Empowering the Oppressed: Grassroots Advocacy Movements in India

Traditional approaches to development, in India and elsewhere, have not proved equal to the task of ensuring a just society, especially for the most socially economically and psychologically oppressed peoples. The unique individuals and groups introduced in this book recognize that a sustainable and qualitative improvement in the lives of the most downtrodden—those battling discrimination by caste, class or gender—can be achieved only when the root causes of their oppression are addressed, not just the symptoms of it. Not only have these leaders and their organizations found strikingly effective and innovative ways by which people may secure their human and civil rights, and realign power relations in society; they have also enabled the marginalized poor to pursue their own interests and their own struggles for justice and equality. The plight of landless and bonded labourers, women’s self-employment and unionizing, lobbying with government for policies responsive to the needs of the poor, and initiatives in advocacy, disaster relief and communal harmony—the range of issues is wide and the scope of this book extensive. A donor’s story is also told to illustrate the relative effectiveness of a different approach to foreign aid. The most important lesson these studies offer is that strength of conviction, courage and the determination to achieve justice at any cost are powerful tools which can overcome most hurdles and lead to lasting change. The methodology varies—from advocacy designed to energize the government to budget analysis and public demonstrations—but the core message of all the initiatives described here is that injustice and oppression cannot be tolerated if the socio-economic and political dynamics in society are to be altered and meaningful ‘development’ is to occur. This important book will be of interest to every development practitioner and to students of development studies, sociology and social work. It will also be of interest to policy-makers in both non-governmental and governmental organizations and in national and international funding agencies alike.