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Figure 44 and 45 summarise findings relating
to the participation of women in community
decision-making in Kalyandurg and Dhone
respectively. These figures show that in
Kalyandurg women were only participating in
meetings in 17% of the villages and participating
and influencing decisions in 4% of the villages.
In Dhone, women were participating in meetings
in 14% of the villages and participating and
influencing decisions in 5% of the villages.
For Kalyandurg in particular, there is a stark
contrast between the figures on the participation
of the poor and of women in meetings.
These findings confirm that, although poor men
participate in meetings, women, and particularly
poor women, rarely participate in meetings.
In summary, despite impressive advances in
women’s empowerment through the SHG
movement in Andhra Pradesh, women still do
not participate effectively in community decisionmaking.
Even in a mandal like Kalyandurg,
which has a good record in remedial action
by panchayats and community participation,
participation by women in community decisions
is low. In a majority of the habitations (all
except 2), women were either not involved in
community decision-making, or did not
attend meetings or influence major decisions
on community issues relating to water and
sanitation.
5.6 Access to irrigation water
Access to reliable water supplies for irrigation,
livestock and other productive purposes is
extremely important to the livelihoods of a large
number of people living in the study mandals.
Although there is some growth in the service
sector, the majority still rely heavily on
agricultural production. There is a strong belief
amongst small and marginal farmers, based on
experience, that gaining access to water resources
and becoming an irrigator farmer is a reliable
means of escaping from poverty. Hence,
considerable amounts of money have been and
continue to be invested in borewell construction
in Dhone and Kalyandurg. Private borewell
investments total around Rs. 4 crores in Dhone
and around Rs. 22 crores in Kalyandurg (based
on a cost of Rs. 35,000 per borewell at 2002
prices). This level of investment reflects the
relative profitability of irrigated cropping.
However, over-exploitation of groundwater in
both study mandals has led to a situation whereby
investments in irrigation have become a
widespread cause of poverty (see Box 16).
Box 15. Villagers’ views on women’s
participation in decision-making
“Women are not included in community
meetings. They are scared to participate.
Women participate only for their
problems, and are not involved in
community problem solving.” (Manirevu).
“Men are not giving much importance to
women’s participation in community
meetings.” (Obalpuram).
“Women are not encouraged to participate
in community decisions, even though
most of them have minimum education.”
(Kadadarakunta).
“Women are not being allowed and also
women are not interested in
participating.” (Venkatampalli).
“Women mainly participate in Vidya
Committee meetings. But once they made
a dharna for water problem at Kalyandurg
MRO office.” (Vitlampalli).
“Women participated in community
decision-making; asked for community
latrines. Decision taken and work also
done.” (Mudigal).
“DWCRA groups participated in road
formation by shramadan. Women attend
community and Gram Sabha meetings and
speak about their problems.” (Golla).
Overhead tank in Kocheruvu, Dhone
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