ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

COLLECTIVE DECISION MAKING AT FAMILY LEVEL

TABLE OF CONTENT

SDS

Title page

Table of content

Action research group

Executive summary

Phase-1 Pre-action research

Background_____________________________________________________________________5

Objectives______________________________________________________________________7

Methodology___________________________________________________________________8

Major finding and observational analysis_____________________________________________10

Conclusions drawn from pre-action research__________________________________________12

Phase-2 Action intervention

Background____________________________________________________________________13

Objective______________________________________________________________________13

Methodology___________________________________________________________________14

Explanation of the intervention_____________________________________________________15

Phase-3 Post-action research

Background____________________________________________________________________18

Objective______________________________________________________________________18

Methodology___________________________________________________________________18

Major findings & observational analysis______________________________________________20

Comparative analysis of pre-action research and post-action research______________________22

Lesson learn_________________________________________________________23

Annexure

Sample survey questionnaire

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ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT GROUP

The Action Research Project Group-1 is comprising of five volunteers namely,

S.# Name of Members Org/ Dept. Contact #

01 Irfan Husain Shaikh University Student 0336-3635718 0308-8571685

02 Aftab Hussain Mahar University Student 0300-2496499

03 Zohra Allah Bachayo Community Youth 0307-8989264

04 Sadaqat Community Youth 0341-0887563

05 Faiza Karim Community Youth 0341-0887563

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Sindh Development Society (SDS) was formed in 1991 and registered in May 1994 under the Societies Act 1860, to participate in the process of development and social uplift of the backward areas of the province of Sindh. SDS is one of the few organizations with a wide-range agenda on development. In its short span of existence, SDS has been actively involved in the development projects in the areas of non-formal education, sanitation, environmental protection, human rights, advocacy, political education/awareness, primary health care, capacity building of grass-root local CBOs, disaster relief services.

SDS mission is developed, rational, non-discriminatory, and peaceful society. To uplift the living standard of the people living in the backward areas of the province of Sindh through participatory, sustainable and integrated development initiatives and to promote and advocate the rights of underprivileged and vulnerable sections of the society. SDS major objective is to ensure Human Rights for all with especially for (women, children, special children, minorities, and socially excluded groups) and Women Empowerment (economically, socially and politically through social mobilization, enhancement of their skills, exhibition and marketing of handicrafts, introduction of new skills and occupations for women particularly rural women)

SDSC in line with their mission and objectives implementing the program “Empowerment of Women for Reduction of GBV” through Action Research Project with its partner organization ABAD and AMAL in three district of Sindh namely Hyderabad, Jamshoro and Matiyari, since 2009. The project was funded by Trocaire which is the official overseas development agency. The action research project is divided into three phases, pre-action research, action intervention and post action research. The Projects focus on different aspects of gender equality, masculinity and patriarchal system and employee result-based approach to measuring change, for this purpose 25 volunteers were selected from university of Sindh Jamshoro and 08 groups were formed who participate in the implementation of projects.

In connection with Pre-action research ideas identified by the participants during the three day training between 19-21 Feb 2015, project concepts from groups (formed for the purpose) were sough including one for this project which is based on “women participation in collective decision making”. The training included comprehensive discussions on gender equality, gender-based violence, domestic violence, masculinities,

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patriarchal system and pro-women laws. The SDS later organised an orientation session on 11 March 2015 to acquaint selected groups with technical and social aspects of projects, and to decide on the days of field visits (base-line survey). After the Pre-action research, presentation is given on March 24-2014 to SDS, ABAD and AMAL Action Research Project team based on the key findings and observation during the Pre-action research. On the same day SDS, ABAD and AMAL sought our action ideas on the intervention, and systematically select one Project idea on which this action have been taken. After the Action Intervention on April 19-2015, SDS, ABAD and AMAL Action Research Project team finalized the date and organized the Post-action research visit on May 16-2015 with the identified beneficiaries. The objective of this phase of the project is to collect the data for the comparative analysis between Pre-action research and Post-action research to evaluate the outcome of the Action Research Project on the participants.

This action research project aim to “Understanding and addressing perception of household members regarding women participation in collective decision making”. Some of the major objectives are (1) to examine women autonomy and decision-making power at the household level. (2) To identify areas of intervention to raise awareness about collective decision making and importance and role of women in collective decision making at household level (3) To assess or evaluate the outcomes of Action Research Project (4) to do the comparative analysis of Pre-action research and Post-action research. (5)To provide the recommendation to the policy makers.

