Annual Report - Shaheen Women`s Resource

SHAHEEN WOMEN’S RESOURCE &
WELFARE ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14
Shaheen Women's Resource and Welfare Association
H.No. 23-3-540, Baqshi Bazar, Sultan Shahi, Hyderabad - 500 265.
Ph : 040-24386994
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 0
The Greater Hyderabad Metropolitan Area............................................................................ 0
Sultan Shahi Mohalla in the Old City of Hyderabad ............................................................. 0
Shaheen – Women´s Resource and Welfare Association ...................................................... 1
Our Activities ............................................................................................................................. 2
Our Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 2
Our Goals: .............................................................................................................................. 3
Activities undertaken for the year 2013-14 ............................................................................ 3
Protests and Public Demonstrations ....................................................................................... 6
Women´s Day Celebrations ................................................................................................... 6
Round-tables, discussion forums............................................................................................ 6
Independence Day Discussion Forum .................................................................................... 7
„100 Thousand Poets & Writers for Change‟ ......................................................................... 7
„Secularism, Art & Literature‟ ............................................................................................... 7
Trainings and Workshops....................................................................................................... 8
Meeting with Stakeholders ..................................................................................................... 9
Addressing Civic Problems to the GHMC ........................................................................... 10
Submission of Pension Schemes Forms ............................................................................... 10
Economic Independence Social Empowerment ................................................................... 10
Challenges and accomplishments......................................................................................... 11
Surveys and Research reports .................................................................................................. 13
Study on people employed in the scavenging and manual scavenging industry in Sultan
Shahi ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Moulding Dreams in Lacquer- A Baseline Study Of The Unorganized Home Based Women
Workers In Old City, Hyderabad ......................................................................................... 15
Young Urban Women Program................................................................................................ 17
Background .......................................................................................................................... 17
Safety Audit and its Toolkit ................................................................................................. 18
Impact Of Lack Of Safety On Young Women And Girls As Per Project Results ............... 23
Recommendations to Shaheen by ActionAid ....................................................................... 27
Our Learning from the Safety Audit Project ........................................................................ 28
Shaheen´s Accomplishments since March 2013 ...................................................................... 29
Our Work.............................................................................................................................. 29
Challenges faced .................................................................................................................. 29
Strategies .............................................................................................................................. 30
Annexure-I ............................................................................................................................... 33
Table of successful interventions ............................................................................................. 33
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INTRODUCTION
THE GREATER HYDERABAD METROPOLITAN AREA
The Greater Hyderabad Metropolitan Area contains approximately eight million people,
making it the fourth largest urban area in India. Sexual assaults and harassment against
women is wide spread. In 2012, 3,584 crimes were reported, including 141 rape cases. As per
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics, Hyderabad stood at third place after Delhi
and Bangalore among the list of 52 cities in the country for recording maximum cases
pertaining to violence against women (excluding Cyberabad data) in 2011. But, if the crime
figures from Cyberabad were also taken into account, the city would be in second position.
Domestic violence, including dowry related harassment, are the major crimes committed
against women in the city, followed by sexual harassment and rape. Despite the fact that the
rate of crimes against women is very high in the city, it is alarming that the conviction rate
remains very low. While on an average 140 rape cases are being recorded every year in the
city, and the average conviction rate has not crossed 15. In the past three years, the average
was below 10. In fact, according to police, majority of the rape cases actually do not get
reported. Only about 5% of rape-victims approach the police and among them only 1% to 2%
lodge an official complaint.
SULTAN SHAHI MOHALLA IN THE OLD CITY OF HYDERABAD
Though over one-third of Hyderabad‟s population resides in poor settlements, the contribution
provided by these sections to the city´s economy has increased over the years. The area of
Sultan Shahi Mohalla, one such settlement, is a case in point. The absence of developed land
and development policies for its social and economic problems has exacerbated the situation
for individuals and families, particularly women. Families, which can barely take the strain of
supporting two individuals but comprising eight to ten people, are crammed under one roof.
In such situations, women bear the worst of hardships.
Poverty constitutes another crucial factor that, when coupled with patriarchy, plays a critical
role is propagating physical violence and mental abuse that women in their homes are
subjected to. This situation has come to such a pass that the community has been a silent
spectator to the violence that is being meted out towards women day in and day out. Religious
fundamentalism, too, has had a say in promulgating the concept of a hegemonic power
structure.
The area of Sultan Shahi in the Old City
of Hyderabad has been extremely
susceptible to widespread communal
rioting. In some instances, rioting has
exceeded to such extent that even
government-based transport systems
refused to ply their services in this area.
This grim scenario has a telling effect
on women, who feel the added pressure to accommodate the entire family‟s needs on a tight
budget.
All of the above factors jointly and severally contribute to the sufferings of women
economically, socially and culturally.
SHAHEEN – WOMEN´S RESOURCE AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION
In this setting, Shaheen – Women´s Resource and Welfare Association (henceforth
abbreviated as Shaheen) has set up its work in 2002. Its foundation was in response to and in
opposition to various aspects of gender-based violence (physical, intellectual, cultural and
structural) among women and girls of marginalised communities which comprise of Muslims,
Dalits and Other Backward Castes (OBC) of the Old City of Hyderabad. Minority women and
girls in the Old City experience a triple discrimination in the forms of patriarchal control and
attitudes, marginalisation of minorities and political neglect. In addition, communal conflicts
come up easily and there is a continuous state of
disharmony and tensions.
Shaheen, with a focus on creating space and resources
for young girls and women to develop their own socioeconomic strengths, has initiated unique educational
and vocational training centres in Sultan Shahi. These spaces have been successful in creating
an environment of respite in terms of exchanging views, socialising, gaining knowledge and
self-confidence. As a consequence, women have asserted their rights and issues at a personal
as well as community levels.
In its beginnings, Shaheen focused on creating awareness and building knowledge among
women and girls. In the course of time, group discussions and individual counselling sessions
on domestic violence, sexual and reproductive rights as well as communal violence have
enabled women and girls, who seek support at Shaheen, to assert their identity as a woman
and to stand up for their rights.
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OUR ACTIVITIES
Given this pretext, Shaheen has started and continued a number of activities in 2013-2014 to
combat violence against women, gender inequality and to enhance the empowerment of
women and girls. The following pages
highlight activities, discusses findings from
two studies conducted by Shaheen. The First
study was undertaken on scavenging
communities and points out women´s safety
and security issues under the Young Urban
Women Program. The second study was a
base line survey undertaken on women in
unorganized sectors in the area to understand
their challenges and difficulties.
Shaheen has initiated five resources centres in
Patel Nagar, Aman Nagar, Hassan Nagar, Siddique Nagar and Nasheman Nagar which have
been considered to be the most vulnerable to communal disharmony.
OUR OBJECTIVES:
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to increase the access to education and literary for girls and women,
to ensure the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act in the Old City,
to organise women and girls in order to identify and address gender related issues,
to create a violence free life for girls and women in public spaces,
to improve health and hygiene,
to ensure access to materials and institutions that promote sexual and reproductive
health rights,
to ensure an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment
through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment and
recruitment of State and Central government jobs,
to set up a Shaheen enterprising for women to be economically independent,
to improve the living conditions of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for
them in infrastructure development schemes and finally,
to prevent communal disharmony and violence. In order to achieve these objectives,
Shaheen organises capacity building workshops, seminars, trainings and public forums
of discussion and debate in community spaces to create awareness and sensitisation, it
mobilises the community and provides legal counselling, medical aid as well as
educational and vocational services for those in need.
Shaheen with its thrust on empowering the deprived communities of the Old City
neighbourhoods has a vision to have a society in which gender, class, caste or religious status
do not impinge upon one‟s resources, rights or freedom – whether inside the home or in
public spaces and with a mission to creating an enabling environment for the women to
regain control over their minds, bodies and resources.
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OUR GOALS:
 Sensitize and prevent gender based violence
 Initiate and structure gender responsive economic alternatives
 Ensure that women have control over their bodies and are aware and informed
about their sexual and reproductive health
WE BELIEVE IN EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY AND BUILDING CAPABILITIES
Samreen, 18-years old: “Now I am confident enough to communicate in English. I thank
Shaheen for providing spoken English classes”.
Shaheen with support of Action Aid has started Spoken English classes at Sultan Shahi area.
The classes were scheduled four days a week. Shaheen selected 40 members who are mostly
drop out girls who discontinued their studies after 10th class. In the beginning, the girls were
not keen on studying English. It took them a whole to find an interest in the classes. Girls
from different levels joined the English class. After attending the classes regularly, the
students picked it up very well. The girls are now also participating in various awareness
programs which help them build their knowledge, such as tailoring, mehandi designing,
karchop and computer training.
ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FOR THE YEAR 2013-14
 Legal Counselling and Aid
Shaheen has been dealing the cases of domestic violence by partner, parents and siblings in
Muslim, Dalit and Backward Caste communities. Shaheen has been providing legal support to
many violence survivors. Last year Shaheen has filed 150 cases of domestic violence and
supported 60 women victims of violence.
Survivors of violence started coming to Shaheen for relief in terms of counselling,
negotiations with family members, police protection and legal support. The kind of
awareness given by Shaheen has created conducive environment for women and girls to live
in the slums with protection and dignity. Shaheen provides legal support to the violence
survivors to file cases in the court.
