Umang Mahila Federation
The Behrampada slum area in East Bandra (hyperlink to Behrampada Community Profile page) is not very large geographically but is very densely populated and has had to deal with poor sanitation facilities and a lack of proper waste disposal, putting the health of residents at risk. One of the major challenges CRH has faced in the neighborhood is engaging with the closed Muslim community of Behrampada and raising awareness and activism on issues such as effective disposal of waste, cleanliness and hygiene and linking these up with issues of health and housing. Another challenge has been to engage with women to become implementers and leaders of projects in the community. The creation and ongoing work of the Umang Mahila Federation, a committed group of women residents of Behrampada who have led advocacy and activism campaigns in the community, is proof of great success when put in the context of these challenges.
The Umang Mahila Federation formed through efforts on improving water quality in the community in 2003 and 2004 and was formed in June 2005. The Federation’s first contact with BMC officials was organized in September 2005. From that point forward, ongoing liaison with the Solid Waste Management Department was established. In response to the Federation’s demands for their rights, officials promptly attended to complaints.
CRH’s work with the Federation has focused on capacity-building, engaging with women on awareness programs on health, electoral processes, human rights, reproductive rights, functioning of the BMC, rationing, housing schemes and governance issues through classes. The Federation has committed itself to working on issues of sanitation, health and hygiene. The women leaders are not only supporting CRH in reaching out to new areas, but they continue to stand firm in solidarity with those who have lost their homes or are under threat of demolition through organizing and participating in protests and rallies. The Federation organized signature campaigns to strengthen public health facilities and the maternity ward, resulting in public awareness and local leaders of Samajawadi Party organizing a huge rally to address the issue. The Federation continues to organize public awareness campaigns, distributing fliers in Hindi and Urdu on what each family and individual can do to improve public health in the community as well as petitioning government officials for their right to proper sanitation and health.
CRH’s work with Umang Mahila Federation has been very fulfilling. CRH has not only achieved its larger vision of rightful space for urban poor in transforming cities on the front of basic amenities. The project has also provided CRH with an opportunity to learn the skills of working with communities otherwise closed to outside influence.