Millet and Women: Cultivating Strength, Harvesting Change ….

 

Millets, often referred to as "nutri-cereals," play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition and empowering women. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, millets help combat malnutrition, particularly among women and children, thereby improving maternal and child health.

Millet was once a major cultivated crop in Keonjhar district, it thrived due to the region’s favorable land and climate conditions. However, over the years, its cultivation was declined and eventually ceased, leading to the loss of traditional millet-based recipes. The disappearance of this nutritious grain from local diets has contributed to the growing malnutrition in Odisha’s tribal belt. In 2018, PECUC initiated the project “Seed–Food Sovereignty for Adivasi Communities of Odisha” to revive millet cultivation. Farmers were trained in organic practices, and under this initiative, farmers from Badjamuposi GP in Ghatagaon block began cultivating millets again. By the end of the project, 626 farmers had resumed millet cultivation after a gap of 25 years. This remarkable revival of millet farming and its impact on food security and nutrition was recognized and featured in The Indian Express on September 22, 2020.

PECUC’s efforts did not stop at reviving millet cultivation; it also took significant steps to restore traditional millet-based recipes that had nearly been forgotten. Nutritious dishes such as millet laddoo, millet kheer, millet pitha, and millet chhatua were reintroduced to the community. To promote these recipes, local food melas were organized, encouraging people to rediscover and incorporate millet into their diets.

At the state level, PECUC hosted the Gilirifula Forest Food Festival, where millet-based dishes were served to visitors, further popularizing this super food. The journey of millet revival continued beyond these events and was highlighted in district and state-level workshops on “Nutritional Self-Dependency.” These workshops brought together government stakeholders, representatives from various departments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media personnel, ensuring broader advocacy for millet’s role in nutrition.

During this period, the Government of Odisha had also launched the Millet Mission in 2017, aiming to promote millet cultivation and consumption. In 2020, millet was successfully incorporated into the supplementary nutrition program for children at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in Keonjhar, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to reintroduce millet into mainstream diets. This achievement stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts in reviving, promoting, and mainstreaming millet in Odisha’s food system.

The journey of millet revival continued as PECUC took a significant step towards empowering women farmers by involving them in millet cultivation. A total of 99 women farmers were identified based on their interest and willingness to participate. They received training in millet cultivation and organic farming practices and were provided with local millet seeds to begin their journey.

This initiative proved to be highly successful. With an initial supply of 792 kg of millet seeds, the women farmers produced an impressive 4,150 kg of millet—nearly five times the quantity of seed provided. After setting aside millet for seeds and household consumption, they were able to sell approximately 1,560 kg in local markets, generating additional income for their families.

Beyond economic benefits, this initiative fostered a sense of financial independence, enhanced their role in household decision-making, and improved their family’s nutrition by adding an essential, nutrient-rich grain to their daily diet. By promoting millet-based livelihoods, women farmers are not only achieving financial stability but also contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture, creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.

This efforts of PECUC best expressed in the testament of Mamata Mahanta, a determined woman farmer from Janheiposi village in Chakundapal GP, Patna block of Keonjhar. With her husband unable to do hard labor due to kidney issues, the entire responsibility of managing the household has fallen on her. Farming is her primary livelihood, and she grows paddy and vegetables to support her family. Despite his health challenges, her husband helps with farm work whenever possible. Mamata’s life took a positive turn when she met the PECUC team. They introduced her to millet cultivation, which immediately caught her interest. Recognizing its potential to improve both her family’s nutrition and income, she enthusiastically joined PECUC’s farmer training sessions. There, she learned about millet cultivation techniques and organic farming practices. This training opened new doors for her, offering her the chance to grow a highly nutritious crop that could benefit her family. In her own word Mamata says “With the support of PECUC, I started millet farming on one acre of land, using just 5 kg of seeds and organic methods. Learning to prepare organic manure strengthened my farming skills, and my efforts paid off with a harvest of 80 kg of millet. I have saved seeds for the next season and incorporated millet into my family’s daily diet, improving our nutrition. Seeing the benefits, I am determined to expand millet cultivation, ensuring both better health and financial stability for my family while continuing sustainable farming practices."

PECUC firmly believes that empowering women is key to building a sustainable future. When a woman is empowered, the first thing she does is strengthen her family and educate her children. She gains decision-making power, not only within her home but also in society. Her economic independence becomes a stepping stone toward social and political empowerment, giving her the confidence to shape her own destiny.