 Role of Shaheen in stopping Child Marriage
Shaheen stopped more than 10 marriages this year. Here is a sample reported.
Shaheda unnisa is 19yrs old and her father is a rickshaw puller. Their economic condition is
very deplorable and her father wanted to perform Shaheda‟s marriage with an old Arab
sheikh to lead a better life at least for few months. In this regard he met a broker and the
sheikh agreed to give Rs 35000/- cash to him. Shaheda was innocent in this matter. One day
her father took her to sheikh‟s place and there she came to know about her marriage with that
sheikh. She came back home and refused to marry the sheikh. Shaheda‟s father and brother
abused her and forced her into marriage. One of her friend is regular participant in shaheen‟s
program and she suggested shaheda to approach Shaheen for support so that she can marry a
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person of her choice. Shaheda then approached and explained her problem to Shaheen staff,
Shaheen staff counselled her along with Taquddin, who is interested to marry her. Shaheen
staff supported them,took them to a friendly Qazi who was ready to help the girl in marrying a
boy of her choie. The Qazi asked them to get some documents to fulfill the formalities and the
marriage was performed. Finally Shaheda and Taquddin are married living happily now.
 Public Meetings
Monthly community meetings have been organised at
Aman Nagar, Hassan Nagar, Sultan Shahi, and Jahangir
Nagar (Cha Cha Gairage) with the aim of building
awareness on gender inequality, awareness building on
the specific needs and rights of the girl child and the
status of women in society, in addition to its impact on
the overall quality of life for all, with a specific focus
on women. Ms. Jameela Nishat and Adv. Rehana
Khanum have discussed basti related issues including
the status of ration-shops (public distribution system
PDS), schools, hospitals, importance of girls education and on ill-effects of early child
marriage on the overall personality of children.
Shaheen goes to School
Apart from the above mentioned meetings, Shaheen has also conducted meetings at schools
for a community level discussion on all operational areas. An interface between the students
and the community has been organised on the topic of “Kya Ladkiyon Ke Saath Insaaf ho
raha hai”? (Is Justice Being Done to Girls?). The participation of young girls and women has
been remarkably praiseworthy with emergence of new insights. They have vociferously stated
that „agar hamare saath insaaf hota to hamare upar zulm kyon hota‟. (If there was justice for
us, why would there be oppression on us?).
These meetings also highlighted the issues of the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) 2005, Right
to Education (RtE) and Right to Information (RTI) Act. Resource persons highlighted the
status of girl children and women on various levels, including house, workplace and society in
general, in regard to these Acts.
 Meeting on Telangana´s Resources
A public meeting has been organised on the subject of „Telangana Resources and Role of the
State‟ at Urdu Ghar in Moghalpura. The speakers included Dr. Sunilam (Ex. MLA), Mr.
Yadav Reddy (MLC, Chairman of Centre of Comparative Democracies), Ms. Aradhana
Bhargava (Vice President of Kisan Sangharsh Samithi), and Mr. Jeevan Kumar (human rights
activist). The speakers highlighted the history of Telangana and its societal and economic
problems. Among those are the lack of educational resources, hospitals, and misappropriation
of natural resources. In regard to women, the speakers argued that women´s rights were
particularly crucial when looking at their role in agriculture which needs to be strengthened.
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 Reproductive Health and Hygiene
During the last year, a meeting on „Sexuality, Reproductive Health and Hygiene‟ was
conducted at Shaheen centre. Ms. Jayathi, a resource person, talked about contraception and
raised awareness of health issues if unprotected intercourse is undertaken.
‘A 12-year-old Girl can bring Revolution’
In one of the community meetings held at Hassan Nagar, Jameela Nishat, Rehana Khanum
and Shaheda Begum engaged girls and women into a discussion on „The Revolution Will Be
Led by a 12-year-old Girl‟. Shaheda and Jameela Nishat shared her experiences at the AWID
Women‟s Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, in April 2012, which was an enriching exchange.
 „Religion & Politics in Contemporary India‟
On 23rd June 2013, a public meeting was organised by Shaheen in collaboration with Aman
Manch at Moghal Pura Urdu Ghar, Charminar, on the topic of „Religion & Politics in
Contemporary India‟. Mr. Ram Punyani, a renowned writer and social activist was the key
note speaker. Other speakers included advocate Ms. Rasheeda Mansoori (Rehnuma Project),
Ms. Jasveen Jaireth (Social Activist) and Ms. Kalpana Kannabiran (ASMITA), who
emphasised on the impact of post-Babri Masjid
demolition and Gujarat carnage on minority
communities,
including
Muslims
and
Christians.
A total of 250 women, men and children
participated in this event. In his concluding
remarks, Prof. Ram Punyani said that the last
two decades have witnessed not just the
marginalisation and attacks on Muslim
minorities but also Christians in the Adivasi
areas. He has also pinpointed the current
Indian politics and development agendas, which are played against minorities.
 „Rehne Ko Ghar Nahin Hindustan Hamara‟
Also on the 23rd of June 2013, a meeting was organised by Shaheen in collaboration with
INSAAF, on the topic of „Rehne Ko Ghar Nahin Hindustan Hamara‟. This event focused on
the discrimination of minorities at the Press Club Basheerbagh Hyderabad. Mr. Charles from
INSAAF was the chief guest. The other speakers included Prof. Ehsas Baig, Mr. Harjinder
Singh Laltu and Nusrat, a young boy whose father was killed in the Dilsukh Nagar Bomb
blast case. There were around 200 men, women and children who attended the meeting.
The speakers and participants discussed the violation of rights of religious minorities,
especially the Muslims, despite the provisions put down by the Constitution of India on
having equal and just rights for all, irrespective of any distinction.
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The constant fear of being branded as terrorists and tortured by the police without any respite
has a profound psychological impact on the youth who have been victimised. As a
consequence, the socio-legal machinery has failed
miserably in protecting the rights of Muslims.
While on one hand this is unconstitutional, on the
other hand, Muslims continue to feel alienated
from this system of democracy. One remedial
measure in safeguarding the rights of Muslims
would be to create a climate of trust and harmony
among all the communities for which the
government and media have to play crucial roles,
so the message of the meeting. Apart from this,
due to poverty and lack of adequate education, the
Muslim community continues to be side-lined in the development process of India today.
PROTESTS AND PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS
 ‘Are Our Daughters Safe Today?’
On 29th April 2013, Shaheen organised a protest on the issue of „Are Our Daughters Safe
Today?‟ at Charminar monument. There were around 200 women, out of which 60 children,
both girls and boys, took part in the silent protest with strong message, such as „Security,
Dignity, Respect and Freedom are women‟s inherent rights‟. Jameela Nishat from Shaheen
and Ms. Farida Hussain, president of All India Women‟s Conference expressed their views on
the status of women in contemporary India. After 5.30 PM, a candle light rally marched to
voice a silent protest. The participation of children aged between 5-14 years was particularly
important. As a result of this event, many girl children between the ages 12-16 years have
asked what “rape” and “sexual assault” mean. To address this issue, Shaheen organised a
small meeting with the children the very next day to clarify their doubts. Furthmore, it used
the opportunity to discuss what is a “good touch and bad touch.” The participation of children
has revealed aspects that had previously been cloaked in ignorance and shame, and Shaheen
has been appreciative of its coming out.
WOMEN´S DAY CELEBRATIONS
During the month of March, Shaheen has commemorated Women‟s Day at Urdu Ghar in
association with students from Maulana Azad Urdu University. The issue of women‟s rights
has been discussed at length, looking back into history while engaging in the contemporary
status of women in Hyderabad today.
ROUND-TABLES, DISCUSSION FORUMS
 „Rape and Sexual Assault’
A meeting has been organised at Valmiki Nagar, which hosts one the branches of Shaheen, to
discuss the issue of „Rape and Sexual Assault‟ with young girls, school girls and teachers.
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During this meeting, which was facilitated by Ms. Anna from the American Consulate, girls
and women learnt self-defence practices to prevent physical attacks.
INDEPENDENCE DAY DISCUSSION FORUM
On Independence Day, an open forum discussion
was organised at the community level in which
the question “Kya Azad Hindustan Mein
Ladkiyaan Azad Hain”? (Are girls free in free
India?) was raised for a debate. The participation
of girls was appreciable as they strongly presented
their views and opinions.
‘100 THOUSAND POETS & WRITERS FOR CHANGE’
A public meeting was conducted at Himayath Nagar, Urdu Hall, on 30th August 2013
pertaining to the topic of „100 Thousand Poets &
Writers for Change‟. Eminent writers, who have graced
the occasion, included Mr. Aslam Farshori - as the chief
guest - , Ms. Qumer Jamali, Mr. Hoshang Merchant,
Mr. Sky Baba, Mr. Venkateshvarulu and Mr. Md.
Mahmood. There were around 160 men and women
who attended the event. This event enabled several
artists, poets and writers from Telugu, English and Urdu
backgrounds to voice their viewpoints on the recurring
violations of fundamental rights. They also put forward valuable suggestions on how to make
the world a better place for future generations.
