ANNUAL REPORT Empowering communities. Empowering lives. Utthan A quest for justice, dignity, and hope.

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT Empowering communities. Empowering lives. Utthan A quest for justice, dignity, and hope.

2 2 Utthan Annual Report 2013 CONTENTS FOREWORD VISION & MISSION OUTREACH OUR WORK GENDER EQUALITY & WOMEN S EMPOWERMENT BIODIVERSITY & LIVELIHOOD SECURITY PEACE & JUSTICE FOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION ACCESS TO SAFE WATER, SANITATION, & HYGIENE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT APPENDICES LIST OF ACRONYMS PUBLICATIONS FINANCIAL REPORT BOARD OF DIRECTORS DONORS & PARTNERS

3 Utthan Annual Report Annual Report Utthan 2013

4 4 Utthan Annual Report 2013 Foreword In the last year, Utthan s major efforts have revolved around strategy building to increase Utthan believes the litmus test for success is continuity and sustainability, which requires scaling up. As a result, Utthan is exploring the option of expanding its work into Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In order to scale up, Utthan has worked to deepen its impact in existing areas, including developing initiatives in different sectors. For example, a within land rights movements was undertaken. also carried out to determine lessons on which to base future actions. Utthan has worked on the formation of resource teams who can provide capacity building to others through sharing their experiences and knowledge. The resource teams also signify members. invited to provide training on the issues of Utthan has also been consulted on salt-tolerant agriculture among tribal communities, capacity building in mariculture, and monitoring processes for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene at the state and national level. While these experiences have allowed Utthan to and partners has been enormous. increased control over day-to-day management In the same vein, Utthan has laid down a clear roadmap towards self-reliance for several protection of women against violations of their human rights. Another important aspect of sustainability development. A Program Steering Committee made up of senior members was created to take on critical strategic management tasks with the help of an external resource person. This process senior staff and heightened internalization of individual roles and responsibilities. One challenge our team faces is identifying for sustainability. In particular, Utthan is actively mobilizing resources for institutional development and exploring the possibilities of corporate social responsibility (CSR) resources. All the above represent the underlying efforts of the Annual Report. Founder & Managing Trustee

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6 6 Utthan Annual Report 2013 UTTHAN our vision & mission relevant today. The name Utthan was carefully chosen for its meaning: rising. Utthan was established in The experience of its founders pointed to a need for local leadership and shared responsibility for change change that must mean a genuine shift in power and decision-making capacities. In the beginning, Utthan provided external inputs from a makeshift of- home. Mahiti (or knowledge ) was established the same year to work in Dhandhuka town close to Ahmedabad. Mahiti worked to mobilize communities, particularly women, using their knowledge of self-sustaining development. Their shared belief was that people though aware of their hidden resources, missed links in their information which, if bridged, could lead them to work for their own development. This information would lead quickly to knowledge and awareness, essential triggers for self-reliant activity. Utthan believes that the greatest resource for development is the strength of the community. Once people learn that change is possible through collective effort and mutual trust, it is possible for them to intervene directly in matters of policy and implementation.

7 his Utthan Annual Report VISION. We are committed to a strong and independent India without inequality and discrimination, where everyone enjoys equal opportunities, security, and freedom. MISSION. Initiating sustainable processes of empowerment among disadvantaged communities, especially women, Dalits, minorities, and the poor. Our mission is to initiate sustainable gendersensitive processes of empowerment amongst the most vulnerable communities through building consciousness and organizing around their rights, justice, and equality. Utthan Rising: An Indian Story from Gujarat, a book available by contacting utthan.gujarat@gmail.com

8 8 Utthan Annual Report 2013 OUTREACH spreading change in Gujarat Over the past 32 years, Utthan has spread across four districts, covering more than 207 villages in the coastal and tribal areas of Gujarat. The Utthan team has emerged as a strong, committed, and independent, non-governmental organization with a national and international reputation for demonstrating sustainable, gender-sensitive processes for development. The team views itself as facilitators of a strong and grassroots level organizations, lobbying for just policies on critical development issues, and working through partnerships and networks. increased its outreach to the entire state as well as at the working in 230 villages in seven blocks in four districts scaled up its outreach from two districts to the larger Through its Coastal Area Development and Tribal Area Development Programme, Utthan covers 207 villages and reaches some 684,671 people. Our overall outreach has increased to more than 400 villages through various campaigns and through eight throughout the state. These centres aid marginalized and poor people, including oppressed castes (Dalits & other backward castes), adivasis (tribals), religious minorities (Muslims and Christians among others), and vulnerable children and the elderly. Other marginalized groups also include the landless, migrants, and small/marginal farmers. Women from all of these categories are the primary focus of Utthan, particularly single women and deserted women, who are exceptionally vulnerable among these groups.

9 Utthan Annual Report OVERVIEW STATE OF GUJARAT Rajula block, Amreli District Santrampur block, Panchmahal District Utthan focuses its work in the Coastal and Tribal areas.

