Self-reliance & resilience in slum women's groups

The Challenge: Voter ID Card (for those >18 years) is a common form of Government picture ID and address proof in India to avail schemes, services and entitlements. Slum women and girls in a male dominated society are unaware of how to obtain Voter ID. This deprives them of Government services, schemes and entitlements. For example, a slum woman in labour was denied hospital access for not having ID proof of the city. Voter ID provides legitimacy to slum dwellers for electoral rights and to negotiate for services.

Effort: Regular capacity building sessions of women’s groups and information about Government services, importance of Government ID, of address proof and steps to obtain them (documents required, where to be submitted) are conducted by UHRC facilitators. With motivation, women and girls gradually develop confidence to submit documents to the authorities and obtain Voter ID. 

Outcome: About 30000 persons from Indore and Agra (above 18 years) obtained Voter ID card during 2016-18. Voter ID in addition to being a Government ID, address proof, enabled women exercise their democratic rights as legitimate citizens during elections. They gently assert their democratic value as voters while negotiating with elected Ward Councillors. These efforts are also resulting in overcoming the notion of illegality associated with slums.