‘SECULARISM, ART & LITERATURE’
On 4th May 2013, Shaheen organised a meeting on the topic „Secularism, Art & Literature‟, at
JNTU, Masab Tank, Hyderabad. Mr. Nanak Singh Nishter (Director of International Sikh
Center for Inter Faith Relations) was the chief guest. Other speakers included Dr. Prakash
Kona (Prof. English EFLU), Dr. Baig Ehsaas (Prof. Urdu HCU), Dr. S.V. Satyanarayanan
(Prof O.U), Mr. Swadin (Hindi Poet) and Mr. Shareef (Art Historian). A total of 200
participants assembled at the meeting. The resource persons, including Ms. Jameela Nishat,
Sardar Nishtar, Mr. Shareef and Mr. Prakash, enlightened the audience about the historical
evidences pertaining to secularism in art and literature.
They have quoted the Moghal Emperor Akbar as being the epitome of secularism, who
entertained and promoted other religious cultures. During the Bhakti period, several saints
including Kabir, Raheem, Tulasidas and Surdas were also responsible for upholding the cause
of secularism through their writings and teachings. The resource persons touched upon the
aspect of social literature, which primarily focuses on the methodology of maintaining an
appropriate lifestyle. All the resource persons talked about the significance of socialisation in
bringing up children and using the concept of religion for guiding them on the right path. No
religion teaches discrimination against humanity but the current political ideology seems to
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have invalidated the very essence of what religion stands for. Speaking on the burning and
rampant issue of terrorism, they have elucidated that this “phenomenon” knows no boundaries
of religion or equanimity.
This negative influence of hatred is the work of a few misguided individuals who are unable
to understand the consequences of their actions. One of the most effective ways to quell this
misconception would be through the use of ink and paper. Further, the current trend of
technology-centric perspective among today‟s youth has to be channelised towards gainful
understanding of socio-political systems along with moral ethics and values.
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS
 Training and Information on Right to Information Act and Filing of RTI
On June 5h, 2013, a training program was conducted in Valmikinagar to spread awareness
about Right to Information (RTI) Act. This meeting was attended by 150 participants.
Explaining about the Act, Mr. Saleem said that other than Intelligence Bureau, Security
Establishments and Limited Organisations, the RTI Act is applicable across the country,
except for Jammu and Kashmir. According to Sec 3 of RTI Act, anybody can take recourse to
the provisions of this government stipulation. Sec. 4 further says that every government
department has been mandated to maintain the requisite documents to ensure accessibility for
the common man and Sec 4 (1) (b) comprises a handbook that lays down details about rules,
norms and regulations, person-in-charge (Public Information Officer - PIO) and transparency
about financial transactions involved. The resource person has also mentioned about the easy
process of applying for information under the RTI Act with nominal fees.
In August 2013, Shaheen has identified 50 community women and young girls with some
leadership qualities for imparting training on para-legal aspects to deal with the community
issues. On 27th August 2013 we organised a three day training program focussing on various
community based issues and problems along with the duties and responsibilities of para-legals
in attending and addressing the same.
Between 3rd June 2013 and 12th August 2013, a series of awareness camps have been
organised by Shaheen in the areas of Aman Nagar “A,” Aman Nagar “B,” Nasheman Nagar
(1), Nasheman Nagar (2), Siddique Nagar (1), Siddique Nagar (2), Khan Nagar, Chacha
Giarrage, Hassan Nagar (Ranga Reddy District), Kaweli Kaman, Murad Mahel, Sultan Shahi,
Jhangir Nagar, Bhavani Nagar “A,”, Bhavani Nagar “B” and Macca Masjid areas of old city.
The purpose of organising these camps was to create awareness pertaining to 15 Point
Program, RTI Act, government schemes, such as pension schemes for widows, aged and
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disabled people, government scholarships for pre-matriculate, post-matriculate and merit
students, DV Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, PCPNDT Act, Child Rights, Child Marriage
Prevention Act, Women Rights, Right to Education (RtE) Act, self help groups and
government loan schemes.
On 31st July 2013, an RTI petition was filed with the DEO Hyderabad to get details related to
the number of ITI institutes and the courses offered running in the south zone, old city of
Hyderabad. The petition has been returned, citing the reason that the DEO‟s department is not
concerned with ITIs. A previous RTI was filed with the DEO on 27th July 2013 for which
there was no reply.
On 25th July 2013, two RTI petitions were filed with the Nampally Criminal Court, for which
no responses have come so far.
On 25th July 2013, an RTI petition was filed with the Hyderabad Collectorate for obtaining
information regarding financial and physical targets and achievements of 15 point program
and list of beneficiaries during 2007-2013 for ICDS, SSA, USEP, SJSRY, IAY, skill
development program, scholarships scheme and government loans in Hyderabad district. The
letter was forwarded to the concerned department.
On 6th July 2013, an RTI petition was filed with the AP State WAKF Board‟s Minority
Welfare Department for obtaining information regarding the budget for 2013 granted for the
benefits of divorced women and how many of them were benefited. There was no response
from their side.
MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS
On 9th March 2013, Shaheen has celebrated International Women‟s Day at Sultan Shahi, in
which Mr. Tarun Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been invited as the chief guest.
Other speakers have included Mr. Krishtiah (Assistant Commissioner of Police), Mr. Syed
Fayaz Ahmed (Inspector of Police, Special Branch), Ms. K Satyavati from Bhumika helpline,
Ms. Shreya (Inspector of Police Women‟s Police
Station), Mr. Vijay Kumar (Circle Inspector of
Police) and Mr. Venkat Reddy (Inspector of police).
Between 13th June 2013 and 22nd June 2013, Shaheen
has organised four meetings with basti leaders in
Kaweli Kaman, Siddique Nagar, Aman Nagar and
Hassan Nagar with a focus of creating awareness
regarding the Government‟s 15 Point Program.
Problems related to the bastis have also been
discussed.
On 27th June 2013, Shaheen has organised a meeting between the Charminar Mandal Revenue
Officer (MRO) and basti people. The MRO has explained about government pension schemes
related to widows and old and disabled individuals, after which the basti people have
submitted government pension forms.
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On 13th August 2013, Shaheen has organised a meeting with Legal Service Authorities at
Siddique Nagar, in which Ms. Prema Rajeshwary (High Court Senior Civil Judge), Advocate
Vinay Kumar, Advocate Rupa Singh and Peace Committee Member Rukmini Bai have
participated as resource persons. Ms. Rajeshwary has organised a Lok Adalat with the aim of
solving the problems of basti people by giving necessary suggestions. As a result, the basti
people became aware as to how the government would facilitate in solving their problems.
They have also complained about the various civic problems, pending cases of DV and
communal riots in which several innocent youth were arrested and implicated in false cases.
On 27th August 2013, Shaheen has organised a meeting with police officials for creating
awareness among people about the implementation of new and amended laws to stop violence
against women. Due to this, people have become aware as to the measures to be taken for
safeguarding against violence.
ADDRESSING CIVIC PROBLEMS TO THE GHMC
During the awareness camps conducted by Shaheen, the basti people have become aware
about the various civic problems and non-functioning of GHMC in solving them. Hence, a
complaint has been addressed to the civic authorities after taking signatures from the basti
people for removal of garbage, which was submitted to the concerned GHMC official. As a
result, GHMC departmental labor has taken the necessary steps and cleaned garbage from the
areas of Siddique Nagar, Aman Nagar, Hasan Nagar (Ranga Reddy District) and Nasheman
Nagar.
SUBMISSION OF PENSION SCHEMES FORMS
A number of pension forms related to aged, widow and disabled persons have been submitted
to MRO‟s in the areas of Charminar, Bahadurpura and Bandlaguda in Hyderabad district and
Hassan Nagar in Ranga Reddy District.
ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
Creating an environment and building capacities through which women and young girls can
become self-reliant and economically empowered is Shaheen´s main aim. Shaheen not only
teaches vocational skills but also prepares the girls in computer usage and provides them
education in latest IT and computer programming etc. In recent times Shaheen has started
working with MEPMA (Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas) project of
GHMC and expecting guaranteed employment for more than 200 girls. Building a
relationship of faith and confidentiality that provides space for marginalised women has been
the key to social empowerment. One of the key initiatives undertaken is that of training in
self-defence. Shaheen will continue doing so in the next ten years. Under skill development
program, Shaheen has been organising regular skill development programs for economic
empowerment of women by imparting training in the field of tailoring, mahendi designing,
karchob and computers at Sultan Shahi, Valmiki Nagar and Hassan Nagar. This platform is
also used to create awareness about women‟s rights and other relevant issues to the trainees.
Accomplishments since March 2013
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As we started talking about the 15 points program and created awareness among the basti
dwellers, the Metropolitan Legal Authorities started coming to the bastis for awareness
camps. They organised three awareness camps in the Old City of Hyderabad. The judiciary
acknowledged that the justice comes to the doorstep of the citizens of India. The public was
pleased and grateful for the opportunity to share their experiences and problems with
education and health issues.
The GHMC has started having a special interest in cleaning the area of Sultan Shahi and
maintaining the surroundings neat and clean.
Three ICDS centres have opened in the bastis Nasheman Nagar, Siddique Nagar and Khan
Nagar.
The Chief Secretary of Metropolitan Legal Service Authorities invited Rehnuma´s advocate
and coordinator to discuss the issues of Muslim minorities in the area. His interest was greatly
appreciated. Other donor agencies, who work on human rights and the rights of marginalised
communities, have developed an interest in the 15 point program. They have decided to focus
their work on the 15 point program henceforth.