This research achieved all its major objectives particularly it succeed in bring positive change in male perception regarding women participation in collective decision making at household level. After this project awareness have been raised about the importance and role of women. Villagers are recognizing women’s contribution in the subsistence, productive or re-productive works. Participants are willing to take necessary action for the betterment and empowerment of women. They said they will take all the possible measure to improve women decision making power at household level.

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PHASE I: PRE – ACTION RESEARCH

This study seeks to understand and address perceptions of household members regarding women’s participation in collective decision making in Village Arif Khatiyan’

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Learning about women’s role in collective decision-making at the household level is essential because of the nature of their responsibilities. A basic feature of any rural or urban society is that the family is the unit through which people seek to fulfil their needs. An equally basic feature is that family responsibilities are divided along the sex lines among males and females. Each sex has the responsibility of carrying out certain aspects of work necessary for survival of the family. It is the survival of the family for which males and female members organize and agree upon certain roles and responsibilities.

As is the case with men, women’s ability to organize and agree upon i.e. the ability to take part in collective decisions directly affects the degree mode and quality of their performance. Therefore the decision-making power of women within the family has been looked upon as one of the important factors regulating the well-being of the family and household economy. But this significantly differs between societies. Specifically, lower capacity of the women to take part in decision-making is a basic element of rural Patriarchal families in Sindh.

The question as to whether the women’s choice is valued, and whether and how is her advice sought and incorporated into major decisions need formal examinations to be satisfactorily answered. Thus, this study sets to explore and address the perception and level of women’s participation in collective decision making in one of a hamlet in Village Arif Kathyan in Sindh province of Pakistan. The society is mainly patriarchal in nature and men have greater control in family decisions—often simply by virtue of being men. Hence, women decision-making power is limited to the patriarchal ideology.

This pre-action research (examining women’s autonomy and decision-making power at the household level) will provide the basis for a project intervention to raise awareness

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of and improve the level of participation of women in collective decision making in the village.

VILLAGE ARIF KHATIYAN

UNION COUNCIL MOSA KHATIYAN

TALUKA HYDERABAD

DISTRICT HYDERABAD

PROVENCE SINDH, PAKISTAN

ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY

PS-44 RAFEEQUE CHANA

Village Arif Khatiyan is an under-developed rural area. Villagers live in clusters of small scale settlements, locally named as bastis, usually with all of their relatives. They have old traditions, norms and customs. The livelihood of estimated 90 percent of the population is dependent upon agricultural and allied activities. Rest are involved in services, market related activity and trading, including general stores, easy paisa shops, local hotels and cabins.

The village is situated in Deh Sipki, UC Mosa Khatiyan, Taluka Hyderabad rural, and District Hyderabad. It is bounded on the east by Village Karnai Sama, on the west by Village Sulaman Khatiyan, on North by Peer Hajan Shah and on the South by Haq Machi. Tandojam, which serves as the hub-center of the village, is located at a distance of 7 kilometres from the village.

It covers a geographic area of around 2000 acres and has a population of around 5000 people dwelling in some 250-300 houses. Major communities in the village include Khaskeli, Khatiyan, Gadan, Shedi, Mugal and Bhati. Other ethnic groups include Machi, Kohli, Magwar and Bheels. Main local spoken language is Sindhi and Saraiki.

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INGO Trocaire with partner organisations Sindh Development Society (SDS), Association for Betterment and Development of Human Beings (ABAD) and AMAL organized and facilitated Action Research Projects for lower Sindh province of Pakistan in three districts namely Hyderabad, Jamshoro, and Matiari. These projects focus on different aspects of gender equality and masculinity and employee result-based approach to measuring change. In connection with Pre-action research ideas identified by the participants during the three day training between 19-21 Feb 2015, project proposals from groups (formed for the purpose) were sought and including one for this project. The training included comprehensive discussions on gender equality, gender-based violence, domestic violence, masculinities, patriarchal system and pro-women laws. The SDS later organised an orientation session on 11 March 2015 to acquaint selected groups with technical and social aspects of projects, and to decide on the days of field visits (base-line survey).

