorm about the recreational space at SCARF.

[Kasthuri Divya]

Hi Rituu,

I wanted to thank you for sharing an insightful summary of the community mobilization efforts in Nandwal. The article got me thinking about some interesting points. It made me reflect on the importance of women's rights and how they relate to women's identity and local culture; in addition, learning about the experiences of the mothers-in-law also gave me insight into the relationships between women in the community. I'm particularly curious about how the daughters-in-law perceive the newfound independence of the mothers-in-law.

Moreover, the article made me wonder about the timeline of actions taken by the women, such as forming a WhatsApp group and organizing a retreat. I find this especially interesting because it reminds me of the recreational space SCARF provides for service users. We aim to empower the users to run the space independently, and I'm curious to draw parallels between these initiatives.

Thanks again for sharing your experience. :)

[Sadia Jafrin]

Indeed, the transformation is profoundly inspiring, representing the very essence of change we aspire to achieve.

[Santi rambari]

Ritu I am really impressed to read your article.  Also, I felt more empowered by seeing the empowerment of women.  For some time now I have been thinking about how to empower women.  It comes across beautifully in your writing.  thank you