The mainstream focuses on taking
out policies and laws that are in favor of women. They are suggested to take
stand and taken action for them but in reality, it is really tough for them to
raise their voices because the power (from permission to go out to which type
vegetable will be cooked) lies with their husbands.
At the same time, the behavior of men is
not hereditary but acquired from male dominated society. Hence the change at
covert and overt behavior can be brought, through continuous and constant
efforts by making the patriarchal to gender equal society.
So from January 2010, Halo Medical Foundation has started a unique project called Mahila Shastitkarn (Women’s Empowerment).
The model works with men (perpetrator) then it would help to curbing down the domestic
violence because it helps to create awareness against violent acts on their
spouses. It focuses on working with men through counselling,
guiding, conducting group discussions and activities. It has been working in
selected villages of two blocks- Tuljapur and Lohara situated in State of
Maharashtra (India).
It
is working on both curative and preventive level. There are two groups
unmarried and married groups. Each group has at least fifteen members. In
unmarried groups- the discussion related to gender equality, masculinity and responsibility
towards their mothers and future wives. In married group- open heart
conversations and discussion of issues and struggles in their life, involvement
in domestic chores, sensitization towards children especially toward to
daughters. These both groups are headed by animators i.e. each from selected
villages. The animator word comes from the word ‘animate’. They act as a role
model for the members of groups and their village. These are trained and selected
by the co-coordinators from the Halo Medical Foundation.
In
Indian villages, there is nothing hidden which leads to environment that
everyone knows what is happening in each other household. So if domestic violence
is occurring then the animators along with group member goes to the house. They
explain and counsels the perpetrators. If he does not stop, he is taken to
Tanta Mukti Samiti (Dispute Free Committee) and the last report is to Police.
There
is another one in which animator’s wife takes charge of the victim of domestic violence.
She helps the woman by encouraging for standing up for rights and taking necessary
to steps while the animator takes counselling of her spouses.
More Information can be assessed about Halo Medical Foundation from their Website. Below is the link to Website.
http://www.halomedicalfoundation.org/against-violence-origin
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