Yet, the path from dependency to self-reliance is never easy. A woman must constantly balance her household responsibilities with her financial pursuits—one cannot be sacrificed for the other. She does not have the privilege of choice in this regard; instead, she must empower herself by mastering this delicate balance.

PECUC recognizes that this journey is filled with challenges, but it is far from impossible. Across its operational areas, countless women have defied the odds and emerged stronger, proving that change is within reach. Mainstreaming women’s empowerment is a long-term process, and PECUC remains steadfast in its commitment to standing beside them, ensuring that every woman has the support she needs to rise, thrive, and lead.

Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,

Coordinator, Research, Documentation & Communication

Community Radio Station – Radio Sampark: Transforming Lives and Combating Gender-Based Violence

 

Radio Sampark 89.6 MHz, an initiative of People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), was launched on December 26, 2021, with the aim of raising awareness and educating the community on key social issues affecting daily life. Beyond promoting local culture, values, and talents, the community radio station serves a diverse audience, including children, older persons, youth, women, and farmers. One of Radio Sampark’s most impactful contributions is its role in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and domestic violence in its operational area, Nischintakoili block of Cuttack district. By leveraging radio as a tool for awareness and empowerment, the station has become a powerful catalyst for social change.

Community radio is a powerful medium that plays a crucial role in addressing gender discrimination and GBV by providing a platform for dialogue, awareness, and collective action. It reaches marginalized and rural populations who often lack access to mainstream media and formal education on gender issues. Radio Sampark harnesses the strength of community-based communication by featuring real-life stories and survivor testimonies. The station helps destigmatize discussions on GBV and encourages women to share their experiences without fear or shame.Regular programs discuss harmful gender stereotypes, cultural taboos, and misconceptions, fostering a progressive shift in societal attitudes.Many rural women are unaware of legal protections, helplines, and support systems. Through informative radio segments, they gain critical knowledge about their rights and available services.To create long-lasting change, it is essential to involve men and boys in conversations about gender equality. The station broadcasts content that encourages men to take an active role in preventing violence and supporting gender equity.

When Radio Sampark was first established, it faced significant challenges in recruiting female candidates for training and station operations. Initially, there were no suitable female applicants for the training program in Delhi by SMART. However, in just four years, the situation has transformed—today, 8 women are working at the station, and many others are volunteering at the village level, actively contributing to the station’s initiatives.

Recognizing the urgent need to address GBV, Radio Sampark launched the "Gender-Based Violence" programme in 2022, followed by "Hinsa Ku Na" in 2023 in collaboration with SMART. These programmes aim to educate the community on GBV and domestic violence, provide information on support services available for survivors, encourage survivors to speak up and seek help.

As part of these initiatives, Nari Shakti Women Groups were formed in different villages, with each group consisting of 20 women members. These groups hold regular weekly meetings, and members undergo training based on a specially designed module. So far, 11 Nari Shakti Mahila Groups have been established, forming a strong network of 257 women.

At the outset, conducting meetings on GBV was challenging. Many people in the community misunderstood the purpose of these groups and even discouraged women from joining. However, over time, mindsets began to shift.

Women gradually became aware of the various forms of violence they might face, how GBV impacts families and communities, their legal rights and available support systems.

With increased confidence, members began engaging in discussions, sharing personal experiences, and reporting cases of violence. Many women now recognize the positive impact these groups have on their lives.

To further extend awareness, special radio programs on gender and GBV were broadcasted on Radio Sampark 89.6 MHz. These programs were narrowcasted in communities, schools, and colleges to educate young minds, break societal barriers  and drive long-term behavioral change.

Outreach activities such as door-to-door visits, awareness campaigns at village fairs and functions, and interactive sessions in marketplaces have helped spread the message to a larger audience.

As a result of these interventions, 31 cases of violence have been reported, many of which were successfully resolved through mutual understanding.Women have gained crucial information about:Sakhi One Stop Centres ,Women’s helpline numbers ,The Protection Officer ,The Domestic Violence (DV) Act and its provisions ,Shifting Mindsets and Breaking Gender Stereotypes.

Beyond increasing reporting of GBV cases, these initiatives are also challenging deep-rooted gender norms and stereotypes that have long restricted women’s and girls’ potential.

As shared by Padmavati Behera, a member of the Nari Shakti Women Group:"One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is that no one is inferior—boys and girls are equal. This realization was deeply personal for me. I had always known it in my heart but never had the confidence to say it out loud. Before joining the group, I unknowingly favored my son over my daughter. But after gaining awareness, I started treating them both with equal love and care. Now, I also teach other women in our group about gender equality. Change takes time, but I can already see the transformation happening."

