Mahila Panchayat Government Project

Overview

SPOWAC successfully implemented the PC-PNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Government Project with the aim of strengthening awareness, compliance, and monitoring mechanisms related to the prevention of gender-biased sex selection. The project operated as an important outreach and community engagement initiative to support the objectives of the PC-PNDT Act and promote gender equality at the grassroots level.

Project Objectives

The project was designed to:

· Increase public awareness about the legal provisions of the PC-PNDT Act.

· Sensitize communities about the harmful social and ethical impacts of gender-biased sex selection.

· Support government authorities in monitoring, reporting, and community-level education.

· Promote a positive mindset towards the girl child through sustained behavioural change communication.

Key Activities Undertaken

During the course of the project, SPOWAC carried out a range of structured activities:

· Awareness Sessions & Community Meetings: Conducted group discussions, street plays, and interactive sessions to educate families, youth groups, and women’s collectives.

· Capacity-Building Workshops: Trained ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, and community influencers on PC-PNDT guidelines, reporting mechanisms, and counselling approaches.

· IEC Campaigns: Developed and distributed posters, leaflets, and visual messages that communicated the legal consequences of sex-selection practices and promoted the value of the girl child.

· District-Level Coordination: Supported local health departments in organizing inspections, record reviews, and monitoring visits to ensure compliance among diagnostic centres.

· Helpline & Counselling Support: Facilitated guidance for individuals seeking information or reporting violations, while maintaining confidentiality and linking cases to appropriate authorities.

Impact & Achievements

The project significantly strengthened public understanding of the PC-PNDT Act and improved collaboration between government stakeholders and community groups.
Key results included:

· Increased reporting of suspected violations due to better community awareness.

· Stronger coordination between health officers, diagnostic centres, and field workers.

· Positive behavioural shifts in families exposed to repeated awareness and counselling sessions.

· Enhanced visibility of gender equality messaging through consistent IEC outreach.

Implementation Strategy

SPOWAC adopted a grassroots-driven approach, combining community mobilization with structured coordination at the district level. Regular interaction with health officials ensured smooth execution, while effective engagement with women and youth groups ensured messages reached the most influential decision-makers in families.

Challenges Faced

The project encountered challenges such as cultural resistance, stigma around discussing pre-natal practices, and misinformation about legal provisions. SPOWAC addressed these issues through patient counselling, repeated awareness visits, and partnership with trusted community leaders to strengthen credibility.

Conclusion

SPOWAC’s implementation of the PC-PNDT Government Project played an important role in reinforcing legal compliance and cultivating an environment that valued the girl child. By blending awareness, community participation, and coordination with health authorities, the project contributed to long-term efforts to eliminate gender-biased sex selection and promote gender justice.

SPOWAC – Mahila Panchayat Government Project (Past Project Summary) WCD

Overview

SPOWAC successfully implemented the Mahila Panchayat Government Project, a community-based initiative aimed at empowering women, strengthening local dispute-resolution systems, and promoting gender justice at the grassroots level. The project functioned as an inclusive platform where women could voice their concerns, seek support, and resolve family or community-related conflicts in a safe and accessible environment.

Project Objectives

The project was designed to:

· Build a supportive forum for women to address domestic issues, violence, and social conflicts.

· Create awareness about legal rights, women-centric schemes, and protection laws.

· Strengthen the capacity of community women leaders to mediate disputes peacefully.

· Enhance coordination with government departments, protection officers, and law enforcement to ensure timely interventions.

Key Activities Undertaken
During its implementation, SPOWAC conducted a wide range of structured initiatives:

· Formation & Strengthening of Mahila Panchayats: Mobilized local women and created active groups to serve as community-level grievance platforms.

· Regular Panchayat Meetings: Facilitated monthly and case-based meetings where women could raise concerns related to domestic violence, marital disputes, property issues, and neighbourhood conflicts.

· Legal Awareness Sessions: Organized workshops on the Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, POCSO, property rights, and relevant welfare schemes.

· Capacity Building: Trained Mahila Panchayat members on mediation techniques, active listening, documentation, and referral mechanisms.

· Counselling & Case Support: Provided guidance to women experiencing violence or social distress, and referred cases to police stations, protection officers, or legal service authorities when needed.

· Community Outreach: Conducted door-to-door awareness, street plays, and group discussions to spread knowledge about women’s rights and gender equality.

Impact & Achievements
The project created a strong support system for women and contributed significantly to reducing conflict and violence at the community level.
Key outcomes included:

· Resolution of numerous family disputes through non-violent mediation.

· Increased confidence among women to speak up and seek help.

· Strengthened linkage between women and government protection mechanisms.

· Greater awareness of legal rights, resulting in informed decision-making among community women.

Implementation Strategy
SPOWAC adopted a community-centric approach by selecting respected local women as leaders and equipping them with mediation and counselling skills. Regular coordination with local police, district offices, and legal authorities ensured that cases requiring higher intervention were promptly addressed.

Challenges Faced
The project faced challenges such as resistance from family members, stigma around reporting abuse, and limited awareness of women's rights. These issues were addressed through repeated counselling, household outreach, and strong collaboration with local stakeholders to build trust.

Conclusion
SPOWAC’s implementation of the Mahila Panchayat Government Project successfully empowered women, strengthened local support systems, and enhanced access to justice. By blending community leadership, legal awareness, and structured mediation, the project contributed meaningfully to promoting safety, dignity, and equality for women at the grassroots level.