Women Empowerment through Advocacy, Livelihood Training and Health
Inadequate economic, social and political empowerment of women is a major deterrent to development among rural communities in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh. The prevalence rate of leprosy in Barabanki is much higher compared to other districts in the state. Women from marginalised communities are more vulnerable and are the worst affected in terms of the denial of their basic human rights and their ability to live with dignity. Gender-based violence is common, and the practice of female foeticide is still prevalent. Women affected by leprosy suffer more than men because of the multiple disadvantages of stigma, gender and disability.
How the project aims to address these problems
The Leprosy Mission Trust India’s Women’s Empowerment through Advocacy, Livelihood Training and Health (WEALTH) project aims to promote gender equality, skills training and literacy for sustainable socio-economic development of women. It also aims to raise health awareness through health promotion and disease prevention with focus on women’s health and disability management, and increased utilisation of government healthcare services.
Project implementation area
150 villages of Fatehpur and Ramnagar blocks of Barabanki district, in Uttar Pradesh.
February 2017 – December 2018
- More than 60% women in Fatehpur and Ramnagar blocks of Barabanki district have improved decision making with regard to themselves, their family and their community.
- More than 50% women have increased control over their income and assets.
- More than 60% women have increased independent mobility as a result of literacy and empowerment.
- More than 50% men have changed perceptions about women rights and gender stereotypes.
Key project staff: Mr Naushad Hasan Ansari, Programme Manager