Case Study of the Day: Mainstreaming Gender in Gram Panchayat Development Plans

Background: The story of Morjim and Camorlim Gram Panchayats in Goa show how mainstreaming gender in Gram Panchayat Development Plans can result in inclusive development.

About the Case

• The strategy for development in the Morjim and Camorlim Gram Panchayat:
  • Target to strive for greater and active participation of women in Gram Sabhas for gender-inclusive GPDPs, was set.
  • Awareness drives were held for removing all harmful discriminatory practices against women and girls.
  • Active leadership of elected women representatives were promoted, through training and mentoring support.
  • Women were involved as behaviour change agents for cleanliness, sanitation and healthcare campaigns.
  • Women SHGs were activated with skill training for economic self-reliance and through bank and market linkages.
  • Quality services in schools and anganwadis for education, sports and healthcare were ensured.
• The impact: Impact of panchayat’s efforts is evidenced by aware, assertive and active women leaders in panchayats and SHGs of Goa.
• Lessons for other Gram Panchayats in the country:
  • Enhanced participation of women and their inclusion of their development needs make Gram Sabhas gender-inclusive and vibrant.
  • Panchayats can eliminate all forms of gender discriminatory practices, with support of SHGs and women functionaries of line departments.
  • Ensuring active role of women elected representatives in the panchayat will help to bring needs of women to the forefront.
  • With such Gender awareness, Panchayats can focus on improved healthcare, education, livelihoods with equal opportunities to women and girls for inclusive development.

Sharing is caring!