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AMA
SANGATHAN'S PROFILE |
Ama Sangathan grew out of the efforts of Agragamee, which has
been working in Kashipur since 1981. Agragamee has endeavoured
to empower tribal communities through capacity building and people's
organisation.
Leadership by women was actively promoted at both the village
and panchayat levels and savings groups were formed. The panchayat
level mahila mandals took the initiative to federate at the block
level.
Ama Sangathan is one such Block level federation of mahila mandals
in the Kashipur Block of Rayagada district.
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PROFILE
Ama Sangathan is a registered society of tribal women workers, primarily
concerned with the conservation of land, water, forests and other natural
resources as well as securing rights over the same. The membership of
this organization is open to any tribal women of the 17 gram panchayats
comprising 412 villages. Ama Sangathan networks with the 17 mahila mandals
(women's groups) around the different panchyats of Kashipur. Ama Sangathan
has undertaken several developmental activities, which include training
for members, procurements and marketing of MFP and issue-based advocacy.
It has started grain banks for community members in order to reduce household
vulnerability in times of strife.
The promotion of savings groups among tribal women has aimed at developing
economic strength among tribal communities.
In order to improve agricultural practices, Ama Sangathan has taken up
initiatives like compost pits, nurseries and grain banks. In the social
sphere, health awareness is an important intervention. The general body
members educate and orient the members of the group in the functioning
of various village committees, the formation of savings groups and the
delivery of PDS and government programmes.
Member education for unity and solidarity are also important components
of training undertaken. Ama Sangathan has taken upon itself a role to
control social evils among the tribal community. The ill effects of alcoholism
and ensuring the delivery of minimum wages for coolie workers are some
of the issues the women have collectively, and successfully dealt with.
Though it is registered as a society, it functions on the principles of
a cooperative. It also takes upon itself a trade union role, protecting
the interests of workers.
Ama Sangathan conducts awareness building and ensures that employers pay
the minimum wage and allows for village committees to take up construction
work on a contract basis from the government.
Its efforts have resulted in assisting women to raise their voices against
injustices and have also helped mainstream critical survival problems
of their area.
Ama Sangathan remains a symbol of the united power of tribal women. The
women of Kashipur have gained much from their collective stand. It aims
at empowerment of all women, to enable them to raise their voices against
injustices. To make tribal women seen and heard.
Loud and clear.
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