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

Specific objectives include:

Understanding and addressing perception of household members regarding women participation in collective decision making

To examine women autonomy and decision-making power at the household level To identify areas of intervention

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METHODOLOGY

DATA COLLECTION

This research allowed for a structured, qualitative approach to the collection of data. The procedure employed was as under

STRUCTURED QUESTIONNAIRE

A questionnaire was also administered among the same respondents who participated in the focus groups. Total nine questions were asked, the questionnaire is designed to identify people perception regarding women participation in collective decision making at household level, to understand the dynamic of decision making, and to assess who in the family play key role in decision making, role of women in decision making, and the relative necessity of collective decision making.

RESPONDENTS/BENEFICARIES

The total number of direct beneficiaries in the village initially may number up to 160 members from the households of 18 respondents of three focus groups conducted in the village. Total number of direct and indirect beneficiaries may number up to another 700-800 including the Action Research Project Group at this level.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

Three FGDs were conducted with groups of 10 and 08 respondents from the village respectively including 10 males and 08 females. The respondents belonged to different castes. Two FGD were conducted on 16-05-15 and one on 21-05-15.

The FDGs were central to data collection on people perception regarding women participation in collective decision-making at household level in the village. These were also useful in obtaining

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information on demography, culture and lifestyle of the villagers.

Community mobilizer from SDS, Mr. Manzoor Ali, and the Focal Person from Village Development Committee (from ABAD) provided valuable assistance in mobilizing villagers for the focus groups and interviews.

TRANSIT WALK (GENERAL OBSERVATION)

A transit walk (observation) of the area was carried to get an understanding of the overall environment, culture, activities and people. The transit walk also help in mobilizing villagers for the FGDs.

INFORMANT INTERVIEW

Two key informant interviews were conducted with villagers the respondent were randomly selected.

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MAJOR FINDING & OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS

Villagers were of the view that decision making is important at the household level including women and that it has been a norm in their village. One of the respondent said it is natural that family members discuss and cooperate in homes. They were on the view that collective decision making leads to better results and that everyone know where, when and how are things going to be. They added that issues within the family can only be solved with collective decision making, by giving due importance to the advice of others. These decisions include those related to marriage, relations with other family member, issues and conflicts, remunerative activities, health, food etc.

Male members of the family especially elders play main role in every decision, for example grandfather, husband, brother, brother in law, and from females, the grandmother is mainly involved in decision making.

The involvement of women and children’s in decision making depends on the nature of discussion. Women from very few households are involved in decision making and very little advice is sought. Males remain dominant in the household. On the other side, only married male and above 18 children, are allowed to take part in the discussion. Women are not allowed to sit in discussion with male members of the family.

Villagers were on the view that equality of women in decision making depends on the nature or kind of discussion, in decision making about marriage, family and community conflicts, property issues, business related discussion etc. women are not equally involved and even restricted to take part.

Male members of the family are not giving equal rights to women. They do not want to share power with women. It is noted that non-patriarchal family and educated people are giving women opportunities to take part in decision making.

Majority of the male population do not want to share power and give equal right to women in decision making. They think women are polite and not strong. On the other hand, cultural practices and religion are also reflected in women inequalities. Some of the people said their culture and religion (society) not allowed them to share power and give equal right to women.

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Some of the people are of the view that women are good in decision making in household work, while some think that they are not good in decision making. Grandfather and grandmother play a key role in decision making. They control the whole family. Every member of the family obeys them. The decision they make and the advice they give are valuable for all the members. This discussion includes marriages, conflicts, health and remunerative works. Most other women seek advice from grandmothers about health issues. They also play key role in keeping family united.

One of the women who were present in the focus group is a police constable. She has tried and has succeeded significantly in curbing child marriage in the village with the support of other villagers. Another villager, named Mir Muhammad, gave a positive example of collective decision making. He said his child left his house and started using drugs. After two years, his child came back at home and her grandmother and mother were first to convince him. He is no more using drugs. Liquate Ali, a villager, said that he had a conflict on property with his brother for long but his wife and sister tried to solve the issue and finally succeeded. The accounts of the villagers revealed many examples of the importance of collective decision making in their households but these collective decision making practices can also reflect in wrong decisions like early child marriages, etc.

In response to a question, the respondents said that allowing women to educate is important at least at primary stage. Sensitizing women and man, developing women group/ committee, providing skills and income generation training to women are crucial so that they can earn some income. It is also noticed that people are willing to take part in action for the betterment and empowerment of women in the village.

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CONCLUSION

Male of the village recognized the importance of women participation in collective decision making. They were on the view that collective decision making is a natural phenomenon. Male members of the family dominate in the decision making process.

