Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
In recognition of the need to reverse gender disparities, India has instituted numerous policies, laws, and programs intended to empower women and to protect women from violence. However, evidence on what works and what does not work to change notions of masculinity and femininity, reverse the widespread acceptability of marital violence at community level, and reduce women’s experience of intimate partner violence remains limited in the country. The Do Kadam Barabari Ki Ore (Two Steps Towards Equality) was implemented among married women who were members of self-help groups (SHGs) and their husbands. The Population Council together with partners implemented the project in one district (Nawada) of Bihar, using the platform of self-help groups that are supported by the Women Development Corporation, Government of Bihar. This brief describes the intervention and presents the effect of exposure to it in transforming attitudes relating to gender roles; reducing marital violence experience; and enhancing agency, financial literacy, and access to social support among SHG members.
DOI
10.31899/pgy8.1008
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Santhya, K.G. and Shireen J. Jejeebhoy. 2017. "Empowering women and addressing marital violence through self-help groups: Evidence from rural Bihar," Policy brief. New Delhi: Population Council.
Project
Reducing Violence Against Women and Girls in India
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, International Public Health Commons