10 10 Utthan Annual Report 2013 OUR WORK GENDER EQUALITY & WOMEN S EMPOWERMENT from marginalized communities. BIODIVERSITY & LIVELIHOOD SECURITY Addressing the vulnerability of oppressed communities by improving the status of natural resources and their management, promoting livelihood security, and enabling access and control over local resources. PEACE & JUSTICE FOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION Working with communities towards an India free of inequalities and discrimination with equal opportunities, security, and justice. ACCESS TO SAFE WATER, SANITATION, & HYGIENE Instituting and strengthening community-based institutions and building capacities to bring innovative solutions to water and sanitation related issues.

11 Utthan Annual Report GENDER EQUALITY & WOMEN S EMPOWERMENT

12 12 Utthan Annual Report 2013 Utthan constantly engages in capacity building through awareness generation on women s and human rights to establish and support independent women s federations (or mahila sangathan). This work is undertaken in both the tribal and coastal areas. federations are socio-economically and religiously diverse and provide a space for marginalized women to contribute their voices, 2) supporting women leaders at the forefront rights, 3) assisting nyay samiti (justice committees) and paralegals in providing social and legal support to victims of gender-based violence and other rights violations, 4) empowering women to address their water and sanitation needs through advocacy, government resources, and effort to strengthen individual women leaders and the from 44 new villages joined the four federations in the past year. Current Programme Activities Empowerment program occurs through capacity building their own unique identities. groups that will be able to address issues of concern over the past year in the areas of capacity building, strengthening the identity of groups in the tribal region, and livelihood projects is outlined below. Additional advocacy efforts, completely independent of Utthan, have been undertaken at the district level reduced level of involvement in the day-to-day running of the federations, demonstrating the success of a sustained Capacity Building In partnership with Sahiyar in Baroda and Jagori in Delhi, an intensive training on 1) national and international

13 Utthan Annual Report COMPOSITION & DIVERSITY - WOMEN S FEDERATIONS. Description Mahila Vikas Sangathan (Rajula & Mahuva) Change in past year Samarthan Mahila Mahasangathan (Bhavnagar) Change in past year , , Total collective savings 8,56, ,009 6,61, ,849 Total loan from collective savings received loans Total loan/revolving fund (external support) 10,05, ,000 6,89, , ,90, ,90, , ,000 Description Ekta Mahila Sangathan (Panchmahal) Change in past year Vanita Shakti Mahila Sangathan (Dahod) Change in past year Total collective savings 1,40, ,763 15,11, ,560 Internal lending 1,12, ,474 3,42, ,000 to banks Total loan/revolving fund (external support) , ,000 0

14 14 Utthan Annual Report 2013 gender analysis was organised. These trainings were effective for the team to build insights into feminist practices through a national and international lens and focus, points of convergence, etc.) helped build links, even and has contributed to the movement. Tribal Identity a variety of human rights violations, including violations of their land and property rights, violence (e.g. domestic violence, rape, witch-labeling), forest rights, and right to housing. The support involved basic counseling and guidance to take cases forward, negotiations with family, land, public land, wastelands, and forestland was taken up in Federation meetings and capacity building sessions for on forest rights and joint ownership. Utthan has taken leaders. Two trainings on adivasi (tribal) identity were held in Santrampur and Dhanpur blocks. The trainings facilitated discussion on the historical identity of adivasis, the reasons behind the erosion of tribal identity, and the need for a re-emergence of identity associated with egalitarian practices, food security, and environmental sustainability. An exposure visit to Bhasha Academy in Tejgadh was also organised in which 30 women and 2 men participated. 170 women joined the adivasi identity event. The Justice Committees (nyay samiti) federations and paralegals supported 477 women facing Livelihoods concerning livelihoods. Trainings on documentation of collective savings and credit methodology have been developed. Advocacy linkages have also been made identities as farmers. This process involves gaining acceptance from the government and creating spaces included a seed subsidy received by the Vanita Shakti Mahila Sangathan and linkages with Farmer Training Institutes. Diversity Analysis of Women s Federations Women s Federation Kolis Darbar Muslim Christian Dalit OBC Tribals Total Mahila Vikas Sangathan Samarthan Mahila Mahasangathan Ekta Mahila Sangathan Vanita Shakti Mahila Sangathan