Women decision was not sought, male don’t want to share power with female. They were on the view that women are not good in decision making. Grandfather and grandmother make major decision at household. Women take advice or discuss about their issues with grandmother or elder women of the family. Male are bound by the patriarchal system, they were on the view that their society does not allow them to equally involve in decision making.

People of the village are quite motivated and are willing to take action for the betterment and empowerment of women in the village.

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PHASE – II ACTIONSENSITIZATION SESSION

BACKGROUND

After the Pre-action research, presentation is given on March 24-2014 to SDS, ABAD and AMAL Action Research Project team based on the key findings and observation during the Pre-action research. On the same day SDS, ABAD and AMAL sought our action ideas on the intervention, and systematically select one Project idea on which this action have been taken. A work plan on the intervention is develop in the same session, key component and activities are briefly mention bellow.

Changes are inevitable in every project, some changes have been made in the action plan, these changes have been made accordance to the circumstances and to make the action plan, realistic or result oriented.

OBJEECTIVE

The purpose of these exercise was to understand or highlight, who in the family made decisions. To identify people perception regarding merits of women or men in household decision making. The major purpose of these exercise was to highlight the role and importance of women in collective decision making decision to the participants.

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METHODOLOGY

ACTION OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTNO OF

BENEFICARIESDETAILS OF

BENEFICARIESMOBILIZATION DATE

SEN

SITI

ZATI

ON

GIVING AWARNESS TO IDENTIFIED BENEFICARIES ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIVE DECISION MAKING AT HOUSEHOLD

1. INTERACTION DIALOGUE. 2. WHO DECIDE

3. WHO MAKE GOOD SOCIAL DECISION

1.INFORMATION MATERIAL

2. FIVE FLIP CHARTS

3. TWO MARKERS

4. TWO PENS

5. LUNCH OR PARTICIPANTS INCLUDING PROJECT TEAM

12 MALE

BENEFICIARIES BELONG TO MULTIPLE CASTES. MAJOR SPOKEN LANGUAGE IN THE AREA IS SINDHI. VILLAGE: MOSA KHATIYAN, DEH SIPKI, TALUKA HYDERABAD, DISTRICT (RURAL) HYDERABAD

BENEFICARIES WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE PRE-ACTION RESEARCH. COMMUNITY MOBILIZER MR. MANZOOR ALI FROM SDS AND FOCUL PERSON OF ABAD, AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION, MR. LIQUAT WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE IN THE MOBILIZATION PROCESS.

09/4/2015

HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF WOMEN AT HOUSEHOLD

1. WORD FORMAT BASE ON ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MALE AND FEMALE IN HOUSEHOLD, LIVESTOCK AND FARMING.

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EXPLANATION OF INTERVENTION

RECITATION OF HOLLY QURAN

The session started with the recitation of Holly Quran by one of the participant.

NAME CHAIN

We asked a total number of 12 participations to stand up and create the circle and then each participant introduced themselves along with their name, nick name and an action. The participants were bound to repeat the name in the same manner. The purpose of this activity was to make participants familiar with each other and to create a meaningful environment for rest of the activities.

BRAING-STORMING

This exercise comprised of three activities namely, the first, “who decides” and second “who make a good social decision” and the third “who do the most works”.

WHO DECIDE

In this activity we told the participant to give their answers on the below mentioned question, whether Men do decision or weather Women do decision at household on the following questions.

Questions

If girls want to educate, then who makes decisions regarding girl’s education? If a conflict arises in the family, who takes the decisions to solve them? Who in the family make decision about marriage? After marriage, who makes decisions regarding child birth in the family? Who makes decisions regarding cooking in the family?

Two groups where formed on the bases of their answers, group one represented themselves as the focal persons of Female and the second represented the Males respectively. Explanation were sought from both groups why they think these decisions

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were taken by either male or female. The aim of this activity is to highlight or understand whom from male or female do decision at household.

WHO MAKES THE GOOD DECISION

In this activity we sought answers on the same questions from participants who makes the good decision, people who think women do good decision and those people who think man do good decision were systematically ordered into two groups. Then we told both the groups to give explanation that, why they think women do good decisions, and why they think men do good decisions.

The purpose of this activity was to understand or highlight to the participant who in the family made good decisions and to identify people perception regarding merits of women or men in household decision making.

