Results of a mapping exercise in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh

• 27 participants: 17 women, 10 men

• farming, breeding cattle and working as labourers;

• most of them were marginal farmers;

• the majority was illiterate

Who does what, when, labour intensity

Observations by Parag

• Women must use a veil to cover their faces

• Women are not allowed to go outside the village without the companion of a male member of the family.

• The women are supposed to only work at home or in the village.

• These restrictions limit women to gain an income.

• Women’s work is less valued in the market.

Another mapping in Sajapur District

• 20 women• Marginal farmers with

2-3 acres of land• Main income:

agriculture, dairy and day labour

All activities of women and men

Observations and remarks by the women I

• The women felt that the list with their activities was much longer than the men’s

• They commented that men have got time to rest during their work, but women work continuously;

• The division of tasks was decided by society. • Most of the work done by women was limited to their home or

village; women were not allowed to go outside the village without the company of a family member.

• It was an eye opener to see the significant contribution of women to the family economy indirectly.

Observations and remarks by the women II

• All the resources were owned by the male members of the family, women owned nothing.

• The women pointed out that they used a veil or mouth cover because that was the social norm.

• Women do not participate in any institution. ´Who would listen to us, who would give us justice?´

Decision making and financial control

• Major role for the male members of the family.

• Most women had no access to the market and most of the agri-produce was marketed by male members of the family.

• Participants told that they sometimes felt that they were like the cow of their home and had no freedom.

Participants gave the following options for change

• There is a huge need to enhance women’s ownership in family resources

• Need to enhance women’s participation in different societal institutions

• Need to generate awareness and sensitivity towards gender issues with men and women

• To enhance the percentage of educated people, especially women.• To make women aware of different women’s rights and entitlements • We need to come together and help each other in critical conditions.