Whenever Rehnuma´s staff members file a RTI, they are called immediately by the
government officials and are given the requested information. One such example is the
enquiry about paralegals in the city. Rehnuma´s advocate has received 500 names of
paralegals in the city of Hyderabad through this RTI request.
Upon meeting the Minister of Minority Affairs, Rehnuma´s staff members discussed the 15
point program. He ensured that the lack of knowledge of government officials about the 15
point program will be the centre of his focus in the near future.
CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The rape of a Muslim girl by a Hindu man in Sultan
Shahi had potential to create communal violence. Due
to Shaheen´s intervention it could be avoided. In
September, a peaceful Silent March took place which
attracted a number of people and media. Shaheen has
written to the Office of the Metropolitan Sessions
Judge in Hyderabad to request further information
regarding this case. Shaheen submitted this request at
the beginning of October 2013 but a detailed response
by the authority is still pending.
A recent letter by the Office of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge stated that information will
only be given in a month´s time as the furnishing of the same requires more time. This case is
a case in point but stands for a number of cases which Shaheen has faced in the previous
years. The Right to Information Act 2005 needs to be implemented further and faster to allow
us to effectively track the progress of the justice delivery system.
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Shaheen staff members had intense focused group discussions with the Madarasa Maulvis
who are keen in modernising the Madrasa education. However, the political party leaders
oppose this plan for their own political advantage. Despite the political pressure, we have
been able to intiate an engagement with these institutions and expect that our perseverance
will allow us to attain a compromise on modernization of Madrasas which will make them an
important point of dispensing literacy.
Filing RTIs and the follow-ups has been a challenge to Shaheen staff members at times
because the RTI letters are sometimes either sent back due to a wrong address or because they
were refused to be accepted. Therefore, staff member have taken them to the RTI offices in
person and have tried their best to build up a rapport.
In 2010, a big scam of SHG groups created problems and all private and national banks
refused to give loans to basti women henceforth. Becoming a self-sustaining entrepreneur has
become much harder since. We have been trying to engage with these institutions and help
interested women however, the task of availing any financial assistance remains a
cumbersome process.
The Chief Secretary of Metropolitan Legal Authorities is given double the burden officially.
She is a magistrate and has to deal with the criminal cases in day today life. Working on
„Justice at the doorstep of every citizen‟ is an extra burden on the secretary which is difficult
to accomplish. Hence, Shaheen is asking the authorities to provide more professional staff
members.
The Shaheen center has faced constant resistance from the community in which it is situated.
Our presence in the area despite the attempts to dislodge us there from has contributed
critically towards instilling confidence in the women in the area. It will be our steady attempt
to take forward the cause we have stood for and gaining acceptability within the community.
This acceptance will be the harbinger of an ideological change therein.
WE SEEK THE BRAVE HEART WITHIN EVERYONE – THE SUCCESS STORY OF A
REHABILITATION
Nausheen (Name changed) is a young girl from a BPL family who was victim of sexual
assault and rape by a family member (Sister‟s in-laws). After being lured into love, she faced
forced sexual encounters for over a month and ended up being pregnant at a very young age
of 15 years. She was married to a friend she could identify with. The family supported the
marriage but the marriage only ended in vain when the husband eloped. The family later
found out that the person was already married with a family of two kids. Nausheen was 8
months pregnant with the child of her rapist. Shaheen helped Nausheen restore her confidence
and brought back hope to live a life. Shaheen gave Zehra shelter for three months, where she
attended skill training and developed self-confidence. For her delivery she wants to be with
her mother. They have both received counselling and are living together again. They are in
constant touch with Shaheen staff members
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SURVEYS AND RESEARCH REPORTS
STUDY ON PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE SCAVENGING AND MANUAL SCAVENGING INDUSTRY IN
SULTAN SHAHI
 Background Information
Scavenging or Safai karamchari is viewed as the lowest work one can do. In India, it is most
often done by Dalits, who have historically been discriminated against as untouchables. Dalits
are still one of the most discriminated groups in India. They are shunned by powerful, high
caste Hindus and are denied basic human rights. An estimate made by the Asian Development
Bank in 2009 reveals that over 700,000 Indians still earn their livelihood by engaging in
manual scavenging. This is a serious threat to human dignity as well as a sanitation challenge
in terms of its impacts on human health and environment. Death and serious injury to
sanitation workers while cleaning sewerage with no or inadequate safeguards are not rare
incidents. The safety of sanitation workers and ensuring scientific method of sanitation related
works, such as sewage cleaning, are major issues to be dealt under the sanitation framework.
Women in the scavenging community are often victims of domestic violence. They also face
discrimination in the community in their day to day lives. These women have to cover their
faces as a sign of inferiority to higher castes and men of all castes. Their work takes place in
the early morning hours as they are not allowed to leave their homes during the day. they are
denied access to education, especially higher education. In rare cases there is but, limited
mobility in terms of their occupational status. In addition, their freedom of expression and
decision-making is limited and liberty restricted.
 The Study
The study shows how women from the scavenging community are oppressed in various
forms, such as physical torture and verbal abuse. In addition, they are not allowed to
participate in the panchayats and local self governance institutions and hence are restricted to
expressing their opinions and ideas. There is hardly any scope for education or general
awareness. This leads to limited knowledge on their rights as women and as Dalits. Another
serious concern facing these communities is gender discrimination among children and the
preference in favour of a male child. The study, carried out by Shaheen, revealed the violence
and discrimination faced by women for not having a male child which ultimately becomes a
safety issue. The lack of any education or training leaves these women completely dependent
on their families and without any other alternative.
 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the survey is to understand the economic conditions, education, and
discrimination, effects of Panchayath / biradari system and harassment and domestic violence
faced by women by their family members. In keeping with this objective, our survey elicited
information about their financial conditions, women rights, Panchayath system, and violence
at home. In short, the objectives of the study were:


To know their economic conditions
To understand the discrimination of girl children
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


To understand domestic violence at home
To identify their education status
To know more about the Panchayath system
 Methodology
A household survey with a sample of 120 houses was conducted in the scavenging
community in Hyderabad. The survey was carried out by Shaheen staff members. The staff
went from house to house talking to people based on a questionnaire. They have also spoken
to the elder people who came forward to share their opinion and experiences with the
Panchayat system. The information was collected in the form of questionnaire which helped
the respondents to give complete information without any hesitation. Apart from elder people,
the target sample was between 18 and 35 years of age.
 Field observations
A majority of women and girls have restricted mobility. Women have to cover their heads
with “Ghunghat” and the practice is largely forced. Those
who are not following the tradition are cursed and
rebuked by the neighbours and by society. Child
marriages are prevalent in this community. Gender based
discrimination is rampant. Restricted mobility, restriction
on education of the female child, early marriages etc were
observed. Instances of love marriages by a few educated
women have further soured the attitude of the community
towards education. There was an absolute lack of any
decision making power with the women in the family or
the community.
 Field challenges
The main challenge of the study was to convince the heads of the families that the study has
fruitful outcomes for them. Family heads objected to seeking information from the females.
They enquired about the questionnaire and the purpose of the whole study and in a few cases
permission was denied.
 Conclusion
The study provides us significant details about women´s educational, social, economic and
marital status in the scavenging community. It also gives information about the
discrimination, and opinion on the discrimination, reasons for discrimination, about the
Panchayat system, support of women in the Panchayat and how women are affected by the
patriarchal system. Men and in-laws are emerging as key decision makers in all matters. They
take key decisions such as girls´ education and their mobility. Religious customs are often
imposed on women by their parents/ mother-in-laws. Restricted life provides little
opportunities to girls to receive vocational training, such as tailoring, Mehandi courses,
koarchop and computer skill training. The lack of such training makes them dependent on
their families, husbands and in-laws. This further leads to a life below the poverty line and the
lack of any alternative. Although the government is providing various schemes, they are not
able avail those schemes due to the lack of information and in some cases government
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intermediaries. Our main intention is to bring their economic conditions to better level and
providing benefits by using government schemes.
Finally, the study shows the effects for domestic violence. What is most striking is that most
women do not go to the police to file a complaint. They have experienced domestic violence
so often that they have come to believe that it is a common reality in a marriage life. Apart
from being economically dependent on their husband and in-laws, they stay in the abusive
relationship because of their children.
MOULDING DREAMS IN LACQUER- A BASELINE STUDY OF THE UNORGANIZED HOME
BASED WOMEN WORKERS IN OLD CITY, HYDERABAD
 Background
The unorganized sector faces complex problems that are not restricted to the
administrative regulation of wage-based services, owing to the lack of any existing set up like
the organized sector experiences. This and further social issues like gender and socio-cultural
discrimination further add fuel to the fire and result in severe violation of basic human rights
The report strives to examine the data collected from 150 women across Sultan Shahi
through the form of questionnaires aimed at identifying various aspects of their work, based
on a strategy developed for the uniqueness of this community, such as:
 The educational status of the community and the reasons for dropping
education, wherever applicable
 The various industries – bangle making, beedi, supari, zari/zardosiand so on;
the situation of the workplace, earning, number of dependents;
 Agency/middlemen through which the women operate and the frequency of
work
 Occupational hazards and lack of facilities at the workplace, and so forth.
