Mahila Mandal Barmer Agor

MMBA is dedicated to improving the social, economic, and political status of women in Rajasthan, where gender disparities and violence against women are concerning issues. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the organisation has initiated several programmes to empower women. It focuses on livelihood projects, such as Shepherd Development and Embroidery Work, and has formed 360 Self Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance collective strength and engagement in development activities. Leadership skill development and income generation training are provided to SHG leaders. MMBA also advocates against women's exploitation, addressing issues like domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Additionally, it works to ensure access to Government schemes like NREGA and promote women's rights through Marwar Jagrook Manch, which advocates for various women-related concerns at the district and block levels. International Women's Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of women's issues.

MMBA addresses critical health and hygiene issues affecting women in Rajasthan, particularly in the Barmer district, where a significant portion suffer from anaemia due to inadequate healthcare access. Maternal and childcare facilities are lacking, leading to high maternal mortality rates in Western Rajasthan. MMBA's initiatives include identifying pregnant women for vaccination, ensuring child vaccinations, promoting birth registration, and providing nutrition through Anganwadi centres. It empowers traditional birth attendants and forms TBAs' forums. Village Level Pressure Groups advocate for proper health service regulation and the activation of Anganwadi centres and health sub-centres, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility and combat corruption.

MMBA recognizes the challenges faced by shepherds in the border districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer due to frequent droughts and inadequate livelihood opportunities. These regions heavily depend on sheep rearing, but the local sheep breed yields insufficient income, and droughts lead to sheep mortality. Unfortunately, Government support during droughts mainly focuses on cows, neglecting sheep. To address this, MMBA implements a Sheep and Wool Development Programme, aiming to enhance sheep breed quality, health, and shepherd livelihoods. It forms shepherd committees to oversee programme activities, including awareness campaigns, sheep health check-ups, ram distribution, insurance, and wool grading. Additionally, MMBA advocates for the inclusion of sheep and goats in the famine code to ensure equitable access to government support during droughts, as they are vital assets for the region's poor.

MMBA is actively addressing the educational challenges in Rajasthan by focusing on mainstreaming dropouts and ensuring access to quality education, particularly for girls. It has formed village-level committees and parent-teacher associations to promote education and regular school attendance, conducting monthly meetings and training to strengthen these initiatives. Additionally, it engages School Management and Development Committees to enhance school management through community involvement. MMBA also works on motivating parents to enrol children aged 6 to 14 and encourages those who dropped out to return to school, resulting in improved attendance. Furthermore, it advocates for various educational improvements, including teacher appointments and school upgrades, collaborating with state and national networks to promote the fundamental right to education.

Mahila Mandal Barmer Agor (MMBA) operates in Rajasthan, India, focusing on disaster management and water conservation. Rajasthan has faced various disasters, including droughts, floods, twisters, and earthquakes, affecting over 10 million people in the last two decades. MMBA addresses these challenges by constructing and repairing water storage structures like tankas and tanklis to provide stable water sources for communities. The organisation also conducts drought advocacy, raising awareness and facilitating proposals to local authorities. Collaborating with Gram Sabhas, MMBA establishes Drought Struggle Committees, with mandatory women's participation, for improved disaster management and local development.