Case Study- 2

“We are also working equally………………”

This is the strong argument of Tohojung Women Association members during fighting for their equal wages.

It was during October - 2004. A check dam and a culvert was sanctioned to Tohojung villages from DRDA. This work was undertaken by a contractor from Paralakhemundi. He was paying Rs. 50/- to men and Rs. 35/- to women as daily wages. In the federation meetings and VDC meetings, CCD use to motivate the community on equal wages and to fight wherever such injustice takes place.

With this motivation, the women started fighting with the contractor for equal wages but the contractor did not agree and the work was stopped. The whole community sat together and decided not to go for work unless equal wages are paid. The contractor tried to bring the labour from another village by knowing this, the whole community went to other villages and narrated the whole problem and requested them not to join in the work. The women association also strictly warned the contractor that they will complain against the contractor for not paying the equal wages. There was a big fight between contractor and the women association members. Al last, the contractor agreed to pay the equal wages and the work was completed.

It had a greater impact on the neighbouring villages and in the area. All the women from the neighbouring villages also started fighting for the equal wages and now the equal wages are paid.

Case Study - 3

We visited Temple for the first time in our Life

As in many parts in India, the dalits of Anukunda village of Gumma Block, Gajapati, Orissa were not allowed to enter the temple. The issue was raised in the federation meeting. Several village meeting were conducted with Dalits and non-Dalits on this issue. On 2nd March 2005 the Sarpanch also participated in the meeting and was motivated enough to lend his support to end this inhuman treatment. The school teacher and other intellectuals were also invited for this meeting. At last it was agreed by the whole community of the village to allow the Dalits into the temple. On Maha Sivaratri day i.e. 0n 8 March with a festive atmosphere and devotional mood, the Dalits entered the temple and prayed to the all mighty to their heart's content for the first time.

Case Study 4

Our Children are Not Discriminated Now

The dalit community of Anukunda village, Gumma block, Gajapati, Orissa, India is happy that now their children can sit and eat lunch with other children without any discrimination.

In this village the Dalits children were not allowed to sit together with other children. The issue was highlighted by NRMPO partner NGO to the school teacher and Sarpanch. It was also discussed during the dalit federation meeting in February 05. After thorough discussion at village and Panchayat levels, the school headmaster promised that there will not be any discrimination at the school. The village community was also informed of the discrimination of dalits through cultural shows. Slowly the community started raising their voice against social injustice and in-human treatment.