The landscape is stark and topographically diverse. Large expanses of flowing sand dunes, plains and sometimes hilly borders are uniformly dotted with twisted, dry scrubs. Climatic severity, limited connectivity and difficult conditions are a few of the many development challenges for the State. Bikaner is situated in the middle of the Thar desert, about 300 kilometres north-west of the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. I was in Bikaner to document UNICEF India’s programs in the State with specific emphasis on girl child education and their empowerment.
The biggest challenge to development in Rajasthan is the perspective towards the girl child and it’s women in a strongly patriarchal community. Development and advocacy workers face a continuous challenge to stop child marriages and bring about change in the mind-set towards this custom that is still prevalent in the villages of this state
There is a slow awakening as young girls are encouraged to go to schools and participate in activities. The Laado Project in Rajasthan is bringing an awareness and thereby empowerment to the girls here who are still victims of many archaic traditions and customs.
Community interaction among women of all generations allow them to share their common joys and sorrows. Development and increasing awareness has prompted some change and given a voice to these women. Womens’ groups have been formed all over the state and they are most active in the remote areas. Anganwadi workers mobilise group meetings and discussion and are able to address many key issues and bring about change.
Women are bound by a variety of ancient customs and practices. With the advent of awareness, many young women aspire to be independent and own a business some day. In between their housework chores, they manage time to pursue their own passion and earn. Many stitch clothes from their home terraces, few are beginning to acquire their own shops.
A mother and daughter-in-law share a light moment as they do household chores. They have welcomed a baby girl in their family recently. They wish to send her to school and educate her and hope to provide her a life that is vastly different from the one they lead.