This document discusses possibilities for empowering and involving Dalit girls in social change in India. It notes that Dalit girls face double discrimination based on their gender and caste status. They are often not recognized, denied education, and have their actions controlled by their families and upper castes. The document advocates for cooperation between government and civil society to strengthen civil society organizations, promote gender awareness and inclusive education to empower Dalit girls and fight discrimination. It includes quotes from Dalit girls about facing obstacles but wanting to work for equal rights and a better society.

1. Possibilities for Dalit girls
Empowerment and
Participation in Social
Change
Iliana Björling 2010

2. Why….
dalit girls?

3. Suppression of double
dimensions
Counter power
Change
Agents

4. Prerequisites
Possibilities and Restraints
Government Civil Society
Dalit
Girls

5. Where do they fit in?
Women Dalits
Dalit
girls
Youths

6. The voice of the Dalit Girls
“Even among women dalit women are not
recognized, if we do work the upper cast women
take credit for it”
“They do not receive a good education”
How?
“For e.g. dalit women has to cover
themselves with veils”
“She cannot work according to her own
wishes, her family decides”
“Women face social boundaries, they are not free to raise
their voices in local panchayats”
“Women face family pressure”
“Those who are literate know about their
rights, the upper cast dominates those who
are illiterate”

7. Constutional framework
Reality

8. What?

9. Civil Society - R w a n d a
Why?
30% 56%
Success factors
A strong Women's
movement
Civil Society mobilization
Commitment from politicians
New Gender roles

10. To use 100 % of our Human Resources
Why?
Success factors
Addressing gender roles
A Good Example
Lifecycle
Mainstream gender
Across Society

11. Inclusive Education as a Method
Why?
Empowerment Awareness
Success factors
Human Rights on the
agenda A Good Example
Use teachers, students and parents
Involve all stakeholders

12. Conclusion
Co-operation between the
Government and Civil Society
Strengthening Civil Society
Gender-awareness and
lifecycle perspective
Inclusive education

13. “I want to work against discrimination of dalits
and for equal rights.”
“I want to work with dalit women for a better
society and for empowerment.”
“I want to work with dalits through education
and create awareness. I will not let
discrimination be.
“I will bring change by fighting with people who
discriminate. Also by creating awareness about
rights through education.”
“I want to work with various groups. For. e.g. I
want to work with men on the patriarchal
issues.“
“I want to work with society development.”

14. Suppression of double
dimensions
Counter power
Change
Agents

15. Thank you!
Iliana Björling 2010