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Change for a Violence-Free Society, bringing about a shift in mindset, challenging gender stereotypes, and preventing GBV requires: Long-term interventions, continuous awareness programs & sustained education efforts

Social change is a gradual process, but meaningful transformation takes time. Over the past four years, Radio Sampark has played a crucial role in sparking change—a change that might have otherwise remained unnoticed.

More women now recognize their right to speak up against injustice, both within their families and in society. They are also becoming aware of their right to make decisions that directly impact their lives. Through its dedicated programs and community engagement efforts, Radio Sampark continues to build a strong foundation for a more just, equal, and violence-free society.

Ms. Anuradha Mohanty,

Executive Director, PECUC

Empowering Women…..Leading Change…

 

Women empowerment enables women to have control over their lives, make independent decisions, and access equal opportunities in education, employment, and social participation. It involves breaking societal barriers, ensuring gender equality, and providing women with the skills, resources, and confidence to achieve their full potential. Empowered women contribute to the growth of families, communities, and nations, fostering a more inclusive and progressive society. People’s Cultural Centre [PECUC] has been a part of empowering women since its inception in 1990. In all its operational areas, PECUC has empowered more than 30000 women through various programme initiatives such as women SHGs, trade based groups, working with women PRIs, Mahila Samukshya Sangha, Mahila Arogya Samiti, Young Women groups, campaigns etc.

PECUC has worked with 520 women functionaries of Panchayatiraj Institutions of Balianta and Bolgarh blocks in Khordha district to enhance their capacity through continuous information sharing & knowledge building, need-based training on various issues, mobilizing women to Gramsava & pallisava etc. The women leaders have proved their ability in discharging their roles and responsibilities independently, monitoring implementations of scheme & programmes, protecting environment, campaigning for ending violence against women, public hearing on Domestic Violence cases with women commission. PECUC has opened Gender Panchayat Resource centre at all panchayats of Balianta block and 5 Panchayats of Bolgarh block. These centres are managed by women PRI functionaries of that area. In 2008, a notification was issued by Block Development Officer of Balianta Block to hold separate Grievance day in every last Saterday 1^st half in the Block office for Women PRI functionaries and working women, which is first of its kind in Odisha.

To foster the economic empowerment of women, PECUC began forming women’s groups in the early 1990s. It took nearly two and a half years to establish and open bank accounts for the first 13 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These pioneering groups paved the way for the formation of over a hundred more in the following years, creating a ripple effect across the region.

However, the journey was not without challenges. The women initially struggled to step out of their homes due to societal barriers, and even banks were reluctant to open their accounts. In the first phase, NABARD extended support to PECUC, motivating and facilitating banks to take the initiative, ultimately leading to the successful opening of accounts.

Today, PECUC has established 467 SHGs across Khordha, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts, empowering 5,542 women. Additionally, 51 young women’s groups with 728 members have been formed to safeguard women’s reproductive rights.

PECUC remains committed to the holistic development of women, focusing on their physical, economic, social, and political empowerment, ensuring that they thrive in every sphere of life.

These transformations reflect the organization's unwavering commitment to social development. These achievements are the result of PECUC’s dedicated efforts in providing handholding support, essential training, motivation, and guidance at every step of the journey. By empowering women, fostering self-reliance, and addressing critical social issues, PECUC continues to bring meaningful and lasting change to the lives of countless individuals.

In particular, PECUC’s initiatives have played a crucial role in fostering women’s empowerment by creating opportunities for education, skill development, and economic independence. Through targeted training programs, self-help groups, and awareness campaigns, women are encouraged to break barriers, take leadership roles, and actively participate in decision-making processes. By ensuring access to resources and promoting gender equality, PECUC continues to uplift women, enabling them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.  

 

Ms. Anuradha Mohanty,

Executive Director, PECUC

Climate change and extreme weathers

 A Warming Planet, Extreme Weather The Earth's temperature is steadily rising, leading to significant disruptions in weather patterns. Scientific consensus points to human activities as the primary driver of this warming, resulting in more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and floods.

The Far-Reaching Impacts Climate change has profound consequences for society, the environment, and the economy. Rising temperatures can increase energy consumption, spread diseases, and impact agricultural yields. More extreme weather events pose significant risks to life, property, and critical infrastructure.