15 Utthan Annual Report STORY OF CHANGE Ekta Women s Federation seeks justice in the tribal areas. In Trampool block of Dahod district, a nine-year-old girl in her 2nd standard was out during Uttarayan, She was chasing kites with her friends when they were separated in the forests and farmlands surrounding her village. A 42-year-old man who lived on one of the farms found the girl alone and brutally raped her. became worried and organized a search group among the villagers. daughter in the forests where she had been abandoned, still alive. She was taken to the primary health one was there. The damage from the attack was so serious that she was referred to a hospital were lab tests were done. She died not long after from her injuries. after hearing of the case and, counteracting the societal sentiment that the girl is often to blame for a rape, told the parents that their child was innocent and had done nothing wrong. Ekta helped spread awareness about the case, leading to a public workers, and politicians. The Ekta than organized a rally in Dhanpur and Santrampur and handed a memorandum of condemnation to the block level head. Ekta also for Women in Delhi. While the efforts of groups like the bring solace to the family, they can put pressure on local authorities and raise the public consciousness regarding the unfortunately human rights. Success & Challenges One key achievement over the past year was the socioeconomic mapping of 252 women s self-help groups spread over 10 blocks in four districts. The mapping was and Utthan. The results of the mapping showed that literacy remains very low (22%) among the women discriminatory practices like eating separately. A large have joined gram panchayats (village councils) and other committees working on a variety of issues including water, forests, and public health. The executive committees of the four federations (44 total women) engaged in village-level monitoring and spreading awareness communities and familiarizing them with federation activities. In consultation with Utthan, the executive committees prepared a report on socio-economic, political changes in the coastal area and its impact on priority issues for women.

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17 Utthan Annual Report legal awareness camps. Camps were held for women to make them aware of their legal rights regarding domestic violence and other issues. A total of 123 cases emerged from the camps and 53 women were provided legal support in consultation with the nyay samiti. Paralegals have also assisted the nyay samitis, of which 85% were brought through paralegals. Other key achievements from the past year include: women received support in getting their name placed women were supported in registering their homes under their own names, without giving into the norm of corruption in the area. in India. State level consultations were taken to share Joining with Ekta Parishad to advocate for the In the tribal area, the Vanita Shakti Mahila Sangathan received paralegal training. Twenty-eight These positive steps also occur within a context of continuing challenges. In particular, mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that federations remain secular and value-based institutions. Sustaining federations environment is also critical. STORY OF CHANGE Women as change makers Dhanpur block of Dahod district with a population 3,000 from the communities. For the last three have been associated with the that consists of 147 members. leaders, endeavored to change the dowry system in her community. The practice of dowry and serving liquor and tobacco to entertain guests during a parents bear all these expenses at a high cost. Before the wedding of the and her fellow savings group members met with community leaders and expressed their disagreement with the practice of dowry. dowry be exchanged and said that as a token of happiness they would only give 51 rupees to the groom and that they would not serve any liquor or tobacco. The women leaders brought about a change in patriarchal customs that force resourcepoor families into debt and consequently make families believe daughters are a burden.

18 18 Utthan Annual Report 2013 BIODIVERSITY & LIVELIHOOD SECURITY

19 Utthan Annual Report Utthan has developed three main mechanisms to improve natural resource management and strengthen livelihood and food security in the tribal and coastal areas. Programme. These three programmes facilitate learning and capacity building for communities at various levels and with various institutions at the state, national, and and new innovations to enhance livelihood promotion and program will be discussed in the Water & Sanitation section. The Tribal Area Development Programme and TRIBAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Working to ensure sustainable livelihoods in the to uplift tribal identity and tribal rights in these areas. PLC COASTAL PROGRAMME Through capacity building and training, Utthan is providing sustainable livelihood alternatives to water scarce regions of Bhavnagar and Amreli Districts where traditional agriculture is not always possible.

20 20 Utthan Annual Report 2013 Tribal Area Development Programme Utthan established the Tribal Area Development Programme in At present, the programme is being implemented in 42 villages in Dhanpur block of Dahod District. The villages consist of some 55,026 people, the majority of which are tribal (or adivasi percent of the population is illiterate. According to the households below the poverty line. to soil and water conservation issues, encouraging farmbased livelihoods, mainstreaming innovative technologies, watershed development programmes. This latter program 6,000 families. Due to the effective implementation of such programs, tribal people have transitioned from traditional farming to innovative technical farming systems through trainings, information sharing, timely inputs from technical experts, organic seeds and fertilizers, and necessary equipment. As a result, even small farmers are receiving a good income from their land, decreasing migration and raising living standards. The Tribal Development Programme has also extended active farming to three to four additional crops in the area and has encouraged more diverse crop rotation, including crops like ginger, turmeric, chilly, and fruit trees. Moreover, 25 farmer clubs, 35 youth groups, 10 pani samitis, and four joint forest committees have been created to address natural resource management and livelihood issues under the programme. include the biodiversity banks created by the Vanita seed and fodder to three clusters comprised of 42 villages. Through this system, 700 families have access to fodder every year and 1000 families to traditional seeds. This

