Building the balance : stories on water, sanitation and gender equity from Kerala, India

It took courage to start training women as masons. But the Socio-Economic Unit Foundation (SEU-F) in Kerala did it. It took courage to attend the training and to start constructing latrines. But there were women who did it, despite scepticism and ridicule. In this video film the women of the SEU-F and the women who now work as masons tell their stories. Stories about their struggle to get support from institutions, about gaining self-confidence, about conflicts within the family and in the workplace, stories about achievements and change. Their struggle was not in vain. Now the women masons are recognised and do not only construct latrines, but also rainwater storage tanks and houses. Women who began as members of water committees and standpost attendants are now elected in political posts and execute public functions. That indeed makes a difference for all, women, men, and children. To raise the effectiveness of their programmes institutions such as the Kerala Water Authority now recognise the importance of involving women in policies and projects right from the start.