Through this, the study aims to highlight the factors and the intensity with which they
impact the unorganized home-based work arrangement and thereby removes the impediments
to develop programs that would aid the slum-based Muslim community residing in the Old
City of Hyderabad.
 Findings
The analysis has determined that the position of women in the community of Sultan
Shahi is still in its primitive stages. It is favoured by the society that she drop her education
and aid the household from a young age (of those surveyed, 49% have stated that they had
dropped their education because of familial pressures) and the restrictions on her mobility
limit her options of employment drastically, forcing her to opt for the jobs that the society
determines are acceptable for a woman to take up.In addition to this, the restriction on her
movement and the merging of workplace and living placecharts out further significant issues
such as the question of working hours and the quantum of work, contractor‟s liability, the
conditions of her living place –cum- workplace and the various work-related illnesses (85%
of those surveyed claimed to be suffering from work related ailments).
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To add to this, there is strong patriarchy in the society which results in genderdiscrimination resulting in the undervaluation of a woman‟s labour – she is rarely paid what
the man is paid or what she is due for her work. Furthermore, the work of a woman is based
on piece-rate meaning that she is paid based on what she produces; this removes the idea of
any benefits, such as paid leaves, maternity leaves, from accruing to her. In addition to this,
40% of those surveyed stated that there is also a delay in the payments and that women were
also cheated and paid less than what was agreed to. About 50% of those surveyed stated that
their daily income was below Rs.60, determining their average monthly income to be lesser
than the average monthly income of their male counterparts. Lack of awareness and inability
to bargain collectively leave the women with no remedy to the problem.
 Conclusions and suggestions
While unionization of the unorganized labour is a definitive positive attribute, the
uniqueness of the situation in Sultan Shahi disables this option. The reasons for this are the
socio-cultural environment and the constant relocation the residents of the area face.
However, government‟s aid in the form of policies (regulating intermediaries,
registering workers, regularizing workers who have exceeded a specific term of employment),
child care centres through the ICDS program, and introduction NGOs and volunteers as a
form of filter through which the terms of work are finalised would come a long way in
ensuring that the women of Sultan Shahi are not exploited.Following these efficient measures
should be the introduction of certain practices mandatory for the complete independence of
the women of the community, starting with but not limited to, awareness programs, femalechild education, and skill-training programs.
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YOUNG URBAN WOMEN PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
The Young Urban Women Program is part of a larger multi-country programme being
implemented since July, 2013 in poor urban and peri (semi)-urban areas across Ghana, South
Africa and India and targets young women between the ages of 15 and 25 years living in poor
urban areas. The principal aims of this program include economic development of women and
enabling them to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights, which would go a long
way in influencing decision-makers at the local, national and international levels. Shaheen is
implementing the project in Sultan Shahi which is operated by Action Aid.
The operational areas covered under the project include ten bastis in Sultan Shahi area, viz.,
Nasheman Nagar – A, Nasheman Nagar – B, Aman Nagar – A, Aman Nagar – B, Siddique
Nagar 1, Siddique Nagar 2, Bhavani Nagar 1, Bhavani Nagar 2, Patel Nagar and Valmiki
Nagar.
Under this program, Shaheen has decided to use Safety Audit Tool (SAT) Kit, developed by
Action Aid International for comprehending specific safety issues of target groups and
undertaking adequate steps to guarantee their well-being through appropriate project
interventions.
Definitions for Women‟s Safety as Proposed by UN-HABITAT, the Huairou Commission
and Women in Cities International for their “Global Assessment on Women‟s Safety”1.
Women‟s safety involves strategies, practices and policies which aim to reduce gender-based
violence (or violence against women), including women‟s fear of crime.
Women‟s safety involves safe spaces. Space is not neutral. Space which causes fear restricts
movements and thus the community‟s use of space. Lack of movement and comfort is a form
of social exclusion. Conversely, space can also create a sensation of safety and comfort, and
can serve to discourage violence. Therefore planning and policy around safety should always
involve and consider women.
Women‟s safety involves freedom from poverty. This includes safe access to water, the
existence and security of communal toilet facilities in informal settlements, slum upgrades,
gender-sensitive street and city design, safe car parks, shopping centers and public
transportation.
Women‟s safety involves financial security and autonomy. Family income plays a powerful
role in the cessation of battering2. Resource accumulation and mobilisation is a core strategy
for coping with abusive relationships. Similarly, women‟s economic empowerment reduces
their vulnerability to situations of violence as they become less dependent on men and better
able to make their own decisions.
Women‟s safety involves self-worth. In homes and communities, women have the right to
value themselves, to be empowered, to be respected, to be independent, to have their rights
valued, to be loved, to have solidarity with other family and community members, and to be
recognised as equal members in society.
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Women‟s safety involves strategies and policies that take place before violence has occurred
to prevent perpetration or victimisation. This can happen by improving knowledge and
attitudes that correspond to the origins of domestic or sexual violence, such as adhere to
societal norms supportive of violence, male superiority and male sexual entitlement.
Furthermore, women‟s and girl‟s full participation in community life must be promoted,
partnerships between local community organisations and local governments must be pursued
and including a full diversity of women and girls in local decision-making processes must be
promoted. Prevention efforts involved strategic, long-term, comprehensive initiatives that
address the risk and protective factors related to perpetration, victimisation and bystander
behavior.
Women‟s safety means a safer, healthier community for everyone. This is a participatory
process focused on changing community norms, patterns of social interaction, values, customs
and institutions in ways that will significantly improve the quality of life in a community for
all of its members3. This is a natural by-product of efforts that attempt to address issues such
as family dynamics, relationships, poverty, racism and/or ending sexual violence. Building a
healthy, safe community is everyone‟s job.
Source: UN-HABITAT, Women in Cities International, SIDA and Red Mujer y Habitat de
America Latin, The global assessment on women’s safety, UN-HABITAT, 2008, p. 10.
These definitions were collected by a range of organisations, including the Huairou
Commission, Latin American Women and Habitat Network and Women in Cities
International, through a questionnaire via email. They have been copied in full, with no edits
to the definitions provided by researcher participants. Please note, however, our comments n
in response to these definitions in footnotes 2 and 3 below.
Many feminists and women‟s rights activists would dispute the relationship between domestic
violence and household income. Domestic violence is a global problem that cuts across all
class, race, religious, ethnic and socio-economic boundaries.
While it is correct to say that there are community-wide benefits in improving women‟s safety
in urban spaces and guaranteeing women‟s right to the city, it is essential that we do not adopt
an instrumentalist approach to our work. A women‟s right to bodily integrity and freedom of
movement without actual, threatened or feared violence is a right in and of itself.
Women's safety involves strategies, practices and policies, which aim to reduce gender-based
violence (or violence against women), including women's fear of crime. Women's safety
involves safe spaces and spaces that result in causing fear have restrictions on mobility,
thereby posing a threat to women. Lack of movement and comfort is considered to be a form
of social exclusion that translates into circumstances engendering violence.
SAFETY AUDIT AND ITS TOOLKIT
Safety Audit can be defined as a method to evaluate the environment from the standpoint of
those who feel vulnerable and to make changes that reduce opportunities for assault. This is a
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participatory approach for the women themselves to understand their key safety concerns in
particular to their public and private spaces and steps that can be taken to improve their
safety in these areas from their own perspective. It primarily focuses on identifying the
infrastructure issues that make a place feel unsafe for women and explores how men and
women use space differently (gendered use of space), both of which affect the safety of
women and girls. The goal of the audit is to guarantee women‟s safety and mobility in
their continuous movement between public and private spaces.
 Project´s Goal
To analyse women‟s safety and security in Sultan Shahi area in the Old City of Hyderabad
 Project´s Objectives
 To help women in identifying areas of improvement that can be implemented in
physical environments and infrastructure
 Facilitating women in understanding their key safety concerns in public and private
spaces by taking steps for improvement from their perspective
 To identify the programs and policies in promoting safety to women and the practices
needed to enhance safety
 Analysing and including people‟s concerns in local planning
 To build women‟s rights perspective among the various stakeholders including
women, men and bureaucrats in the Old City of Hyderabad
 Project Strategies
Formation and strengthening of women‟s steering group to provide guidance throughout
safety audit.
 Collaboration and association with Bhumika Women‟s Collective along with
ActionAid.
 Identification of women‟s safety issues in Sultan Shahi area through Participatory
Safety Audit Tool Kit of ActionAid.
 Analysing and adopting strategies that can help in overcoming concerns regarding
safety of women in Sultan Shahi.
 Help the Young Urban Women to articulate their safety concerns with the service
providers to ensure safety in and around their areas.
 Target Group
Young girls and women residing in the ten slum communities of Sultan Shahi area of Old
City of Hyderabad engaged in various occupations like wage labour, bangle making, petty
shops, embroidery works, Tailoring, Mehandi designing, etc.
 Sample Size
This research has been conducted with a sample size of 100-120 young women and boys from
select communities of Sultan Shahi area. Out of the total sample size, 20 young women and
20-30 young boys have been employed for conducting community mapping exercise. A total
of 15 members have been selected as the key informants for the interviews, six members for
in-depth Interviews and 30 members for the safety walk.
