Mahilla Sabhas & B2V – Women’s entry in decision making, their economic self-reliance formed key aim

Srinagar: Mahila Sabhas and Bal Sabhas were flagged as important activities for the 3rd day of the Back to Village -3 – the ongoing mega public outreach program in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. It was a well thought endeavor to provide rural women folk a platform to raise their issues and speak out their aspirations.
The move aimed at to encourage their participation in the decision making and activities of the Panchayat as also to aware them about different schemes and guide them towards economic self- reliance.
To encourage them to form Self Help Groups for taking up viable economic activity was the main intent. In pursuance to this goal Mahila Gram Sabhas were held across all Panchayats of the Jammu and Kashmir UT today. Taking part in the Mahila Sabhas, rural women folk were witnessed unequivocally seeking their participation in the working of Panchayats and avenues to become economically self-reliant. The idea of forming SHGs to take up value addition of locally available commodities appealed to most of the participants.
Another attraction of the day 3 activities was holding of Bal Sabhas to listen to the aspirations of the younger generation. A platform was offered to the children between 5-18years of age to discuss their issues and demands and have an insight into the working of the Panchayat Raj institutions.
The occasion also provided them an opportunity to showcase and groom their talent. Being a part of different activities in the Panchayat was a highly exciting experience for the youth. The opportunity was used to make them aware regarding the Social Evils like gender discrimination, drug abuse, violence against girl child etc and make them understand the role they can play in the eradication of the same.