Community Developement Program
Community Development Program was brought into existence with the belief that violence against women is a violation of human rights and fundamental freedom of women. That is why all our departments and programmes respond by speaking out and standing up against violence. The Community Development Program specifically focuses on advancing rights of women and girls. Through its various projects, the department works towards building self confidence, leadership and knowledge on violence against women.
Mahila Panchayat and Self Help Groups CDP works tirelessly towards fulfilling the aim of the organization, i.e. ‘Empowerment of Women and Children’ irrespective of race, culture and creed, status etc. The main objectives are awareness building on micro credit and leadership among women, healthcare, nutrition, literacy, vocational training, along with alleviation of poverty and illiteracy.
The Mahila Panchayat programme funded by Delhi Commission for Women in slums and resettlement colonies of Delhi has been a part of the Urban Development Project that started its operation in 1989. This is an innovative and collective approach for the community women to address issues of women by women leaders of the community. They are trained on legal matters and laws relevant to crimes against women as well as provided with training in counseling, filing of FIR, following up with police stations, and process for legal recourse.
The YWCA of Delhi is successfully running the Mahila Panchayats at two YWCA centres:-
- The Community Development Programme (CDP) believes in creating platforms to challenge oppressive norms and power structures. Over the years we have facilitated the strengthening of 24 women collectives and Self Help Groups. Through these collectives, women begin to see themselves as agents of change, ready to seize economic opportunities, access credit facilities and collectively take action and support each other on matters that affect their lives.
- Najafgarh Our Branch in Najafgarh which was established in 1965 has been the face of community development outreach program in the semi-urban area of Najafgarh in South West District Delhi. The RDP has a holistic approach towards child, youth and women empowerment. It caters to vocational courses, education, health, nutrition, economic, socio-cultural and civic issues related to social development.
- Its programmes significantly engage the beneficiaries in proactive awareness leading to the empowerment of adolescent girls and children.With the objective of enhancing employment opportunity for girls and women from marginalized communities in Delhi, CDP provides vocational training and education through its various centers. Through standardized curriculum in Cutting & Tailoring and Beauty & Wellness along with Life Skills, career counseling, CDP prepares girls and women to pursue their life goals.
- Rag-Pickers Community
CDP engages with Rag-Pickers Community residing in Najafgarh who have migrated from Assam. They collect garbage from the nearby landfills and sell them to earn their livelihood. Majority of the ragpickers are children. We established a non-formal education center in their community to provide basic education and life skills to the children.