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 Visit to the Target Areas
The Safety Audit Team has made an aerial survey of the identified basties to comprehend
their present condition. During the visit, it was observed that among the ten basties, eight
were dominated by Muslim population. More often than not, the otherwise congested basties
have been found to be desolate, with very few individuals venturing out of their homes.
Individuals residing in these basties are from different walks of life, with some engaged in
business activities and yet others employed in industries and various jobs.
The population of Hindus has been found to be higher in areas, such as Bhavani Nagar,
Valmiki Nagar and Patel Nagar, with an influx of families from the states of Rajasthan,
Maharashtra and Bihar. A major proportion of these families are engaged in petty
occupations, such as selling ice creams and running chat and pani puri carts, with the women
being involved in making bangles. The areas where these families operate are highly
susceptible to communal strife, and since most of the occupations they are engaged in provide
wages on a daily basis, any departure from routine renders their existence in jeopardy.
 Data Collection
Rapid Situational Analysis
This tool has been utilised for identifying key issues through baseline information related to
women‟s safety in the Old City area as understood by the Safety Audit group. The
questionnaire template for rapid situational analysis was used and after the basic data from the
field was obtained, analysis of the same was undertaken by conducting a brainstorming
session overseen by Ms. Vandana from ActionAid. During the analysis, the cluster
coordinators have discussed about the unsafe areas identified by them, in addition to sharing
views related to the hardships faced and strategies of overcoming them in order to bring
change in the lives of target young women under the Young Urban Women‟s Project.
The Rapid Situation Analysis has been done in consultation with the cluster coordinators in
the ten select areas on safety audit. The process of analysis has been undertaken with 35
members, including cluster coordinators and the communities.
 Key Informant Interviews
Key informant interviews were conducted to gain more in-depth information about major
safety concerns from individual women and girls holding positions of responsibility/authority
in specific urban areas. The team has established rapport with duty bearers, including service
providers and community and government leaders to introduce the concept of safety audit,
learning about the situation from their perspective and taking their recommendations in
improving safety conditions in the Old City areas. The cluster coordinators of Shaheen
accompanied Ms. Saritha from Bhumika in taking the interviews of key persons in Old City
area, with the rest of the interviews being conducted by Bhumika.
In all, 16 key persons from a range of fields have been interviewed under this project,
including the following:
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a) Two government functionaries from the police department, the first being Mr. Naveen
Kumar, Circle Inspector from Moghulpura Police Station and the second being Mr.
Narsaiah, Rakshak, from Bhavani Nagar Police Station in the Old City of Hyderabad
b) Interviews with 3 elected representatives, including Mr. Mujju Patel, Ward Member,
Moghalpura Ward, Charminar constituency, Mr. Mohammed Usman, Ward Member
& Basti Leader, Aman Nagar – B and Mr. Mohammed, Ward Member, Bhavani
Nagar A & B
c) Interview with Mr. Pasham Mahesh, BJP General Secretary, Patel Nagar and Mr.
Salahuddin Quad, Madarasa, Bhavani Nagar
d) Interviews with academicians, Dr. Jayasree Mohan Raj, Professor, English & Foreign
Languages University, Hyderabad and Ms. Sunitha Rani, Professor, Centre for
Women‟s Studies, Central University, Hyderabad
e) Interviews with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Ms. P.
Prasanthi, State Programmed Director, A.P. Mahila Samatha Society, Hyderabad, Mr.
Basavaraj, APSA, Hyderabad, Ms. Vijaya Kumari, Dalit Women Forum, Hyderabad,
Ms. C. Bhanuja, REDS, Kadiri, Anantapur Dist., Ms. Swaroopa Rani, Secretary,
AIDWA and Ms. K. Shiva Kumari, CEO, SWARD, Siddipet.
 Ranking/Community Mapping
The key informant interviews were followed by mapping of safe and unsafe places in the
community by assigning them ranks. The first mapping was done on 15th February 2014 in
the streets of select areas, including Nasheman Nagar-I, Nasheman Nagar-II, Siddique Nagar
I & II, Valmiki Nagar-I, Aman Nagar-A and Patel Nagar by six small groups along with
cluster coordinators and young women from the community.
Charts and color markers were used for illiterate women in order that they understand the
difference between safe and unsafe places during the community mapping process.
 Focused Group Discussions:
FGDs with Young Women :
No. of FGDs – 5
Areas: Patel Nagar, Siddique Nagar 1 & 2, Bhawani Nagar
B, Aman Nagar 1 & 2, Nasheman Nagar 1 & 2, Bhawani
Nagar A and Valmiki Nagar
Demographic Details of Women: The young women
belonged to the age group of 16-35 years, belonging to
lower to middle income group from Hindu, Muslim and
Christian communities. Many of these women are daily
wage labourers and are undergoing trainings from
Shaheen's Vocational Training Centres.
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For conducting focussed group discussions (FGDs) with young women, the total of ten
basties were divided into two groups of five each, with the resource centers of Shaheen being
identified for the same. The objective of this exercise was to gain an understanding of the indepth issues of safety experienced by young girls and women with their perspective in order
that mitigating strategies might be developed.
The entire Safety Audit group from Shaheen, Bhumika and ActionAid was divided into five
smaller groups for conducting FGDs in five centers of Shaheen. The team was again oriented
on their roles and methods to be followed in conducting this assignment, so as to achieve
maximum participation from the target audience. In all, 74 young girls and women (15-19
Years: 40 members; 20-25 Years: 24 members; 26-30 Years: 8 members & 30-35 Years: 2
women) have participated in the FGDs, who were initially hesitant to reveal any personal
information but gained in confidence upon being told that whatever they speak about would
be kept strictly confidential.
 FGDs with Young Men:
The Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted with
young boys and men at Shaheen‟s office were aimed
at gaining an insight about the male perspective
towards safety issues of young girls and women, along
with their responses on the issues of violence against
women. The young men from all the 10 bastis of the
project area were identified and FGDs were conducted
with a group of 15 young men.
 In Depth Interviews:
In-depth Interviews were conducted with four community women, who have been randomly
selected from Focus Group Discussions that were held earlier. The selected women were
found to be more vocal and had been subjected to various forms of violence over time. The
four women interviewed were from different areas including Siddhique Nagar 1, Siddique
Nagar 2, Valmiki Nagar and Patel Nagar, which were conducted by Ms. Vandana from
ActionAid at the community level.
 Safety Walk
A safety walk was conducted on 18th February, 2014 at 3:30 PM involving a group of 25
members, including the staff of Action Aid, Shaheen, Bhumika and women from local
communities. The primary objective of this walk was to gain an understanding related to
dimensions of safety and different forms of harassment faced by women and girls in urban
spaces. The bigger group was divided into five smaller groups for covering Charminar and
Bahadurpura areas.
Again, the team stopped at Pista House and proceeded to Bahadurpura by autos, being
dropped at Bahadurpura signal, where the safety walk continued up to Zoo Park on NH 7
road, which was about one kilometer away. The Tahsildar office and Police Station,
Bahadurpura, were located on this road.
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 Triangulation Workshop
In order to analyse the findings in the safety audit process and to draft a framework for report,
a triangulation workshop was organised by Shaheen in collaboration with ActionAid and
Bhumika Women‟s Collective as a part of the safety audit process and conducted at Urdu
Ghar, Charminar by Shaheen on 14th March, 2014 in the presence of Mr. Raghu, Regional
Manager, ActionAid. A total of 40 members comprising young women from Charminar
communities and representatives from Shaheen, Bhumika and ActionAid have participated in
the workshop.
Ms. Vandana, Coordinator, Young Women Project, ActionAid, briefed about the tools and
processes of safety audit for women in collaboration with NGOs with specific roles. She has
also shared the objective of the workshop in drafting a framework for the Safety Audit Report
by analysing and understanding the tools and processes of the safety audit, along with
progress made so far. The workshop has come out with the experiences of the participants,
learnings and measures to be taken up by different departments and persons.