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22 22 Utthan Annual Report 2013 Qt. per acre to 18 Qt. per acre. In addition, in the past year members of the Vanita Shakti Mahila Sangathan grew a total of 6,275 kg. of maize as a winter crop over 50 acres of land in Dhanpur block. Maize grown during the monsoon season also increased by 15-20%. In the summer months, 97 women gre w mung beans in three villages, leading to higher yields than the previous year. Utthan has also organized 47 technical trainings for 1,065 farmers on summer, monsoon, and winter crop sowing, vegetable wadis, and watershed use. A further 745 meetings were organized on seasonal crops and vegetables in which 2,110 Farmers participated. Finally, 28 bhavai a traditional cultural programmes on the importance of organic crops, pulses, organic fertilizer, and various technical methods of irrigation were organized in which 2,952 people participated. PLC Coastal Programme Fisheries Development: Non-Farm-Based Livelihood Security Pagadiyäs, economically vulnerable families, who a lack of resources as they struggle to survive by selling their products at low market prices because of poor linkages with the mainstream market. Vikas Sangathan (MSVS), works towards developing sustainable livelihoods of such communities. Bhavnagar and Amreli, Utthan has developed a capacity building and exposure programme. Trainings, meetings, and exposure visits for various community groups are conducted to inform them about new methods of rearing and fattening lobsters and crabs to obtain a higher market prices. As of March 2013, 109 households are currently participating in the lobster fattening programme, leading to a total of 420 kg. of total production and total income of Rs. 334, 450. Communities were also informed about their eligibility Fishing families were provided with supporting tools salinity and impurities in the water, and IEC materials from

23 Utthan Annual Report STORY OF CHANGE Silent winds of progress in Chanch village. According to the villagers, the shape of the village Chanch resembles the beak of a bird and thus the name Chanch. Chanch is a big village with the population of 20,000 kilometres of land. The population to land ratio sums up the problems of the villagers with regards to housing, food, drinking water, and employment. The salinity of the soil limits the options for farming and contaminates the drinking water. Chanch also experiences large-scale migration; almost 90 percent of the population moves to other cites. With most of the youth and the men gone to earn wages, women are left at home. In Chanch, Utthan works to in the development process by empowering women to take responsibility, solve problems, and access government schemes. was formed in the village and in three years the Mandal had grown from 15 to 65 members. The savings of the Mandal have reached the needy at a two percent interest rate per year. The Mandal has also taken advantage of a roof water tank harvesting programme funded by Swiss Aid. Ten roof water-harvesting tanks have been made in the village, which has helped mitigate the water shortage. added a tremendous sense of con- the women of Chanch. Previously we used to spend time sitting at home, doing farming work, and just killing our time. We had no idea our rights; we can speak against Recently we have registered a manufacturing. This is the land of our village and we want our land back from the industrialist. Police threatened us when we took our have also had other successes. known as Matsya Mandal has generation. In another case, women fought against a corrupt ration shop owner and eventually had him After three years of association with Utthan, women in Chanch are more assertive about their rights and needs. The positive changes in the village have also earned the appreciation of theirs husbands, in-laws, and other male community members. It seems Chanch has found a successful formula: collective strength to get things done as the mantra for development.

24 24 Utthan Annual Report 2013 PEACE & JUSTICE FOR CONFLICT PREVENTION & TRANSFORMATION

25 Utthan Annual Report Since the communal carnage of 2002 in Gujarat, in which members of the Hindu majority, assisted by the state s complacency, killed more than 3,000 Muslims, Utthan has transformation in the affected regions of Gujarat. The state of minority communities, and especially that of Muslim women, was miserable after The period was characterized by Muslim boys being targeted, exclusion of the Muslim community, severe polarization, a lack of timely compensation from the government, and delays in punitive actions to bring justice to the guilty. These rami- this day. - & Transformation Programme (or simply Peace & Justice Programme) is implemented through two major units: programme is described below. its own team by building their capacities to identify, clas- levels. The team then imparted this same training to key members of various local organizations promoted by Utthan.

26 26 Utthan Annual Report 2013 YOUTH PROGRAMME Organizing youth in constructive action for peace and justice. More than 141 youth groups consisting of 1,800 members from diverse community backgrounds are actively working in the coastal and tribal areas. These youth groups have created their own identity by solving problems related to the basic necessities of the community, enhancing awareness, and imparting information on various government schemes and programmes (including education, health facilities, water and sanitation, livelihoods, food security, employment, shelter, and modern technology. The youth are trained in identify- velop effective strategies to resolve developed strategies for resolving right perspective and also documenting their actions. In the past year, youth groups organized village meetings, events, human rights deprivations among poor people. and organisations to raise their voice against injustice and violations of This work includes supporting the women federations in solving cases by participating and taking leadership in various sammelan, rallies, dharna, and public hearings. For example, a gender resource centre was started by youths at the community centre in Budhel village. programme in primary and secondary schools (reaching 7,500 students in tribal areas and 8,250 in coastal areas). Through these various trainings, workshops, and exposure visits the and skills of youths regarding gender, justice, secularism, and human rights they are working as justice defenders on the issues of food security, right to

27 Utthan Annual Report PEACE & JUSTICE by the numbers 141 8, secular education programme groups. 7,500 students were impacted in the tribal areas. information on funds allocated to various government schemes and local governments. 222 time in ,000 federations in the last year. Thirty-eight of these new members were Muslim women in the tribal areas. Sangathan and Ekta Mahila Sangathan on 26 December, 2012 demanding safety for women following the Delhi gang rape case sanitation and livelihoods needs. 444 human rights cases Committees (Nyay Samitis) federations.

