Bijapur district fall in the drought
prone region of Karnataka. It has not
experienced industrialization, there by there
is no much modernization. Lack of literacy causes a bulk chunk of
unskilled human resources, unfortunately unused or underused. Fewer employment
opportunities give a way to unemployment and under employment. There by the
livelihoods of the weaker sections have been always at threat and the risk of
hunger became a common phenomenon. The indicators of Human development index
viz life expectancy, literacy rate, access to basic needs, health and etc.,
depict that the quality of life is far below when compared with the developed
region of the state.
The situation of
weaker sections is vulnerable due to on above factors. A Study reveals that the
women, who is weakest among weaker section, faces the brutalities of male
dominance and unfortunate poverty. Their problems are complex, Severe and
Unique. Perhaps, the woman who is dalit, tribe, illiterate, poor, widow,
deserted, disabled, commercial sex worker (devadasi) experience the risk of
hunger and poor quality of life. Empowerment of all these sections is the major
issue and problems exist in Bijapur both in rural and urban. These trends are
resulting in to a high school drop out of the girls, child marriages, maternal
death, atrocities on women, violation of human rights, Poor hygienic practices,
prevalence of Superstitions, malnutrition, domestic violence, migration etc.,
Hence issue of women empowerment strands highly relevant. The problems of the woman
of this region require immediate attention with a holistic perspective and a
compressive approach.
Looking into the genesis of
the problem of women in contrast with their livelihood issues, VISHALA
established in 1989 – 90 to uplift social economic & educational status of
the marginalized sections of Bijapur particularly of Dalits, Lambani, Kurubas,
Small & Marginal farmers, Artisans & Agricultural labours. Since land
& education are perceived as key sources of livelihood, land related
activities along with formal and nonformal literacy were thought to be focused.
“Building strong and sustainable communities through creating awareness among villagers about health, education, agriculture, gender equity, natural resource management, savings and credit and more so. Inspiring people and strengthening communities by building their capacity.”
“Helping the Rural Poor for Sustainable livelihood leading to empowerment”