IMPACT OF LACK OF SAFETY ON YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS AS PER PROJECT RESULTS
 Impact on Lack of Safety and security of Young Women and Girls
 Excessive restrictions imposed on young girls by parents/guardians
 Mobility of young girls restricted for going to schools and doing jobs
 High rate of school dropouts of girls being witnessed
 Girls not forming a part of decision making processes and denied from expressing
themselves, leading to suppression of desires
 Guilty feeling among the girls
 Child marriages resulting in early pregnancies
 No private space available at homes
 No safety even at homes
 Women and girls harassed by even small children
 Little children used as messengers by giving slips/chits to women with mobile
numbers, etc
 Recommendations
 Gender Sensitive Measures
 Sensitisation workshops to be conducted for the police department for dealing with
sensitive cases related to young girls and women
 Need for more women to be part of Rakshak Police
 Sensitisation of community leaders/basti leaders on gender issues
 Acts to be gender sensitive and oriented
 Self-defense trainings in educational institutions
 Boys to be brought up with gender sensitivity by their families
 Measures To Be Taken For Improving Infrastructure And Public Transport
AT THE STATE GOVERNMENT LEVEL

Control of autos with prescribed number of passengers
23 | P a g e

Separate seats to be provided for men and women in autos, for which intervention
from the police required
 Mandated monthly visits to be made by the electricity department staff for checking
and repairing street lights in bastis and streets
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN FOR STOPING ABUSE AND TEASING

Posters against abuse and teasing to be prepared and posted on walls of streets, bus
stops, auto stands and video game shops
 Preparing pamphlets explaining about the Acts and distributing them among public
 Promoting ant-abuse and anti-harassment advertisements on television and radio
 Creating awareness and conducting trainings for young girls and boys
 Discouraging gatherings in places, such as such as cyber cafe, hotels, auto stands and
in front of wine shops
 Regular interactions with police, basti leaders, rowdy sheeters and Masjid Moulvis on
instances of abuse and harassment, in addition to training them on gender issues
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY NGOS IN MITIGATING VIOLENCE BY BASTI LEADERS AND ROWDY
SHEETERS

Organising community meetings in basties for creating awareness related to Nirbhaya
Amendment and Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act by inviting resource persons
from the police department
 Conduct sensitisation workshops for
community leaders and young men by
engaging them through continuous
interaction
 Involving the media and religious leaders
for support and guidance
 Encouraging advocacy with Police
 Advocating to deploy more number of
women police in police stations near to
basties
 Engaging educational institutions for creating awareness on eve teasing and violence
against women
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN HELPING POLICE TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF YOUNG GIRLS AND
WOMEN
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Establishing a women Rakshak office at the community level for enhancing protection
and security of young girls and women
Presence of women patrolling police team in Rakshak vans required for added safety
Police to be trained on gender sensitisation for improving their attitude and behavior
towards women
Sensitisation of communities by the police on their roles and responsibilities
Prompt and humble response from the police to complainants, thereby listening and
addressing the problem at the earliest
24 | P a g e

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Police to maintain their dignity and respect in the eyes of the citizens by not indulging
in any immoral activities during duty hours, such as consumption of alcohol, smoking
or chewing tobacco
Women police to be well-versed with the rights of women and all related acts
PEOPLE‟S MANIFESTO
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Provide proper infrastructure in the streets, such as adequate lighting, proper roads,
cleanliness and drinking water facility
Ward leaders/basti leaders to arrange and improve
the basic facilities including transport, electricity,
monitoring the anganwadi centers, public
distribution systems and medical facilities
Police to respond immediately to the women
approaching them during crises situations
Police to extend the patrolling services in interior
streets to ensure safety and protection of women
Establishment of Women Police Station in Old City
area
Women Rakshak police to be appointed in patrolling
team
Promoting girl child education
Parents should be educated to understand the behavior of the children and provide
ample space for sharing their views for offering proper guidance
Inclusion of gender component in bringing up children
Creating widespread awareness on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act, 2012, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Anti-Rape Act) in
educational institutions
Teaching self defense mechanisms to girls for protecting themselves
Discouraging women from misusing or taking undue advantage of Anti-Rape Act
Creating awareness about the drastic effects of abusive behavior on women, which are
often ignored or considered to be normal
Instilling a sense of proper meaning of manhood among boys from an early age so that
they refrain from all forms of violence and violations against women
Gender sensitisation programs to be conducted across all sections and strata to bring
attitudinal changes
Formation of gender desks at schools/colleges for facilitating forums wherein girls can
share their views and concerns
Inclusion of human and moral values in educational institutions and families
Conducting awareness camps through kalajathas (Street plays/ role plays by stage
artists), etc., for encouraging human values
Discouraging early marriages
25 | P a g e
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Encouraging groups of adolescents and teenagers for identifying their needs and
providing sufficient space to make them understand the issues of violence against
women
Motivating them to learn life skill trainings for positive thinking
Effective implementation of acts pertaining to women enabled by holding government
and civil societies, NGOs, law makers, judiciary and executive departments
responsible
Screening of short films on issues of violence against women in film theatres before
the screening of the main film
Arranging CC cameras in public places where violence takes place more, help lines to
give information to get the support and information dissemination to young girls and
boys on available tracking mechanisms
POLICY CHANGES
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Police to respond immediately to the women approaching them during crises
situations
Police to extend the patrolling services in interior streets to ensure safety and
protection of women
Establishment of Women Police Station in Old City area
Women Rakshak police to be appointed in patrolling team
Gender sensitisation trainings to all the government officials of all the departments,
particularly police and judiciary
Women Rakshak Police to be recruited in all the patrolling services
All the acts to be gender sensitive
More number of women to be in public places
Helpline telephone numbers that can be easily recollected to be made available
Commoditisation and commercialisation of women in all public spaces and platforms
(media and advertisements) to be strictly kept under check as such ideas perpetrate
images of ownership of men over women
Government to also take all measures to prevent harassment of women by making
work relations and work spaces egalitarian and by changing the mindset of the
employees through stringent code of conduct. Similarly, the general public to also get
signals from the government that harassment of women will not be tolerated
Women to have access to a greater number of easy procedures to raise their voice
against harassment
Ensure equal participation of women in all spheres/all issues in public life
Involving women‟s participation and voices in micro planning
Government to take proper steps in encouraging the youth groups with adequate
education, training and employment schemes by conducting special and inspirational
programs
Instilling a sense of proper meaning of manhood among boys from an early age so that
they refrain from all forms of violence and violations against women
26 | P a g e
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Introducing self-defense courses for girls in all educational institutions
Government to enact stringent laws for awarding rigorous punishment on dowry
takers, women's murderers and rapists
Filling in the gaps in various acts related to women to be achieved by a common
platform of NGOs for representing the same to the government
Government to increase policing in sensitive communities
Effective functioning of women‟s cells around the clock, with greater focus on
violence prone areas
Helpline number to become more approachable to women
Introduction of more exclusive buses for women and provision of greater security in
MMTS
Stringent punishments and fast track courts to monitor sexual assault cases
Gender education to be made mandatory at the school level
Corruption in any form to be discouraged with stringent actions to be taken
Encouraging the concept of mutual respective irrespective of any distinction
Government to review the areas while allotting permissions for wine shops
Government to make sure of proper police action on gutka consumers
Security guards in each compartment in trains, with display of free dial/emergency
numbers in every compartment
Lady constables to be positioned in ladies compartments in trains
Proper monitoring of police and government officials near wine shops
RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHAHEEN BY ACTIONAID
 Adoption of Anti Sexual Harassment at Workplace (ASH) policy
 1000 Women to be oriented on the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013
 Involve the basti leaders/ward members/moulvis in the public awareness activities
conducted by Shaheen.
 Sensitising the key persons on gender issues
 Challenges
 Getting appointment and time from officials
 Many of the ward leaders/basti leaders not willing to reveal information on issues of
violence
 Elections/state bifurcation
 Moving alone in the streets for getting information
 Completion of the assigned task within time period
 Opinions of the local government functionaries not obtained
27 | P a g e
OUR LEARNING FROM THE SAFETY AUDIT PROJECT
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The Safety Audit process has enabled in identifying viewpoints of the higher
authorities on ensuring women‟s safety
Developed understanding on the tasks being undertaken by senior community
members in the area of women‟s issues
Developed a close understanding about the attitudes of police officers in attending to
cases related to issues of women‟s safety
Community women provided with the opportunity of expressing their views
Developed an understanding about Shaheen‟s work at community level
Realised and understood the importance of self-protection techniques and various
preventive measures
Gained an insight on the conventional methods of mitigating basti issues
Conclusion of Program
The participatory processes of women‟s safety audit have been endeavoured to identify unsafe
zones in the Old City of Hyderabad in order that preventive and corrective measures are taken
to alleviate the situation. This exercise has enabled the research team to understand the gaps
and loopholes within the system that have curtailed the mobility of women and denied them
their right to freedom. The recommendations put forward in the report have been reflective of
a breakdown in the government machinery to safeguard rights of women, in addition to
pointing out deficiencies among the aggrieved parties themselves in upholding their rights.
The process of safety audit has been self-exploratory not only for the communities involved
but also for the team engaged in carrying out the research. This pilot study has also
challenged the system of patriarchy and male domination that has been found to be rampant in
the target interventional area. The concept of this study makes it a highly replicable model,
which can be adapted for its wider scaling-up. Going forwards, we anticipate that this piece of
research would be transformed into a wide enough platform to implement the stated
recommendations for the betterment of women in terms of their safety and security in the
society.Shaheen has been very active in upholding peace and harmony in the 20 select basties
of Old City of Hyderabad since its inception. As the Old City area being very sensitive to
communal conflicts, it ensues in disharmony and hostility and destroys the fabric of
relationships. In order to promote the cause of secularism among the populace, Shaheen has
celebrated all the national and religious festivals in the operational communities. These events
have been very joyful for the attendees with a sense of unity among the caste and
neighbourhood communities.
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SHAHEEN´S ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE MARCH 2013
OUR WORK
➢
Shaheen has started five centres in the bastis and is working at the community level
intensively.
➢
Shaheen has been able to publish and issue a
comprehensive booklet on girls‟ rights and
Right to Information in the areas of its
functioning in Urdu language.
➢
Shaheen‟s networking with Hyderabad
Central University has enabled in
broadening the organization‟s activities as
well as garnering several recognitions.
➢
Basti Vikas Munch - Shaheen has identified 40 women and girls from the bastis who
started organising basti meetings. Children are encouraged to participate in bringing
about more holistic changes in family and society. Shaheen is creating awareness on
the act Protection of Children against sexual offenses (POCSO).
