The only advantage we have now is that our finances are a little better but our life has not changed in any way. Frankly, some of the women paint a rather bleak picture of struggling to survive in the context of domestic abuse, powerlessness, and alcoholism. If we are to learn how to create sustainable livelihoods it is necessary to share both success stories and challenges. Obviously, it will take more than a steady income to make these women's livelihoods sustainable in the fullest sense of the term. The entire community has to be involved as full participants in strategies to promote equity.
Inequity is difficult to address as it is often socially sanctioned.
The scope of the challenge though, cannot be a reason for inaction. Without downplaying the power and persistence of inequities, change is possible. I was reminded of this by many villagers. For example, when DA first established the appropriate technology centre in Orchha, villagers used to associate only along caste lines. The DA staff broke down these boundaries in simple ways - for example, by encouraging everyone to eat together.