WHO DO THE MOST WORKS

In this activity we asked the same groups to fill in the worksheet- based on division of labor between men and women. In this activity, the participants wrote all the activities which men and women carried out in the whole day. The participants were also asked to write the time spent in each activity and the price/ cost of these activities if they were market-oriented. In the case of female activities, which are mostly unpaid, the

market corresponding prices are put to reflect the value of work performed by them, (for example a women wash the cloth of family members, if the same service is higher from the market how much it cost) Finally all the activities carried out, time spent in each activity, and the relative income are totalled. The purpose of this activity was to make clear distinctions, who do the most work, who spent the most time on different

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works and who received the income (most or least). In this way, participants were made to realize the role and importance of women’s work in households.

DE-BRIEF

Finally we asked the participants what they understand or learned through these exercise-activities, so we can judge weather our objective of the intervention is achieved or not. After listening to their statements we particularly asked their answer or shed light on bellow mention questions-points.

What is collective decision making? Who in the family take the decisions? Who in the family make good decision? Who did most works in their daily live, or receive the least or no income? What is the importance of women in collective decision making?

PHASE III: POST – ACTION RESEACH

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BACKGROUND

After the action intervention on April 19-2015, SDS, ABAD and AMAL Action Research Project team finalized the date and organized the Post-action research visit on May 16-2015 with the identified beneficiaries. The objective of this phase of the project is to collect the data for the comparative analysis between Pre-action research and Post-action research to evaluate the outcome of the action research project on the participants.

OBJECTIVES

To assess or evaluate the outcomes of Action Research Project To do the comparative analysis of Pre-action research and Post-action research. To provide the recommendation

METHODOLOGY

DATA COLLECTION

For the data collection and analysis the same structured, qualitative approach which has employed in the Pre-action research was applied. The brief description of the procedure was as under.

STRUCTURED QUESTIONNAIRE

A questionnaire was also administered among the same identified respondents who participated in the previous phase of the project. The questionnaire is designed to identify people perception regarding women participation in collective decision making at household level, to understand the dynamic of decision making, and to assess who in the family play key role in decision making, role of women in decision making, and the relative necessity of collective decision making at household level.

PROJECT BENEFICARIES

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The total number of direct beneficiaries in the village initially may number up to 160 members from the households of village Arif Khatiyan. Total number of direct and indirect beneficiaries may number up to another 700-800 including the Action Research Project Group at this level.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

Two FGDs were conducted with groups of 10 and 12 respondents from the village respectively including 10 males and 12 females. The respondents belonged to different castes. Two FGD were conducted on 16-05-15.

The FDGs were central to data collection on people perception regarding women participation in collective decision making

with major focuses on the assessment of the overall impact of the intervention.

Community mobilizer from SDS, Mr. Manzoor Ali, and the Focal Person from Village Development Committee (from ABAD) provided valuable assistance in mobilizing villagers for the FGD.

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MAJOR FINDING AND OBSERVATION ANALYSIS

In response to the first question regarding their perception of decision making at the household level, respondents were of the view that in the rural patriarchal society with large and extended families, every member of the family is bound to sought advice of other family members. They said that the decision making means that you have to decide for future action. They added that the decision we make, good or bed, right or wrong, have major negative as well as positive effects on other member of the family.

In response to the second question as to who play main role in decision making, they said the decision making is natural or social phenomena. Every person have the right to make decisions about themselves or on behalf of their family. The villagers sought advice from friends, blood relatives, especially from elders of the family. Because of the importance and effects of decisions on other members, usually grandfather, grandmother, father, brothers and uncles particularly make major decisions.

When asked as to who play main role in decision making related to family matters in household, they responded that it depends on the nature and type of issue/matter and in accordance with circumstances. They said that the matters like education, health, marriage, family conflict, division of labour, role and responsibilities assigned or undertaken, male members perform key role, particularly elders of the family since they are considered the head of the family.

In response to the question—are women and children’s involved in decision making related to family matters, they said the family is a social unit comprising of all the members living in one place or having mutual relation with each other, with different roles and responsibilities, women and children are obviously directly or indirectly involved in decision making. Male children and elder women of the family have greater involvement in such decisions.

In response to the question whether they think women should be equally involved in decision making, majority of the participants replied is yes, they were on the view that due to the nature and type of work and contribution of women in the functioning of the family, we must have to involve women in collective decision making.

