The project promoted rural women’s economic justice trough increase in wages for cotton picking labor. The goal of project was: Cotton picking women are organized, educated and have sufficient wages; with strengthened voice on women economic rights protection and justice and their economic and labour rights are protected achieved through following impact: 1000 cotton picking women are educated on women economic and labor rights; Cotton picking women have effective leadership capacities and they are utilizing knowledge and learning in achieving economic justice; 20 groups of cotton picking women are formed and organized and are addressing the issues of cotton picking women with labor department and cotton growers regarding wedges and other safety measures of cotton picking women; Collective efforts and bargaining power led to achieve increased wages from Rs. 150 to Rs 300 wages from the cotton growers and land owners.
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Social mobilization meeting with women cotton pickers.
Training workshop for women cotton pickers on Women rights, economic and social rights.
Training workshop for women group leaders on social activism and advocacy skills
Training workshop for women group leaders on social activism and advocacy skills.
Interview of women cotton picker with a TV channel for increasing wages.
Assessment: SCF was conducting flood assessment after heavy rain fall in UC Matiari in 2011, during village rapid assessment it was also noticed that large number of women cotton pickers were experiencing food scarcity and other problems after flood and they also shred that due to rain cotton crop was damaged so the land lord did not give their wages because the land lord said that their corps are damaged. This was injustice and exploitation of labor rights so SCF took this issue as a core advocacy program for their social and economic justice.
Through a detail assessment for women cotton pickers’ issues and problem was conducted in 5 villages initially than 20 villages were covered through Social mobilization and in 5 villages through focus group discussions. The input of women and male cotton pickers, the social and economical profiles of the villages were also developed. Baseline survey was carried pickers.
Planning: The targeted group was involved project designing through social mobilization and out in 5 villages through focus group discussions. The input of women and male cotton pickers, the social and economical profiles of the villages were also developed. Baseline survey was carried pickers were incorporated in project designing Intended results:
Taking Action:
Evaluation: The project was evaluated through various level monitoring and progress tracking of set indictors:
For the purpose regular monitoring by project steering committee was carried out and external evaluator was hired for midterm review of project and the suggestions of the evaluation were incorporated in activities.
Sustaining the work: 20 groups of the women cotton pickers have been formed and strong networking of these 20 women groups is enhanced their confidence and social and economic protection. 20 groups increased wage from 150 Rs to 300 Rs for per 40 kg cotton picking and collectively barging power increased their wage so if a land lord offer less wage than the 300 Rs they refuse the work and baring for minimum wage of Rs 300 at least so this is concerted action for their economic sustainability. These cotton picking women have become part of Sindh Hari Porhyat Council a large members based labour rights advocacy organization. Strong and continuous networking is still needed. 20 women leaders of 20 groups have increased level of confidence and leadership skills so they address the issues of women cotton pickers wit land lord regarding their wages any other social issues.
