A Sangham For A Voice

The need for a significant change in the status of women in our country has been debated extensively in the past. Many of us have contributed to these very discussions by proposing several ideas to trigger this. A considerable number of us have actively protested the many injustices towards us. It is quite safe to say that we haven’t held ourselves back when it comes to voicing our opinions about how women are discriminated against or exploited. Voicing our opinions is of utmost importance…yes…but is that enough?

The Deccan Development Society introduced the concept of Sanghams (voluntary village level associations of the poor). ‘Sangham’ simply mean ‘collective’ and it is this very collective effort that has helped these women improve their standards of living ever so significantly. The DDS works with about 5000 women in 75 villages in Medak District of Andra Pradesh and the feats these women have achieved in the past years is nothing less that miraculous.

One of the most inspiring initiatives however is the Sangham Radio.

Sangham , the first ever women’s radio station in India that broadcasts ‘her’ perspectives in ‘her’ voice. Every initiative by the Sangham is designed, planned and implemented by these collectives of women and is a direct translation of the power in a group of women.

The 45 year old Radio Jockey or the illiterate women who operates high end cameras to produce videos, are but a few examples of the 5000 women that have done this and much more in the past 25 years.

Sangham radio is the voice of these women who have been excluded in the past. By owning and controlling this station, they are able to speak about their issues and communicate with other members of their communities. They also use this medium to bring to light their issues and welcome a much needed positive attention towards their cause.

They extensively focus on Food Sovereignty, Seed Sovereignty, Autonomous Health, Autonomous Market, and Autonomous Media. They also use the medium to retrieve their culture, language and local traditions.

Sangham Radio is the most promising example of what the collective effort of women can do for themselves and their society. It is time we wake up to what these women woke up to.

It is time to wake up to The Power Of 49

Sources:
http://thealternative.in/inclusivity/deccan-development-society-new-face-of-womens-empowerment/
http://www.ddsindia.com/www/dds_news/SanghamRadio.htm
http://edaa.in/sanghamradio/