A Complex and Interconnected Crisis The effects of climate change are multifaceted and interconnected. Droughts can lead to water shortages, reduced crop yields, and economic hardship. Floods can cause widespread damage, displace populations, and contribute to the spread of diseases. These impacts are often felt most severely by marginalized communities.

A Window of Opportunity While the challenges posed by climate change are immense, there is still an opportunity to mitigate its worst effects. By transitioning to clean energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can limit global warming and create new economic opportunities. Additionally, investing in climate adaptation measures can help communities build resilience to extreme weather events.

Our Changing Planet

The evidence of climate change is undeniable:

• Rising temperatures: Global average temperatures have increased significantly since the early 20th century.
• Melting ice: Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, contributing to sea level rise.
• Ocean changes: Sea levels are rising, ocean waters are warming and acidifying, impacting marine ecosystems.
• Extreme weather: Heatwaves, heavy rainfall, droughts, and storms are becoming more frequent and intense.

Impacts on Water, Ecosystems, and Infrastructure Climate change is altering water availability, with increased flooding in some regions and severe droughts in others. Ecosystems are under stress, with many species struggling to adapt to rapid changes. Critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and power grids, is vulnerable to extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

The Human Toll Climate change poses significant risks to human health, including increased heat-related illnesses, the spread of diseases, and worsening air quality. It also exacerbates existing inequalities, as marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected. Mass displacement due to climate-related disasters is a growing concern.

Economic Consequences The economic costs of climate change are substantial, encompassing damages from extreme weather events, losses in agriculture and tourism, and the costs of adaptation and mitigation.

Agriculture Under Pressure Agriculture is a cornerstone of human civilization, yet it is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are disrupting traditional farming practices and threatening food security worldwide.

• Reduced crop yields: Increased heat stress, droughts, and floods can lead to lower crop productivity.
• Shifting agricultural zones: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may force farmers to adapt to new crops or relocate.
• Increased pests and diseases: Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for pests and diseases, damaging crops.
• Water scarcity: More frequent and severe droughts reduce water availability for irrigation, impacting crop growth.
• Soil degradation: Climate change can accelerate soil erosion and nutrient loss, reducing soil fertility.
• Economic losses: Farmers face financial hardships due to reduced yields, increased costs, and unpredictable weather patterns.

A Looming Crisis If global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the world faces a catastrophic future with widespread food and water shortages, mass displacement, and economic collapse. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and build a sustainable future for all.

 

Sushree Shailani Suman

 

Nurturing Nature: Exploring the soul Connection between Humans and the Environment

 

The world in which we are living today is dominated by the technological advancement and which is silently hampering the delicate balance between human and its environment. Our planet harbours a very complex yet wondrous interconnected system of ecosystem, each playing its parts in supporting life and diversities of nature. But slowly and gradually we are missing out these intricate connections that tie us to the natural world. It is essential to rekindle our connection with environment and to explore the profound bond between humans and the natural world. Our planet is now facing the major challenge of climate change and it is going to affect the survival of human race if not checked in time. Our health and life is closely linked with planet’s health. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, or the homes we live in, everything we do is connected to the environment.

So we need to step back and find out the ways to preserve this unique biodiversity of our planet. The world has enough resource to fulfil our need but not our greed. We have to mend our ways to heal our planet. There are things we can do, like using energy from the sun or wind, and being careful with how we grow food, that can help slow down climate change. Living sustainably means finding ways to take care of the Earth while also taking care of ourselves. We'll talk about easy things we can do, like not making too much garbage and using less energy. Each small thing we do can help make the Earth healthier. Sometimes, we need to fix things that we've destroyed by our action. We have to plant more trees, clean the plastic garbage, reduce the use of plastic, clean the river, pond, other water source, regenerate water bodies, save energy, use sustainable energy and learn to minimalise our need so that our future generation will live well. But alone we cannot achieve this big dream, we have to work together to make this changes happen. When we stand up for nature, we can make sure that our leaders make good choices to help the Earth. We're connected to the Earth in a special way, and it's our job to take care of it. We can learn, act, and speak up to protect the natural world for the future. Let's work together to keep our planet healthy for everyone and everything that calls it home.

Ms. Puja Panda,

Campaign Coordinator, PECUC

Eco-Industry: Pioneering Sustainable Practices for Tomorrow's World

 In a world where the environment needs a helping hand, industries are stepping up to the plate, and making big changes to become more eco-friendly. This transformation is not just a trend but a commitment to creating a better, greener future. Let's explore how these changes are happening and why they matter.

