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 1st 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
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