➢
The Legal Service Authorities came into the bastis and addressed the women and
children. They said “Supreme Court has come to your doorstep.”
➢
Providing Legal Counseling, Education on Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights.
➢
Shaheen negotiated and got a new health centre from the authorities at Lalitha bagh in
a walk able distance to Nasheman nagar, Khan nagar and Patel nagar
➢
One young girl from Shaheen attended world youth conference in Sir Lanka.
➢
The state has promised an ITI in our area of operation. The domestic workers and unorganised sector women workers are involved in Shaheen‟s work.
➢
After providing awareness programs, scavenging community people stopped their
traditional work and children started going to school, women are coming to centre to
learn vocational courses offered by Shaheen and few of them started their own earnings
by doing different jobs such as sales girl, receptionist etc.
➢
Jameela Nishat is on board of Institute Ethical Committee of HCU and a board member
of Committee Against Sexual Harassment at the HCU
CHALLENGES FACED
Shaheen dreams of a society in which gender, class, caste or religious status do not impinge
upon one‟s resources, rights or freedom – whether inside the home or in public spaces
The focus of Shaheen‟s work:
•
•
Assertion of Women and girls‟ Rights as Human Rights
Girls and women as the equal participants in the development of this society
29 | P a g e
•
•
•
•
Radical democratization of the society, economy and polity at all levels
A just, secular, violence free and peaceful society and state
Girls to have quality education and violence free life
The communities must have better basic amenities with infrastructure by addressing
urban governance
STRATEGIES
 Sensitization on RTI , RTE and Protection of Girls Against Sexual Offense Act
 Advocacy with bureaucrats and State Government Officers to prohibit child marriages
 15 days activism on violence against women and girls (VAWG)
 Workshop with school students on girls‟ rights and POCSO
 Vocational training to girls
 campaign on SRHR and PCPNDT Act
 Advocacy with Labour department and enrolling basti Domestic Workers and
informal workers, get them Id cards and entitlements. (A large number of unorganized
sector workers having access to space and other social security benefits)
 Workshops on Provision of health services and create awareness on Sexual
Reproductive Health Rights.
Activities
 Education and Empowerment
Shaheen started Spoken English classes at Sultan shahi area. The classes were scheduled as
four days in a week. Shaheen selected 40 members who are mostly drop out girls and those
who discontinued their studies due to various reasons after 10th class. In the beginning no girl
responded properly to the tutor. But later they started coming regularly and good rapport was
developed with tutor and they started asking lot of doubts. The class starts at 12pm and
completes at 3pm. The reason is that each individual comes from different levels of
educational background. Very few girls who are from 6th and 7th standards faced little
problem in understanding, but as they regularly attended the classes they picked up. Now girls
are improving their knowledge levels. Now they are participating in other awareness
programs very actively.
 Economic Independence and vocational skills.
Besides these, spoken English classes, other vocational courses such as tailoring, mehandi
designing, karchop, Basics in computers are other courses offered in the centres regularly
 Awareness raising and safe space for women
 Adult Education and literacy camps
 Strengthen the secular and violence free society by public meetings
 Awareness raising about Child sexual abuse and laws
On 27th March, Shaheen organized a public meeting on Nirbhaya act (Anti-rape Act which
provides for life term and even death sentence for rape convicts besides stringent punishment
for offences like acid attacks, stalking and voyeurism) and POCSO (Protection of Children
30 | P a g e
from Sexual Offences Act 2012) and Mr. Fiaz, Sub
Inspector, Special Police Crime branch; Mr.
Anjaneyulu, SPI from Moghalpura police station
came as resource persons for the program. Mr. Fiaz
explained in detail about the Nirbhaya Act and how
the act came into existence and punishments under
Nirbhaya act and POCSO.
Later community women presented the maps of their
bastis where they showed the risky zones in their
areas and requested them to increase patrolling even in the small lanes so that women can
have safe mobility in their slums. Mr. Fiaz promised that he will do his best to provide safety
to women and girls.
 Girls‟ Reproductive health Rights and awareness campaign
Shaheen organised three days workshop on 25th April to 29th April 2014. The resource
persons for this workshop came from Asmitha resource centre for women and the topic is
sexual rights and health rights and 100 members attended. The first day they interacted with
women and girls whose age belongs to 15-25 yrs and asked few questions like which parts of
the body gives you pain and why and which parts gives pleasure etc. then they explained
about the menstruation cycle and on completion of the first day collected feedback from them.
On the second day, explained about good touch and bad touch and decent work. One of the
resource people explained the purpose of good touch and Bad touch to children, so that they
can be aware of such incidents and avoid sexual child abuse. On the third day they interacted
with participants and recaptured on decent work, good touch, bad touch and menstruation
cycle. They also cleared all the myths and misconceptions during the menstruation period.
AT SHAHEEN, WE UNDERSTAND KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, AND WE SEEK TO EMPOWER
I am Shilpa, 17 years old says “Thanks to Shaheen for giving awareness on sexual rights and
health rights. Now I can talk about Sexual Reproductive Health Rights with my friends and
relatives without hesitation”.
Shaheen organised three a days-workshop with support of ActionAid in Valmiki Nagar. The
resource persons came from Asmitha Resource Centre for Women. 100 women attended the
workshop which focused on body parts, menstrual cycle and the difference between a bad
touch - sexual harassment - and a good touch - sexual pleasure. The age group was between
15 to 25 years. The women interacted actively and came to understand the important
difference between good and bad physical touch. Furthermore, they were informed about the
myths and misconceptions of menstruation and were empowered to love and protect their
bodies.
 Training on RTI and Experience of RTI:
On June 5th, 2013, a training program was conducted in Valmikinagar to spread awareness
about Right to Information Act. This meeting was attended by 150 participants.
Shaheen invited Mr.Mohd. Abdul Saleem, the Vice President at The Right to Information Act
Protection Committee, as a resource person who gave training on RTI (Right to Information,
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An Act which empowers the citizen to ask question the system and Government departments
to get the uninformed facts). The participants were all the staff members. Shaheen staff in
continuation gave awareness on RTI to the community women. This led to the process of
filing RTIs. The community women and girls came with problems like lack of garbage
disposal facilities, lack of anganwadi centers, and health care centers in their slums. Shaheen
staff collected the signatures and filed RTI to GHMC (local Municipality) and got immediate
positive response. The Basti women took the lead and along with Shaheen staff went to ICDS
(Integrated child development scheme) department and enquired about the anganwadi centers
in the slums, and they assured that as per the population, anganwadi centers will be allocated
in the areas. ICDS department immediately sanctioned 5 centers in slums. Now people have
idea on RTI and how to solve their issues with the help of RTI.
 Legal Counseling and Training
 Communal harmony
Shaheen interacted with the Metropolitan Legal service authority and invited all the
communities for awareness program in the slum. They were very cooperative and explained
to the community members about the functions of Lok Adalat and free legal service cell.
In 2013, communal riots had taken place at Sultan shahi and nearby slums. Saber, 22 yrs old,
a resident of Siddiq nagar was victimised in the riot case of pelting stones and kept as accused
in the police station.
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ANNEXURE-I
TABLE OF SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTIONS
Domestic Violence
cases filed
183 cases
registered in
Shaheen
No
of
child
marriages stopped
15
No of adolescents
brought back to
school
16
No of men and boys
trained / sensitised
on women's issues
720
Skill
building
training to women
for
income
generation activities
1070
per month 280
g
i
r
l
s
(
1
2
*
2
8
0
)
Legal training to
women for land and
property rights
3360
Awareness
on
Dv act, Property
rights and health
rights,
Sexual
rights,
child
labour act
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Number of women
helpline formed to
address VAW
70
Number
of
trafficked girls and
women rescued and
rehabilitated
2 rescued
and
2
rehabilitated
Effective
implementation
PCPNDT act
of
Number
of
adoloscents
girls,
women trained on
sexual rights
310
Sex ratio at birth
improved in xxx
pockets/districts
No of members in
collectives
Children
are
recognized
as
political and equal
citizens
No of application
for
new
ICDS
centre
2
meer ka daira,
macca masjid
MDM Functional in
xxx schools
No of malnutrition 190
cases addressed
Making
functional
schools
No
of
functional
SMCs
210
Total 400
3
sultanshahi,
aman
nagar
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siddiq nagar1
Children enrolment Boys
(Boys, Girls &
CWDs)
Girls
CWDs
Cases
of
child 36
labour
identified
and released
16
Total 52
identified-200 in
20 slums
No of Children 69 groups
collectives formed
by our efforts
No of Child labour 10
linked to school
sponsored
children
8
Total 18
A socially just,
secular, violence
free and peaceful
society and state
Number of peace
committees formed
Number of peace
cadres trained
Effective
implementation of
PM'15
point
programme in xxx
areas
16 SLUMS
Study/survey report
published and used
for further advocacy
Solidarity
with
struggles
and
progressive actions
beyond local and
national
boundaries.
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Workshops/Events
organized
and
participated
48
Workshops;
12 Events;
Participants1765
Linkages/alliances
with beyond border
Any
other
contributions
to
beyond
border
initiatives
WOMEN
WORLD
CONFEREN
CE
We acknowledge the great and fruitful collaboration with ActionAid and Bhumika –
Helpline for Women as well as the work under the Rehnuma umbrella!
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