Dipti Ranjan Mohanty

“My determination and acquired skills have convinced the community members to work for our own village development”, says Damayanti, an outreach worker, associated with CYSD’s Child Development Project for more than a decade.

Gourigada, is a small hamlet of Baliposhi Village under Thakurmunda operational area where Damayanti Mohanta (46) lives. She has put her sincere efforts to illustrate how women are often at the forefront of change and raising their voices and proved herself as an all-rounder in pursuing integrated community development approach, especially for the cause of women development.

In her efforts, Damayanti has effectively built leadership in women and enabled their participation in economic, social and governance spheres at Gram Panchayat level. Her uninterrupted involvement has brought changes in women’s economic condition and enhanced the livelihood status of women through joining SHGs. Being an active member of PRI and Child Protection Committee, Damayanti has ensured child rights and child protection following effective reporting mechanisms to check violations. Her frequent touch with parents, teachers, and pupils in the community and counseling to them has brought the dropout children back to school.

Damayanti has been passionately promoting life skill education for girls focusing on Menstrual Hygiene Management, Hand Washing and career counseling in 4 targeted schools for last two years. With her acquired skills and training knowledge, she has imparted training to hundreds of women in her block. The Block Administration has also recognized her efforts and designated her as GP level Motivator for spreading the message of Swachh Bharat Mission.Thakurmunda, a predominantly tribal and backward block now witnesses drastic decline in child marriage and trafficking through her committed efforts. Her innovation in leading a block level Producer Company involving 500 women producers is really remarkable in terms of enhancing the livelihoods of members.

“Because of CYSD, I have been a successful outreach worker and able to facilitate inclusion of 160 women in SHG programmes; sensitized 1157 families to avail benefit of Swachh Bharat Mission; eased completion of 940 individual latrine construction, strengthened Village WASH Committee in 13 villages under ODF initiatives; sensitized 441 young mothers on MCH Care and Nutrition through video shows and facilitated observance of 24 Village Health Nutrition Day at the village level; mobilized resource of Rs.15000/- per each SHG member for 30 SHGs under Mission Shakti program; provided handhold support to 150 women members for commercial pumpkin cultivation; facilitated meetings of Palli Sabha, Gram Sabha and SMCs and child protection committee at regular intervals, etc.”, says Damayant proudly.