Films

CBPS GrOW Films: 

Visual material has been a critical element to this project, and we have collated a few of these into short videos and films. They are:

  • A brief video made by International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada about the study is available here.
  • A brief introduction to the premise of the study, the research questions, and the methodology of the study can be found here.

CBPS GrOW Mahila Samakhya (MS) Documentary:

CBPS has completed a study on the impact of Mahila Samakhya (MS) in Bihar and Karnataka. A short documentary showcasing the MS programme’s objectives and processes, the impact of the programme as seen through our study, the policy advocacy efforts that we made, as well as the experience of the research team has been documented through this short film. The documentary highlights the contributions of the MS programme to the empowerment of women, and advocates the need for the continuation of programmes such as MS.

English Version
Hindi Version

We have made a series of Stories of Mahila Samakhya called ‘Conversation Among Equals’ – both in English, Hindi and Kannada. 

Federation – The Mahila Samakhya (MS) Federation is a nodal point for all MS sanghas (collective action groups) participating at the block level under the MS programme. The federation was conceptualised as an institution that would function as a support system for the sanghas and when it is mature, act independently from Mahila Samakhya’s official structure on women empowerment issues.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Enabling Political Participation – One of the critical activities of Mahila Samakhya (MS) was to ensure that women function as fully engaged citizens so that they not only participate but are also part of the local self government and Panchayati Raj institutions.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Nari Adalat -Nari Adalat or “women’s courts” is one of the many women-centric institutions that has become independent of the Mahila Samakhya (MS) administration.  The MS federations have taken over the responsibility of keeping this institution alive where women seek redressal for disputes, acts of violence or any other issues concerning their daily lives.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Rabita Devi, Adhora Village, Kaimur, Bihar – Rabita Devi is from a remote village in Adhora, in the district of Kaimur, Bihar, where it is hard to get any state amenities or entitlements. This is the story of Rabita and her journey with MS. Her story is of continued hardship and constant negotiations with the structural inequalities of our society.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Savitri, Rajwada Village Muzzaffarpur, Bihar – Savitri has been a Mahila Samakhya (MS) worker from the very beginning of the programme in Muzzaffarpur. She studied at the Jagagi Centre (centres for adult education) to be well-versed in masonry and became the first Mahila Mistiri (woman mason), challenging several gender- and caste-based taboos. She went on to be a trainer in MS in Masonry to many women group members. This is her journey with MS.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Sulochana Devi, Dighri Village, Katihar, Bihar – Sulochana Devi worked as a sahiyogini with Mahila Samakhya (MS) and worked on issues regarding health. She was instrumental in bringing about changes in health and well-being of the MS members in her villages. This is the story of Sulochana Devi and her journey with MS.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Julie Kumari, Sahyogini, Mahila Samakhya, Katihar, Bihar – Julie Kumari joined Mahila Samakhya (MS) as a Sahyogini. She was a cluster facilitatator for 10 villages. At the end of four years there, she formed 11 women’s groups in 12 villages. This is her story of her and her family of their journey with MS.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Nusrat Jahan, Resource Person, Mahila Samakhya (MS), Muzzafarpur, Bihar – Nusrat Jahan worked as a resource person at MS in Muzzafarpur, Bihar. The first in her family to hold a job that entailed travel to the most remote areas to reach the most marginalised sections of women in Muzzafarpur, this is the story of Nusrat’s journey with MS.

English Version
Hindi Version
Kannada Version

Gundenahalli – Gundenahalli is a village located in the Byadgi  Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka. Mahila Samakhya created two sanghas in the Lambani community who live in Gundenahalli. When MS first approached the community, they were wary and resistant. Over time, the relationship between the community and MS has evolved, benefiting both MS and the community. This movie documents this journey.

English Version
Kannada Version
Hindi Version

Hiremankatti – Hiremankatti is a village located in Shiggaon Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka. For many years, Irrupamma played an active role in the creation and functioning of informal savings groups. With the help of Mahila Samakhya, these women were able to create linkages to government programmes and schemes. This movie documents the way women are able to create new pathways of empowerment, with their previous experience, Irrupama’s guidance, and the constant support of Mahila Samakhya.

English Version
Kannada Version
Hindi Version