"DHEMSA” an Effective Tool for People Centered Advocacy

All over the world, India is known for its rich cultures and traditions. In this connation the unique traditions and costumes of the tribal make them different from the other communities. Here ChildFund India, Malkangiri Area Programme adopted the people centered advocacy (Street Plays) Strategy to generate awareness among these indigenous community on Adverse Impact of Early Marriage within its operational areas. The traditional Folk dance (Dhemsa) was used to ensure participation of the community members in the programme.

 Malkangiri is a tribal dominated district of Odisha. In order to improve the Child development ratio of the area, ChildFund India comes forward with different programmes and projects to complement and supplement the govt. counterpart. An internal survey was conducted to know the reasons of maternal and infant deaths of the region and it was found that early marriage is one of the important factors which have a significant contribution towards this. Hence in order to reduce the IMR & MMR induced by early marriage, People centered advocacy campaign through street plays were organized in more than 30 villages within its operational area.

If we will start with a show with the local folk dances no double it will gather a huge crowd which not only includes the children, but also the adult members of the community including the females. Again delivery of message in colloquial languages not only motivates them to participate in the programme but also develop a sense of ownership over it.

It was observed that a crowed of more than 90-100, gathered during the shows and actively observed it, internalize the messages and also delivered it during the question answer session. Again I would like to share peoples belonging to different age group participated during this hence I think it will certainly increase the no.of beneficiaries through peer education and also reduced the conflict among the 2 different age groups with proper knowledge and communication.

Acceptance through active involvement

Adolescent girls of the community with the folk team

Message on impact of early marriage though street plays