28 28 Utthan Annual Report 2013 property rights, and collective land. youths aware of resource allocation for projects and actual expenditures committed to women, minorities, and deprived communities. The youth groups have acquired information on funds allocated to local governments for the provision of infrastructure projects, facilities for children and mothers, salaries for anganwadi workers, and various government schemes through 22 RTI applications. jobs and received land for schools, community halls, and forestland for growing collective fodder for animals. The groups have also received subsidized houses under the job cards, and quality services of child creches, health centres, and rationing shops. STORY OF CHANGE Youth group in Visliya defends teacher from communalism. Visliya village is situated on the national highway between Mahua and Rajula. The majority of the village there are also Dalits, Devipujak, and Bawaji residents. There are two primary schools in the village. Because of the hardworking and enthusiastic teachers, many students have received sports and science prizes at the district level. At one of the schools, a man named had previously come from a village been sent away as a punishment. community, the villagers did not oppose his appointment. After some time, Dabhi sahib asked one of the lady teachers to go teach at the other school. This gave rise to a dispute between Dabhi sahib and the teacher. Dabhi sahib tried to munity against the teacher, who was from the Bawaji community, hoping to use communalism for his youth group to discuss the issue, particularly reaching out to Jitendrabhai of Utthan. Jitendrabhai ex- and directed those present not to engage in communalism. Whatever happens, the group must stand on the side of truth, Jitendrabhai said. This issue was discussed with other groups and they decided to take a stand and support the lady teacher. by Dabhi sahib, held a meeting where the youth group declared that the charges against the teacher were false. The youth group also told the villagers if you want a bright future for your children, you should not get involved in communalism and racism. This motivated the villagers and they stood beside the teacher. originally sent Dabhi sahib away village and would not listen to the youth group and discussed the matter with them. The education Through the awareness and activ- incidence of communalism was obstructed in Visliya village.

29 Utthan Annual Report WOMEN S FEDERATIONS Strengthening justice & peace perspectives in CBIs and within the community. The Peace & Justice program has also taken strides in the last year to strengthen Women s Federations along more egalitarian lines. This effort includes incorporating more women from diverse and marginalized communities, increasing collective savings to build self-reliant federations, and training federation members as peace activists. Incorporating women from diverse and vulnerable communities is central from 17 villages have joined federations in the past year, out of which 38 women are Muslims in the tribal area and 50 new Muslim women participated in the executive committee of the Federations in the coastal area. As an example of the growing self- the Ekta Mahila Sangathan has been registered as a public trust and a new president and secretary have been account has also been opened in the name of the president and secretary. Collective savings among the wom- Eight women members from three tribal villages received a loan of 1.25 tion and 42 members demanded a loan for the same purpose. strengthened their relationship with they push them to properly ensure members from both the coastal and - tion received a training on legal aid

30 30 Utthan Annual Report 2013 for sharing and enhancing skills and knowledge in handling various cases) have been created. Successes & Challenges gramme can be seen in the enhanced capabilities of those who participate. Participants have cultivated their rights, secularism, peace and justice, and data collection. Participants are also able to identify and successfully in- to resolve disputes. tion members are celebrating Tribal Day and reviving tribal culture and traditions and also developing an awareness of tribal rights. have contested local elections, such as for the head of local governance (i.e. sarpanch) and as members of local government to enhance access of the poor, deprived, and the human rights perspective. inadequate due to the fact that there are few funding particular, has created a harsh funding environment for civil society organizations, as the state is viewed as the most important actor in development. Moreover, very few and collectively raise their voice against injustice. Victims of gender-based violence and community violence are hesitant or unwilling to tell their stories for fear of political or social reprisals. Without the testimony of the victims, efforts of the justice committees and members of encroach on agricultural land and coastal areas in the name of industrial development, adversely affecting the livelihoods of the local people. Other obstacles relate to religious fundamentalism, which consequently stop associating with their Muslim neighbours. Indeed, at all levels, the politics of religious fundamentalism continues.

31 Utthan Annual Report COMMUNITY AT LARGE - rights. A list of some of these impacts can be found below: various government schemes like the Indira Awas Yojna, Sardar Awas Yojna, and Social Security. women from the most vulnerable communities (both Hindu and Muslim), continued interdependent, income generating activities like rope-making, poultry farming, animal husbandry, and vegetable farming made possible by revolving funds from the federation. women from Rajula participated in a training on making padiapatrala (making plates and bowls from leaves) from the Artisan and Clay Works Department of Rural Development, Government of Gujarat. widows received Widow Pensions. poor families received money to meet the marriage expenses of their daughters under the Kunverbai s Mameru Scheme of the Government. people demanded employment under the NREGA Programme. 600 farmers 40 goats 72 people With the Sadguru Foundation, onion seeds were distributed among 600 farmers in Santrampur block, garlic seeds among 150 farmers, and ginger seeds among vegetable seeds were distributed among 200 people from diverse communities. Forty goats, along with 3,000 hens, agricultural tools, and fans were given to most vulnerable individuals upon collecting 25 percent of the retail price as their contribution, which was then Federation account. Tribal and deprived populations were trained in alternative sources of livelihood and 72 people of from the Poor Welfare Fairs of the state government, through which people obtained houses at a subsidized rate and money to meet basic needs.

