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