Capacity Building

Capacity Building is done by adopting strategies of conceptual training and experiential learning exposures for NGos, elected women Panchayat leaders, students in schools and colleges and other civil society organizations. The thematic focuses are:

Gender and Governance

Women are often excluded from decision making; from the household to the highest levels of decision making processes. Women's equal participation in all levels of decision making plays a key role in addressing disparities based on gender and brings social transformation /gender equality. In this direction training programmes ranging from awareness building to ‘Training of Trainers’ on issues of participation, governance are conducted at regular intervals. Need based experiential learning exposure are also provided to the participants.

Gender and Human Rights

(Protection and Promotion of Rights of Women and Girl Children) .

Build awareness on, and capacities to use, the following Human Rights Instruments and State Legislations.

  1. Beijing Platform for Action
  2. Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW )
  3. Violence Against Women
    1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA-2005)
    2. Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work Place (Supreme Court guideline)
    3. Sexual and reproductive health rights of women (ICPD)
    4. Right to Information Act

Gender and Masculinities

The focus is on work towards challenging dominant norms of masculinities and strengthening life skills of adolescents and youths in Tamilnadu. In this regard awareness programmes discussion forums consultations with men and boys on gender equality are held.

Adolescent and Youth Programme

Life Education Programme

This programme targeting adolescent children is implemented in corporation schools of Madurai. The aim is to enhance their self esteem, leadership development, and to secure their rights both at home and outside.

Students For Change

To promote gender awareness, understanding of society from a rights perspective this programme with the college students encompasses Equality, Justice and Peace as its core value.

Counseling and legal support

This service is offered to women and children in need

Studies and Research

  1. Socio economic status of women migrants in Madurai Slums – 1994
  2. Changing scenario in employment pattern for women – 2000
  3. Forms of violence faced by women – 2002
  4. Functioning of Grama Sabha in 6 districts of Southern Tamilnadu – 2003
  5. Gender concerns in the context of Tsunami – 2005
  6. The factors responsible for the incidence of HIV / AIDS and their impact on women – 2007
  7. Family Courts in Tamilnadu - 2008
  8. "Single but not alone"A survey report on the situation of women in select villages of Cuddalore district.
  9. Study on 498-A (forthcoming)

Networking / Campaign / Advocacy

  • EKTA envisages social change as a process of collective action and reflection, and therefore networks with similar thinking organizations, individuals.
  • It links up with organizations at various levels through study circles, represented by women from different professional backgrounds come together to debate and discuss issues of concern. In addition, workshops and public events are also organized for wider constituencies.
  • It promotes issue-based campaigns to end violence against women, facilitates linkages within NGOs and promotes networks for experiential sharing and collective action, and advocates and lobbies for policy changes to further the cause of women.
  • EKTA facilitates the Forum to Engage Men through the White Ribbon Campaign in this region. This campaign promotes interactive sessions amongst men of different age group and facilitates formation of solidarity forums at the local levels.
  • Represented as a member in many local, regional, national and international networks / forums.

Field Intervention Programme

After Tsunami, EKTA initiated its direct intervention programme at the field level selecting a few villages in Chidambaram taluk of Cuddalore District. The programme focus is on promotion of rights of children and women (single women in particular).

With Women
  • Holding regular socio legal awareness camps,
  • Organizing women to access government welfare programmes and
  • Establishing linkages at various levels for advocacy and lobbying initiatives to bring in the desired change
With Children
  • Provides shelter and study support to girl children families living in poverty from the target area.
  • Organizes School enrolment camps, monitors attendance of both boys and girls
  • Conducts Supplementary Centres and organizes creative week end camps
  • Organizes training for girls on counseling, self defense and mobility
  • Provides health and awareness education and promotes formation of ‘children club’
  • Provides vocational training opportunities to girls (tailoring, computer)
  • Awareness programmes for the parents and teachers.
  • Special trainings on child rights for teachers and parent teacher association(PTA)

Governance and Implementation

  1. Governing Board

    The GB consists of a team of 14 members representing various professional fields. The Executive body consists of only women and the general body has both male and female as members.

    General Body Members of EKTA
    • Ms. Bimla Chandrasekar, Social worker (since 1990) 
    • Ms. Ranjani K.Murthy, Independent Researcher (since 2001)
    • Ms. Jesurathinam, Social worker (since 1991)
    • Ms. Rohini Devi, Lecturer (since 1992)
    • Ms. Gandhimathi, Independent Researcher (since 1990)
    • Ms. Valligopal, Social worker (since 1996)
    • Ms. Manoharidoss, Social worker (since 1991)
    • Ms. Epsi Bai, Advocate (since 1998)
    • Ms. Andal, Social worker (since 1998)
    • Ms. Pamela Mohandoss, Lecturer (since 1996)
    • Mr. Mahaboob Batcha, Social worker (since 1998)
    • Mr. Gnana Surabi Mani, Social worker (since 1991)
    • Mr. Ariaravelan, Social worker (since 2003)
    • Mr. Devamanoharan, Social worker (since 1994)

    Implementation

    A team of committed staff members works for the actualization of the goal of the Organization. Staff capacity enhancement takes place on a regular basis. It has a well defined Staff policy and gender policy.

    Financial support

    EKTA receives support mainly from CESVI(Italy), Christian World Service(New Zealand) and Centre for World Solidarity(Hyderabad). Occasional support is received from other agencies and also the State.