32 32 Utthan Annual Report 2013 ACCESS TO SAFE WATER, SANITATION, & HYGIENE

33 Utthan Annual Report Utthan began its journey by focusing on the relationship between people and their environment. This emphasis was born out of a concern for the equitable and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources. The acute need for drinking water in the areas where Utthan works, and the realization that women are often managers of the household water, brought the issues of water and women to the top of the Utthan-Mahiti social agenda. Over the years, Utthan has undertaken many projects and has brought sustainable solutions to local water lined ponds and rainwater harvesting represented a breakthrough in sustainable solutions towards the These experiments later spread to the rest of India through partnership and collaboration with many national and international agencies. and Arghyam have collaborated on water and sanitation for more than working in 230 villages in seven place at several levels. The strengthening process begins at the village level by creating and encouraging lo- (pani samiti). instituted at the block level and Dis- was created at the state level. The processes to set up, strengthen, among pani samitis proved crucial. Shanti Micro Finance has contributed to a revolving sanita- tions. A visit was paid by the Shanti Micro Finance team to understand and how they could provide further support. To date, Rs. 465,000 in loans have been provided for the construction of 44 toilets at a seven percent annual rate of interest.

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35 Utthan Annual Report Demonstrations & Exhibitions ECOSAN Toilets in the areas where Utthan works) and Open Defecation Facility (ODF) approaches have been disseminated. In lets. Preparations have been made to develop wastewater treatment and re-use demonstrations. trainings were also organized to teach the masons how to link this demand with existing government programmes. rainwater-harvesting tank of 1-lakh liters has been constructed. The entire cost of the project was Rs lakhs. Of this amount, Rs. 3 lakhs was provided from the project budget, while the school contributed Rs lakhs. The objective is that through this demonstration, and the - further, apart from the behavioral change of students and teachers on water and sanitation. Eco-Sanitation Exhibition toilet and underground water tanks as demonstrations for for 1,200 students from the 9th standard of 12 surround- - materials. The 12 participating schools learned of this new option and a demand has been generated. School ECOSAN toilets through the educational system. Three schools Bela School agreed to adapt the entire project. This is an Uttar Bunyadi residential school and houses 599 students and 16 teachers who live on the campus. As part of the initial phase of the project, the teachers The students were oriented on hygiene and water care.

36 36 Utthan Annual Report 2013 CURRENT PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES Description Mahila Vikas Sangathan (Rajula & Mahuva) 6 (Male - 63, Female - 33) Description Villages Blocks Districts Overview of Activities & Meetings, Activity # Trainings # Participants Outcome(s) At Group Level 1 32 and pesticide use in agriculture. Realized a demo was prepared.

37 Utthan Annual Report Overview of the Activities/Meetings in continued. Activity # Trainings # Participants Outcome(s) Dholka 2 68 Understood changes in sanitation guidelines and importance of working as a link between the government and the com- large groups because of the training and its reports and use case studies to highlight and the important role of the Panchayat in Training of masons in Jam and understood the importance of use of Toilet Pani Samiti members, and to form Pani Samitis in villages that have an atmosphere of Rajula and Jafrabad 1 30 training. Ready to shoulder responsibilities and bring information to the community - plan village activities. Planned for activities to be implemented in the assigned villages. Orientation of girl students etan School. under ODF at Boda, Ratana standing about use of manure and pesticide lands portant to keep self, home, and village clean and hygienic. Importance of a toilet and its need, better understanding about the Samiti, importance and need for menstrual hygiene and its usefulness, technical details of the ecological underground, and also about the reuse of feces and urine in agriculture.

38 38 Utthan Annual Report 2013 Overview of the Activities & Meetings, (continued). Activity # Trainings # Participants Outcome(s) Training of members of Pani Samitis at Talaja, Mahuva and Dholka The members were able to clarify the ing about the important role of the Pani challenges that Pani Samitis will face during implementation, the importance of opening a bank account jority use the toilets built at home. stration for girl students at Bela School Solid Waste Management 1 29 into environmentally friendly manure. The similar demos in their villages. Demonstration of an ECO Children now practice cleanliness of water and surroundings at home and at school. A cleanliness/hygiene committee was formed at the village. At Team Level ship and Organization Development along with Annual Exposure visit of the Team to doon and Masuri) 1 42 about the vision, mission and purpose of all the programmes of Utthan. 1 4 methods through sharing, challenges that people face in different geographical areas, utility of the Village Information System and also about the systems in place to manage. Total

