Read the opinion pieces from those at the sharp end of development world – from practitioners in the field to district officers and even ideators creating schemes for the future. Field Journal is the place for civil society groups to share their experiences and insights – their highs and lows – in their journey to put India on the path to progress.
Ground Report
Good or bad to call women leaders ‘mahila sarpanch?’
Identifying women leaders by gender – like ‘mahila sarpanch’ – seems a step back, but one development worker sees it as acknowledging the challenges women overcame to become leaders.
Physically challenged women ensure mother-child health
These resilient frontline health workers ensure nourishment and development of young women and children in their village, despite their own physical disabilities and challenges.
New survey shows processed snack foods lure rural Indians
A new survey by the Development Intelligence Unit shows that obesity is a rapidly evolving problem, especially in rural India, and needs to be addressed through policies and awareness campaigns
Tribal women trained in safe home deliveries
In remote tribal areas where hospitals are hours away, women deliver their babies safely at home, thanks to traditional birth attendants trained in safe practices.
Young girl fights the devadasi tradition
A leading women’s rights activist tells the story of a young girl fighting the devadasi practice that enslaves girls of vulnerable communities into the flesh trade, either through direct dedications or false marriages.
Healing mental health wounds
Access to mental health care is lacking in rural India - especially for the marginalized - which is why The Banyan mental health service organization enlists local community women to help them help those in need.
Poshan Maah – eat nutritious, eat local
September’s Poshan Maah (nutrition month) helps development professionals drive home the importance of eating locally-sourced, nourishing food to eradicate malnutrition through discussions and games.
Reverse dowry – empowering or subjugation?
Though the practice of Barela tribesmen marrying women by paying a “bride price” – or reverse dowry – appears to be empowering for women, a development worker finds it is essentially “buying” brides.
Food security improved by women’s groups in MP
Involving women self-help groups in the public distribution of food in Madhya Pradesh is strengthening food security, according to a development worker with Transform Rural India Foundation.