The participation of women in the literacy campaigns led to the formation of a women’s platform “SAMATA”, in 1993, within BGVS. Initially it was conceived to be a platform that would integrate the experience of the TLC with those of the larger women’s movements that had a deep understanding of women’s issues and struggles. It was envisaged that the linking of the literacy movement would ensure that the education of women is closely linked to the empowerment of women.

    Samata has not looked back since then. It was very clear from the beginning to keep the process of developing women’s capacity, women’s leadership at all levels from village to National level. At the national level there have been two major mobilisation programmes “Samata Jatha” in 1993 and “Samata Vigyan Utsav” from 1996 to 1999.

    It has to be reiterated that Samata is for the empowerment of women in the true sense of the word in all aspects related to life. Empowerment will be possible if we can consolidate these efforts with a few programmes. The main focus is on specific programmes like Samata Vachanalaya linking up to Continuing Education, Women’s Health, SHG promotion and Entrepreneurship Development in the first phase and other programmes in second phase. Though Samata has not emerged as a Platform for women’s organizations, Samata does interact with other women’s organizations and learn from their experience, now it is envisaged that we work closely with many women’s organizations and provide space for work on specific issues collectively.