When asked if they agree or disagree with the principle of women involvement in decision making and the reasons for a particular opinion of yes or no on this aspect;

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people who replied in yes said that women should be involved in decision making because women is the basic unit of the family and that they undertake most of the household activities. They said any decision regarding family matters have far-reaching effect on women wellbeing. They further added that making any decision without involving or considering women point of view the decision could not be found fruitful or benefit the family. Only one person, Mr. Ajaz Ali thought that women should not be equally involved in collective decision making and expressed the view that women do not fully understand the matters and that often they make issues more complex or puzzled; that they do not possess the knowledge outside home environment, they just cook, eat or feed the family.

Majority of the people were on the view that women are good in decision making they are kind and soft hearted they considered all the negative or positive effect of any decision on their family members therefor there decisions found fruitful for the family and the society at large.

In response to the question if they can reflect on any positive experience in the family where any issue was jointly solved or any family matter where all members play their roles equally with responsibility, the respondents said there are many examples of collective decision making and its positive outcomes. One of the respondent reflected an experience where male and females of the village jointly convinced one family household head to give permission to their children’s to let them attend a training.

When asked whether they can make sure that women are involved in collective decision making in family and the community at large, the respondents were of the view that they will involve women in decision making. They said their participation in this research is one of our effort towards women empowerment. They said they have tries to reduce women workload by participating with them in household works. They said they will also try to convince other males of the families to ensure women participation in decision making. At the community level, they said, they can help organizations to arrange awareness sessions, trainings and seminars. They said they are willing to form village level committees and that organizing awareness sessions can help them in ensuring women participation in collective decision making. They added that such committees can also help in improving women interaction and participation with other women of the village so they will discuss and identify better solutions.

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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRE-ACTION RESEARCH AND POST ACTION RESEARCH

In the comparative analysis of pre-action research and post action research findings we can clearly state that before the intervention people did not understand and recognized the importance of women in collective decision making. They were of the view that they sought advice from women but are not willing to equally involve them in collective decision making. Women advice were indirectly involve in decision making process. Women are still sub-ordinated and males dominate in the decision making process. Males play key role in directing resources and assigning tasks and responsibilities in the village. But after the intervention male are willing to involve women in decision making.

With-out the project intervention, the understanding of majority of the male members about women contribution in the subsistence, productive or reproductive works is very unsatisfactory. They viewed women as the subordinate, second class citizens, but with the project intervention majority of the male members now accept or appreciate women contribution in the functioning of household.

It is important to note that this intervention did not succeed in creating equality between women and man, control over resources, equal division of labour and so on so far but this intervention succeeded in raising awareness among male about the contribution of women at household or society at large.

Before the action intervention majority of the respondent were of the view that creating equality between male and female in the society is government’s responsibility but after the post-action research, it is found that villagers realized that they must have to take some action at household or at community level. They said that they encourage and support women by participating in household works. They further added that they are trying to aware children, brother or other male members of their own family to equally involve women in collection decision making.

They are now willing to facilitate organizations in arranging awareness sessions and trainings in the village for betterment and empowerment of women and wellbeing.

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LESSONS LEARNED

The traditional research are only concerned with the identification, explanation of the problems, but the action research project have shown that action research project not only concerned with the identification or explanation of the problems, but it also concerned with the immediate possible solution of the problem.

By this study we have learn that we can’t change our society in few days it need a continuous effort of all the stakeholders weather they were project team, community organization, political groups, community members, or the direct beneficiaries.

Participation of all the stakeholders in the project is a causal element for the success of any intervention.

It is difficult or impossible to bring immediate tangible change in the society regarding women participation in the collective decision making, but it is immediately possible to raise sympathy regarding women’s contribution in the functioning of society among mails so they can think, evaluate, execute by their own self the necessary action towards betterment of the society.

By this intervention, we learned more insight about the rural society. Our morality and the confidence have been developed so far. In the course of action we become familiar with things like, mobilization process, team work and communication, activity designing and undertaken, developing survey questionnaire, writing report, conducting sessions with communities so on so far.

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SAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

Q.1: What do you think about “decision making” at household level?

Q.2: Generally, who plays main role in such decision making?

Q.3: At your household level, who plays main role in making decisions related to family matters?

Q.4: Are women and children involved in making decisions related to family matters?

Q.5: Do you think women should be equally involved in decision making?

Q.6: Are women good in making decisions? How your mother and grandmother are playing their roles in deciding about family matters?

Q.7: If yes or no, then why?

Q.8: Can you reflect on any positive experience in your family where any issue was resolved jointly or any other family matter where all played their roles and responsibilities equally?

Q.9: How can we make sure that women are involved in decision making in family and the community at large?

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