Green Manufacturing and Cleaner Technologies

Industries are reimagining the way they make things by adopting green manufacturing practices. This means they're using cleaner technologies and brainstorming new ideas to ensure that their production processes don't harm the environment. It's like giving Mother Earth a breather while still keeping the wheels of industry turning.

Smart Energy Moves

Ever wondered where the energy to power industries comes from? Well, now industries are finding smarter ways to use energy. They're turning to renewable sources like the sun and wind, and using technology that doesn't pump out harmful pollutants. This not only helps fight climate change but also makes good economic sense by using energy more wisely.

Reducing, Reusing, Recycling

Imagine if instead of throwing things away after using them once, we found ways to use them again. Industries are doing just that. They're reducing waste and recycling materials throughout a product's entire life. This isn't just about being eco-friendly.It's about finding better ways of doing things that benefit both the environment and the industries themselves.

Companies with a Heart

It turns out that industries aren't just interested in making money, they care about the environment and society too. They're making sure the materials they use are sourced responsibly, and they're being careful about how they make and distribute their products. This doesn't just impact their bottom line.It also has a positive effect on the communities where they operate.

Technological Wizards

Technology is playing a superhero role in making industries more efficient. Smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the tech wizards at play. They're helping industries streamline processes, reduce waste, and, most importantly, be kinder to the environment. It's like industries are getting a digital makeover for a greener world.

Water Warriors and Waste Busters

Water and waste management are becoming big priorities for industries. They're using better methods to use water wisely and treating industrial wastewater to protect our water resources. Industries are also taking responsibility for their impact on local communities by creating jobs, supporting community programs, and making sure their operations benefit society as a whole.

Government and Global Green Rules

Governments and international organizations are like referees making sure everyone plays fair in the green game. They're setting rules to encourage companies to be more environmentally friendly. Industries are paying attention to where they get their materials and how they distribute their products to make sure they are part of a sustainable supply chain.

Shaping Tomorrow and Today

In wrapping up this journey into the world of eco-friendly industries, it's clear that the shift towards sustainability is not just a buzzword but a meaningful change. Industries are transforming into eco-warriors, paving the way for a greener, more balanced future. By embracing green manufacturing, smart energy solutions, and social responsibility, they're not just changing their practices.They're becoming pioneers of a sustainable tomorrow. As we all hop on this eco-friendly train, let's celebrate the positive impact these changes are having on our planet and communities. Together, we're shaping a brighter, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.

 

Samarprita

1st-year MCOM,

Christ University, Bangalore, Karnataka

 

Gender Equity - Paving the Path to Gender Equality

 

Gender equity serves as the strategic pathway towards the attainment of gender equality, an issue that stands out as one of the most prominent and pressing challenges of the 21st century. It's worth pondering why gender has become such a focal point in contemporary discourse and when this transformation began. Our current era is marked by a societal shift, transitioning away from the patriarchal foundations that once dominated to an emerging egalitarian society where every individual plays a vital role. This shift is inherent to the broader transformation from an agrarian society to a technologically advanced one, a process that unfolds gradually over time.

The evolution of this gender-related issue parallels the broader societal transformation. It reflects the understanding that a society where half of its population is denied opportunities cannot truly thrive. As education becomes more widespread, people come to recognise the paramount importance of gender equality.

However, the pursuit of gender equality is an extensive and intricate endeavour. It necessitates the implementation of a strategy known as gender equity. This approach acknowledges and confronts existing disparities, biases, and disadvantages faced by individuals of different genders, all with the ultimate objective of leveling the playing field and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender.

Gender equity tackles flaws in our societal framework by recognising existing inequalities and providing tailored support to facilitate the necessary changes. It champions fairness in the treatment of individuals, irrespective of their gender, and actively dismantles barriers that hinder individuals from realising their full potential due to gender-based discrimination. This often involves revising policies, altering practices, and challenging attitudes that perpetuate gender disparities.

Moreover, gender equity strives to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. It takes into account the concept of intersectionality, recognising that individuals may experience various forms of discrimination or privilege based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. This approach ensures that equity efforts are comprehensive and inclusive, addressing multiple layers of societal bias.

In conclusion, gender equity operates as a strategic component within the broader framework of gender equality. By implementing gender equity measures, societies make significant strides towards achieving gender equality, thereby ensuring that everyone enjoys equal opportunities and rights, irrespective of their gender.

Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,

Coordinator, Research, Documentation & Communication Dept.,  PECUC