39 Utthan Annual Report ADVOCACY

40 40 Utthan Annual Report 2013 ADVOCACY consolidating field experience through meaningful & relevant research to promote equity in social & economic policy implementation. Based on its commitment to justice, nonviolence, diversity, and gender equality, Utthan has taken up numerous advocacy initiatives in the past year. These advocacy efforts are crucial in defending the rights of vulnerable populations, including women, minorities, is underwritten by participatory research to bring light to issues at the grassroots level. Advocacy activities undertaken in each program are described below. Gender Equality & Women s Empowerment Utthan organized a role-play production to bring awareness to violence against women during the celebration of One Billion Rising in September Signature campaigns were also deployed to force the state government to form new and effective security policies for women. Following the Delhi gang rape uproar, the Vanita Sangathan and Ekta Mahila Sangathan organized a massive rally on 26 December 2012 from Pipero village to Dhanpur.

41 Utthan Annual Report Two thousand women participated and a memorandum of condemnation of recent rape cases was handed over to the police sub-inspector of Dhanpur. There was also a media presence at the event, documenting the women present as they demanded safety for women. The youth strategies against local kidnapping, rape, and humiliation with collectors and police inspectors. As a result, police successfully raided several liquor shops that had created a nuisance of attracting drunkards. Additional Advocacy women on the local level. For example, Utthan has helped women apply for a right to land under the Forest Rights Act. There is constant follow up and advocacy on this issue. Utthan has also pressed for the full implementation terms of rights of women and other marginalized groups. Utthan has also spearheaded changes to women-related laws by sending its recommendations to the Justice Verma Committee at the state government level. Utthan also constantly seeks opportunities to build links between the leadership has participated and organized state-level erations and these networks have also been developed. Biodiversity & Livelihood Security - Cement Plant on their land. They also appealed to the dum to the Environment Minister of India, and organized abandon the proposed location. In this way, local people collectively and strategically protected their rights in a nonviolent way. Transformation Advocacy efforts are also central to the work of the Peace & Justice programme at Utthan. For example, members youth groups are all conducting People Awareness Programmes during the election for local government and parliament. Another great example of advocacy are the women leaders and youth groups in Dahod. These members raised their voice and submitted a memoranda to the collec- amount of compensation for 15 Muslim families affected during the communal riots of These families had received much lesser amounts earlier and have now received the full amount. Access to Safe Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene been, and continue to be, made at the local, regional, state, and international level. For example at the local level, Utthan was instrumental in getting a waste treatment plant proposal considered by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). dress slippage in villages. These efforts have resulted increased understanding of the concept proposed by the at various government forums, both local and interna-

42 42 Utthan Annual Report 2013 has taken up in the past year include: district level four times. Program coordination mechanism, which offers opportunities to learn and exchange ideas. The issue of indicators of a sustainable sanitation system and hygiene practices, especially from the perspectives of women, girls, and person with disability, have been emphasized. implementation. Discussions with the Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO) to scale up Discussions to scale up the ODF concept within money allocated on developing local resources. took samples of drinking water from 44 villages and sent it to a prestigious government laboratory in Ahmedabad for testing. The tests showed that of the 44 villages, only roped in the local media and provided all the details to publicize the issue. A detailed report is being developed which will be useful in advocacy efforts with the government.

43 Utthan Annual Report ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

44 44 Utthan Annual Report 2013 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT envisioning the Utthan of the future Utthan has always been an evolving organization. Throughout its 32-year history, it has faced challenges from various corners, whether they be than has always evolved with an eye towards developing gender sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable strategies to reach vulnerable populations. This section lays out the challenges Utthan faces, but also indicators of hope that Utthan will preserve both its traditional strengths and openness to the future. challenges over the past year. During this process, Utthan has lost some been able to retain many more. - current remuneration rates. This latter issue is partially due to the has started a massive facilitation program, giving employees large salaries on development projects. These salaries are typically 2.5 times larger than what Utthan can realistically provide. With many dedicated team members struggling with basic cost of living issues, government jobs have a strong appeal. Also within this context are donor requirements that place restrictions on human resource expenditures. Institutional Development

