EARTH SUMMIT+5 Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 New York, 23-27 June 1997 SUCCESS STORIES FROM INDIA
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Community Women's Participation to Ban "Country Liquor"
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Location | Orissa State, India | |
Responsible organization | Community women's groups, and Friends Association for Rural Reconstruction (FARR), a local non-governmental organization | |
Description | In 1993, the Government of Orissa, community-based women's groups, and a local NGO
(Friends Association for Rural Reconstruction - FARR) held a meeting to discuss women's needs in
Orissa. The primary issue of concern was the consumption of illegally brewed alcohol "country liquor" by
men. It was estimated that up to 20% of daily income was spent on "country liquor" by male wage-earners.
Women's groups organized themselves to stop this use of family income, and to redirect that money to the
real needs of families, such as education of children. In April 1994, the Government of the State of Orissa announced a ban on the sale of "country liquor". The pressure from women's groups has empowered women in a number of ways: not only are more children receiving an education, but the Government has come to realize the strength of the women's movement. | |
Issues addressed | Economic empowerment | |
Objectives | To empower women to have control over the economic resources of their families | |
Results achieved | The women's lobby influenced the State Government to order a ban on the sale of illegal liquor. | |
Lessons learned | When you empower women, you empower both families and communities. | |
Financing | Self-financing through volunteer labour | |
Contact | Ms. Rabindra Nath Sabat FARR Project Coordinator LL/3, Civil Township, Area 7 & 8 Rourkela, 769004 Orissa, India Fax: + 91 661/890 899 |
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Last updated 1 November 1997