Hand Book for Gaon Burahs and Panchayati Raj Leader

116in real terms because women in most cases are dependent on meneconomically, hence they suffered from mental blockade and becomesubordinate to them. Keeping in view this fact, the government is payingspecial attention for economic freedom and empowerment of women throughnumerous initiatives. A separate ministry has been created for women andchild development at the centre and a separate department of social welfare,women & child development in the state which are implementing variousprograms and schemes of economic activities for women. Further it is mademandatory for all departments to select and include 33% women beneficiariesin all rural development and self employment programs. Seeing the successof women SHGs in Bangladesh, concerted efforts are being made forformation and development of SHGs having only women members. TheseSHGs are trained for - members education, skill up gradation in varioustraditional and non traditional sectors encouraged for savings and collectivemanagement of resources and assisted for undertaking income generatingself employment activities trough various Govt. sponsored schemes.Some of the steps/acts/laws relating to women empowerment-1. Provision for 33.33 % reservation of seats in Panchayats and localbodies2. Legal equal right in ancestral property3. Laws protecting women against social evils like Dowry, Early/ Childmarriage, Girl Child labour etc.4. Laws protecting women against exploitation at work place5. Laws protecting women against domestic violence6. Several schemes and programs for women and child development foreconomic empowerment.7. New proposed "Integrated women development program in NE states"launched in Feb'07 as a pilot project will provide self employmentopportunities to rural women organized in SHGs.ROLE OF PRIs and GBs1. In the society/ village, the GB should ensure equality of women.2. The GB/ Gram Panchayat should ensure 100% admission of girl child inthe school.3. The GB/Gram Panchayat should invite and involve the women folk of thevillage in all meeting called for developmental and social cause.4. The GB should be vigilant so that no atrocities, discrimination,exploitations and domestic violence are done to women. If noticed,appropriate steps are to be taken up and bring the fact to the notice ofthe nearest Police or Admin Officer.5. The panchayat leaders should try to build awareness amongst womenabout various economic activities that could be taken up by women for