The Mahila Samakhya programme, launched in 1988, is the direct out come of the commitment to affirmative action in support of women’s education mandated by the National Policy on Education (1986) and the subsequent Program of Action (1992). The National Policy on Education - a landmark in the field of policy on women’s education in India which stated that: “The Empowerment of Women is possibly the most critical pre condition for the participation of girls and women in the educational process”. As a result of this the programme is designed for the education and empowerment of women in rural areas, particularly of women from socially and economically marginalized groups.

Currently the program is operational in 9 states and 63 districts covering a little over 15000 villages in India.

Principles

The principles of the Mahila Samakhya programme are to: Enhance self esteem and self confidence of women. Build a positive image of women by recognizing their contribution to the society, policy and economy. Develop Critical-thinking ability in women.

	Foster decision-making and action through collective processes.
	Enable women to make informed choices in areas like education, employment, health (especially reproductive health).
	Ensure equal participation in developmental processes.
	Provide information, knowledge and skill for economic independence.
	Enhance access to legal literacy and information relating to their rights and entitlements in society with a view to enhance their participation on an equal footing in all areas.

MS programme till date has been able to facilitate creation of an enabling environment for sangham women to bring their issues to centre stage. The processes have given insights, learnings and lot of experience to all the concerned. Though empowerment cannot be measured quantitatively, the qualitative indicators that emerged have contributed for recognition of MS strategies as viable and replicable.


Strategy

The programme focuses on : Marginalised women, particularly those belonging to the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe communities. Areas where female SC/ST literacy levels are very low (approximately 15-25%). Areas where development indicators are very low.

The fundamental strategy of the Mahila Samakhya programme is to mobilise women into village level collectives called ‘Sanghams’. These sanghams form the nodal point for all discussion, planning, implementation and evaluation.

Since the launching of APMSS in 1993, the macro environment has undergone substantial change. The concept of groups has gathered momentum as a result of the SHG movement encouraged by the government. Almost all villages have a number of groups where women have come together for the purpose of thrift and savings.

At the time of expanding the programme to the districts of Nalgonda and Warangal, it was felt that shift in mobilisation strategy is necessary given the above situation. The new strategy would involve working with the existing groups, bringing them together on a common platform so as to enable them to take up the issue of their empowerment in a holistic manner. In the recent phase of programme expansion to Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts similar strategy is followed and key areas of action are identified for implementation.