45 Utthan Annual Report One of the more important lessons learned over the past year has been that Utthan cannot effectively function without a strong managerial core. Along with building up its programmes, Utthan must look to raising Since 2009, Utthan has engaged in review. In 2011, a small group of key leaders within Utthan was created to consider issues related to leadership capacity building, succession procedures at several management levels (including that of the Executive Direc- This small group came to be called the Programme Steering Committee (PSC). Currently, the role of the PSC has expanded to examine governance functions within Utthan including program monitoring, knowledge ment. The process is ongoing and new inputs are continuously strengthening the PSC. One of the key achievements of this group has been a strategy document called Facing the Future, which has tutional and leadership sustainability efforts. interim body. Its members currently perform their roles while handling there is a crucial need to integrate permanent management structure of to institutional growth and development. Unfortunately, these funds are not always forthcoming as donors often to not provide resources for such a purpose. Towards this end, Utthan has begun a major effort to mobilize funding for institutional growth, apart from its regular programme funding. On this front, there has been a great positive traditional strengths will spark its partner, Arghyam, has committed to contributing one third of the required budget for institutional development. But in absence of mobilizing matching funds, Utthan has not been able to move forward on this aspect. Core Strengths Throughout this period of change and challenge what has made Utthan an enduring and respected organization remains. The central value system of Utthan has proven adept in attracting and keeping talented members in the organization who are committed to In times of crisis, Utthan has found that its members are willing to put aside pressing matters in order to come together and support Utthan. The capacity and awareness of team members is also constantly growing. Exposure visits, interactions with other organizations, and the internal review and monitoring processes such as annual meetings and consultations with trustees have all standing of key issues that will help take Utthan forward. Utthan is also looking to reach out to outside resources, including local universities. For two consecutive outside perspective and commitment of fellows from the American India Foundation (AIF) William J. Clinton Fellowship program. Other outside actors have offered Utthan their services free of charge, a fact that speaks and inclusive development. Utthan will keep evolving, integrating lessons learnt from the past with an eye towards the future.

46 46 Utthan Annual Report 2013 LOOKING AHEAD... Over the last 32 years, Utthan has worked in the coastal districts of and gender equitable development. areas. Utthan hopes to achieve this through increased membership in community-based organizations in both current and new areas. Utthan is also investing in leadership capacity building among its members to analyze and confront the demands of the future. These effort will require new perspectives, planning, human resource development, fundraising, and advocacy all within a rapidly changing social, economic and political Utthan seeks to hear the call of the future, with both its challenges and possibilities, always working towards its core vision of an India of equal opportunity, security, and freedom.

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49 Utthan Annual Report APPENDICES

50 50 Utthan Annual Report 2013 APPENDIX A AIF CSPC IEC MSA ODF PSC RTI WASMO American India Foundation Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell Information, Education, & Communication Mahila Swaraj Abhiyan Open Defecation Free Programme Support Committee Right To Information Water and Sanitation Management Organisation

51 Utthan Annual Report APPENDIX B: PUBLICATIONS IEC Materials, Reports, & Films in Aapnu Pani Saunu ( Water for All ) booklet Advantageous ECOSAN Toilet booklet Appraisal of Occupational Hazards, Entrepreneurial Capacity, and Decision-making Role of Women in Coastal Community of Gujarat (English) (English) Swachhtana Saat Pagla ( Seven Steps to Hygiene ) booklet (English)

52 52 Utthan Annual Report 2013 APPENDIX C: Audited Financial Report * BALANCE SHEET AS OF 31, MARCH 2013 All amounts in Indian Rupees (Rs.) Funds & Liabilities Funds & Liabilities , , Project Unutilized Funds 388, , Capital Fund 2,772, ,802, Other Earmarked Fund 527, , Depreciation Fund 2,988, ,754, , , Current liabilities 390, , Total (Rs.) 7,166, ,190, Assets Assets Immovable & Movable Assets 4,129, ,925, Deposits 12, , , , , , Cash & Bank Balances 98, , Fixed Deposit with State Bank of India 1,746, ,557, Income & Expenditure Account 836, , Total (Rs.) 7,166, ,190, Utthan Trust Registration Number: FCRA Registration Number: , dated 21/01/1985

53 Utthan Annual Report INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AS OF 31, MARCH 2013 All amounts in Indian Rupees (Rs.) Expenditures Expenditure Total Expenditure on Objects of Utthan 11,593, ,717, Oxfam India Trust 1,176, , Networking & Advocacy Efforts for Ensuring Gender Equity Program (A.I.D) 574, , ,038, ,421,50-6, , ,712, , , MM CMC 1,753, ,438, , Shanti Micro Finance 160, ,695, Programme Expenditures (Utthan Fund) - 19, Utthan Salary 15, , Telephone & Internet 1, Repairs & Maintenance 10, Bank Charges 7, Surplus Transferred to Balance Sheet 67, Total (Rs.) 11,696, ,001, Income Income ,593, ,717, Donations - 24, By F.D. Interest 46, , By Bank Interest 56, , , Total (Rs.) 11,696, ,001,108.61

54 54 Utthan Annual Report 2013 APPENDIX D: Board of Directors MR. ASHOKE CHATTERJEE Chair MS. PADMINI CHOWGULE Founding Member MS. NEELIMA KHETAN Founding Member DR. SUDARSHAN IYENGAR Member MR. BINOY ACHARYA Member MS. DEEPTI SETHI Member MS. NAFISA BAROT Managing Trustee

55 Utthan Annual Report APPENDIX E: Our Donors & Partners MISEREOR Government Agency Donors

56 Utthan Phone: (+91) Web: facebook.com/utthangujarat 36 Chitrakut Twins,