Alliances and networks working in India on gender related issues face multiple problems (depending upon the nature of the alliance), which can range from the difficulty in accommodating different opinions on particular issues (MeToo, Triple Talaq, or false promise of marriage as rape), competition over funding, lack of funding, lack of leadership and lack of a shared vision. Shortage of funds is primarily cited as the biggest problem facing alliances and networks, however, the lack of commitment to a shared goal is equally debilitating to any network or alliance.
As mentioned by Sridharan, where there is a clear issue or goal, which is time bound and somehow linked with everyday functioning there are better chances of success. In this context, alliances and networks need to make themselves relevant by taking on achievable goals on which there would be a broad consensus and are relevant for today’s generation. One example of such a goal that can be taken up is advancing women’s leadership – not in Lok Sabha – but in the development sector itself, by providing leadership training, mentoring and advancing policies that will benefit women workers (flexible timings for working mothers, sexual harassment policies that cover gender based discrimination or providing counseling / legal support to women workers who are undergoing domestic violence at home). Trainings on financial management of NGOs, capacity development on compliance laws, or advancing skills on the “how to” of conducting advocacy are ways whereby alliances and networks can continue to remain relevant.
While advocacy for larger goals, such as 33% representation of women in Lok Sabha, need to remain ongoing, the difficulty in achieving in this goal in the near future will lead to fatigue and dwindling numbers in alliance meetings. For this reason, it would be more practical to start with a smaller vision, such as strengthening women’s leadership within NGOs / CSOs. As a network, Women Power Connect works inter alia with grassroot level organization, many of whom are unaware of the various requirements under the Sexual Harassment Act, 2013, FCRA, or the Societies Registration Act. Developing the capacity of women leaders in these NGOs will be a step towards making women capable of handling positions of power and taking on leadership positions at the national level.
Gayatri Sharma
Women Power Connect