In the effort at establishing institutional mechanisms of Nari Adhikar Kendra or Gender Resource Centre managed by Cluster level federation in Madhya Pradesh, the largest number of issues raised were of domestic violence. The concept of gender was often equated and explained in terms of discrimination and domestic violence.

Domestic violence, especially economic violence was not easily discerned and the capacity to earn and have an account was thought of as a great achievement even if they had to depend on the family to have access to and utilise the money they earned. Similarly, physical to sexual violence especially marital rape was high and women were seeking redressal through Village Organisation Social Action Committee, Cluster Level Federation Social Action Committee or Gender Resource Centre. The women in Petlawad, Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh who had been facing domestic violence and desertion due to second marriages had decided to fight for property rights to deter second marriages and regain self-esteem.

The platform established through exclusive women’s institutions had rendered them a voice and a safe space to express their anguish without feeling let down. This has been developed through an intense process of capacity building.