Empowering People and Social work Profession

Title : Nomadic Tribes Woman Empowerment- A study of VSSMs Livelihood Generation for Nomadic Tribes Woman
Name of Author: Dhirendra Patel Affiliation Institute: VSSM

Designation: Coordinator

Address: Guru Krupa,,15, Maneklal Colony, Opp. Anupam Society, Naranpura, Ahmedabad.
Email Address: dhirendra1972@gmail.com Mobile: 8401685111
Abstract:

Empowerment can be viewed as means of creating a social environment in which one can make
decisions and make choices either individually or collectively for social transformation. It strengthens
the innate ability by way of acquiring knowledge, power and experience (Hashemi Schuler and Riley,
1996). Womens empowerment is very essential for the development of society. Empowerment
means individuals acquiring the power to think and act freely, exercises choice and fulfill their
potential as full and equal members of society. As per the United National Development Fund for
women (UNIFEM), the term womens empowerment means: Developing a sense of self-worth, a
belief in ones ability to secure desired changes and the right to control ones life.
Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch:'Aa to badha rakhadta loko chhe' (these are wandering people) is the statement that is very casually
used with reference to NT and DNTs. But is there an awareness of the fact that the wandering or
roving by these communities has a definite purpose, method and pattern to it? For decades, very
large sections of our society are enduring the pains of growth and development and suffering in
silence. These are the Nomadic and De-notified Tribes (NT-DNT) of Gujarat. 40 communities fall
within the ambit of NT-DNTs in Gujarat and 40 lacs is the estimated population of these communities.
14 of these 40 communities are some of the most marginalized communities of our county. Since the
year 2005, VSSM has been striving to give identity, dignity and voice to the various Nomadic and Denotified communities of Gujarat. The various initiatives of VSSM both at the grassroots and policy
level have been instrumental in empowering the lives of thousands of families from these
communities. The initiatives are designed to realize the human and citizenry rights of these
individuals.
Present Condition of these communities:
Humans without Address
low literacy rate of these communities

Lack of livelihood.

Inaccessibility of any social and civic rights because of lack of permanent address, they have not
been issued ration card or voter ID card, which are essential documents to have access to any
benefits from the government.
Unorganized to get their voice heard
support, etc.

Deprived of basic amenities like shelter, medical

The De-notified communities still face a stigma of criminal tribe. Police still treats them as criminals
and threat and beats them without any invocation. Despite having denotified by Government in
1952; they still have to get noted their names in the village chowki, where they work as guards to
fields.
VSSM started Helping Woman from NT and DNT communities. The financial support has to a very
great extent changed the lives of these families, it has enabled these families to do jobs they like
allowing them to maintain their inherent nature of enterprise. All their lives and historically as well
these communities have worked for themselves be it making baskets, sharpening knives, creating
iron tools etc etc. they pursued their professions on their own terms and hence it is difficult for them

to work on the back and call of others. Being involved in their own businesses means they are their
own boss and can put in extra hours to increase sales and profits. All these families are doing exactly
that to change the destiny of their families.
Sr. No

Total Loan Amount

1718500

Loan Repayment
Till date
544550

Outstand As of Today
1173950