Engendering Participation, Empowering Women

In the context of globalization, social and economic equity of marginalized sections of society has become a matter which needs urgent attention. Policies and programs to secure social and economic equity for the weaker sections of the society assumes more importance now than ever.

Habitat technology group which has been in the forefront of activities to usher in a green habitat culture, has given priority to programs to improve the socio-economic conditions of the workers in the housing sector. The latest of these initiatives is a pioneering effort to improve the status of women workers in the construction sector.

Though women constitute a major share of labor force in construction sector, they mostly worked as unskilled laborers all these years. No organized effort was taken to improve their lot, they had to work for long hours, and earned very little. Being unskilled laborers, they didn't have a chance to improve their standard of living.

Habitat took up on itself the mission to change the destiny of women workers in the construction sector, by equipping the women workforce in its network to take up greater challenges. Making them skilled in their work was the first step to ensure a higher status in society. This will be the sure way to ensure gender equity.

Upgrading the skills of women workers and empowering them to face greater challenges was easier said than done. There were so many hindrances on the way- some social, and some psychological .When a beginning was made, Habitat network sprung into action.

Thus was born Habitat Women's Initiative, a pioneering program to train women workers in construction sector to upgrade their skills. The program brought to the fore the strength of women workers of Habitat. When the initial problems were successfully sorted out they gained confidence.

Women's initiative has grown from strength to strength within a short span of time. Now with the experience gained, this training program is ready to be replicated in other parts of Kerala. The experiment though had its share of problems in the beginning, was amply rewarding. The Habitat fraternity is already thinking about introducing the successful training models to the network of Habitat centers outside Kerala. We hope this pioneering step will inspire other organizations and professionals to create more opportunities for women.