Stories of Women Artisans in India: Micro- Economic Empowerment as a Solution for VAW
Traditional Paintings on house walls - Bihar
Bihar: Wall Paintings
VAW Context: India A woman is raped every 20 minutes 4 women will be raped by the time this talk is finished today
The VAW Context: India 2011 census = sex ratio 940w:1000m 2001 census = 933:1000 35 million women “missing” due to sex selective abortion and neglect of young girls due to strong male child preference. DV, dowry deaths, acid attacks, killings, rape, abduction, and cruelty by husbands and in-laws.
The VAW Context: India Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and cruelty under Sec 498A of the Indian Penal Code. 22 women killed every day due to unmet dowry demands. India’s national rape conviction rate in 1973: 44% India’s national rape conviction rate in 2010: 26% 85% of rape cases investigated in 2012 still awaiting trial.
The Pink Revolution: The Gulabi Gang
The Regional VAW Context VAW in Karnataka Rate of Crime = 35%. (# of crimes/ 100,000 women) VAW in Bihar 65% Increase 56% of women between 15 and 49 subjected to physical and sexual violence. Rate of Crime= 23%
The Artisanal Context 2011 census: 68% of the Indian population lives in villages. villages in India Farming Handloom Handicraft million)
Traditional Paintings on house walls - Bihar
Painting done in the nuptial chambers by the bride
Artisanal Women in Bihar Structural system emerges Quality of life improves for women Women generate income Gain regional/international recognition Gender relations shift
Abortion Clinic
Female Infanticide
Lifting the Veil
Bihar VAW Study Age 20 – 35 Total sample=40
A tribal village in Karnataka
Artisanal Women in Karnataka Welfare Project for Women A Co-op is born Large garment orders for large retail outlets Self-Help Groups Food Ration Program
Tribal Women discussing their work
Karnataka VAW Study Local community leaders develop survey Analysis and learnings exceed expectations High degree of survivor engagement
9 foot panel – transition of the untamed “woman” to tribal “woman”