Rajamani, Centre for Rural Studies and Development (CRSD), Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, says, “I think change begins with individuals. My views have undergone a radical change. I am sure that others can change as well. We are trying to introduce notions of gender equality through street plays and padyatras. Some villagers welcome our ideas but others oppose it as culturally inappropriate. We address issues of domestic violence alongside our normal outreach programmes. I have so far spoken to 45 people and used the kit to explain the issue to them. I find the kit useful as it takes up issues in a logical order and the illustrations help in grasping the issues.

One Change Maker in our group helped a woman whose husband was contemplating marrying again because his first wife was unable to bear a son. This was even as she was carrying his third child. We were all appalled to hear this and threatened to expose him. The Change Maker played a vital role in changing attitudes. The man has since apologised to his wife since and is beginning to listen to us. We are trying to convince him that children are the same – it does not matter if they are boys or girls.

We also helped a woman called Nagamani whose husband married again because she could not bear children. We threatened him with legal action which worked. He has now ensured that his provident fund carries the name of both his wives as dependents.”