women's groups in south central and south rupununi - report

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Andrea Liew, VSO, Enterprise Development Advisor, South

Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA)

8/20/2012

WOMENS GROUPS IN

SOUTH CENTRAL AND

SOUTH RUPUNUNI

A brief report of observations and data collected from

womens groups during the SCPDA Management Plan

Dissemination workshops.

In almost every village in the South Central and South Rupununi, a

womens group exists or has existed. This report briefly summarizes their

past and present activities and what they desire or need to restart

operations and function effectively.


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WOMENS GROUPS IN SOUTH CENTRAL AND

SOUTH RUPUNUNI

A brief report of observations and data collected from womens groups during the

SCPDA Management Plan Dissemination workshops.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3

Methodology ................................................................................................................... 4

Limitations and Constraints ...................................................................................... 4

Summary of Data Collected From Questionnaires ...................................................... 5

Group & Member Status ............................................................................................ 5

Financial Status ..........................................................................................................5

Activities Undertaken ................................................................................................ 6

Training ....................................................................................................................... 7

Notes From Group Discussions ..................................................................................... 8

Participation & Commitment ..................................................................................... 8

Markets ....................................................................................................................... 8

Skills and Training ..................................................................................................... 9

Support from Husbands/Partners .............................................................................. 9

Notes on the Recent Development ofWomens Groups .............................................10

Shulinab Womens Group ......................................................................................... 10

Parikawarunawa Womens Group ...........................................................................10

Aishalton Womens Group ........................................................................................ 10

Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 12

Pilot Groups .............................................................................................................. 12

Skills & Training ...................................................................................................... 12

Funding ..................................................................................................................... 13

Markets ..................................................................................................................... 14

Commitment & Participation ................................................................................... 14

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Local Support Systems ............................................................................................. 14

Closing Remarks .......................................................................................................... 16

Appendices ................................................................................................................... 17

Appendix 1Womens Group Questionnaire..........................................................17

Appendix 2Shulinab Womens Group Questionnaire..........................................19

Appendix 3General Information about Womens Groups ...................................21

Appendix 4Past Activities of Womens Groups....................................................22

Appendix 5Desired Activities of Womens Groups ..............................................23

Appendix 6Skills Needed/Wanted from Womens Groups ..................................24

Appendix 7Descriptions and Examples of Activities ........................................... 25

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INTRODUCTIONDuring the Management Plan Dissemination workshops, facilitated by SCPDA for the period of May

27, 2012June 21, 2012, a survey was conducted among women and womens groups of South

Central and South Rupununi in villages supported by SCPDAs programs.

Women in 15 out of 17 villages in South Central and South Rupununi were involved in givingresponses for data collection. Surveys from the womens groups in Sawariwau and Parabara have not

yet been received and are therefore excluded from this report.

South Central Rupununi villages:

1. Baitoon

2. Katoonarib

3. Katuur

4. Parikawarunawa

5. Potarinau

6. Rupunau

7. Sand Creek

8. Sawariwau

9. Shiriri

10. Shulinab

South Rupununi villages:

1. Achawib

2. Aishalton

3. Awarewanawa

4. Karaudarnawa

5. Maruranawa

6. Shea

7. Parabara

The purpose of this survey was to compile information on the status and activities of womens groups

and their need for supportboth at a local level and from external organizations. Data provided by

the survey will help shape SCPDAs strategic plan for the next 10 years.

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METHODOLOGYA survey consisting of 8 questions (Appendix 1) were given to female facilitators to complete during

their visits to communities.An example of Shulinabs Womens Groups answers (Appendix 2) was

also given to assist them in understanding what kind of data was required.

Female facilitators were used to survey women/womens groups in each community to make surveyparticipants feel comfortable in answering questions. We felt that encouraging a female-to-female

interaction would improve the quantity and quality of answers.

The two female facilitators, Andrea Saba of Shiriri village and Antonia Barjoan of Aishalton village,

conducted the survey after the conclusion of each Management Plan Dissemination workshop.

Women broke off into a separate group to take part in the questionnaire.

Andrea Liew collected the completed questionnaires from the facilitators in order to record and

summarize responses electronically. General observations and opinions of Andrea Saba, Antonia

Barjoan, and Andrea Liew regarding the survey process were also recorded.

Limitations and ConstraintsIt is likely that not all opinions of village women and members of womens groups were captured for

the following reasons:

There was no prior discussion between the questionnaire creator, Andrea Liew, and the

facilitators before the Management Plan Dissemination workshop commenced. Since Andrea

was unable to attend most of the workshop sessions in South Central, questions or types of

answers expected of participants may have been misinterpreted by facilitators and/or

participants.

The questionnaire creator, Andrea Liew, was not able to supervise and help both femalefacilitators at all times due to scheduling conflicts and transportation requirements to move

from village to village; there were always two teams in two different villages at the same

time.

The number of survey participants depended on who was able to attend the Management

Plan Dissemination workshop (which was the main focus for facilitators); this varied each

day due to villagers other commitments (e.g. village work/self-help).

Due to the timing of the survey, which was held after the conclusion of the Management Plan

Dissemination workshop, potential participants may have left immediately after the

workshop due to the late timing or other commitments (e.g. family obligations).

The workshops were held during the time of school examinations, so many young females

were unable to attend the workshop and questionnaire sessions. Some womens groups were not represented. For example, Sand Creek used to have 3

womens groups, however only 1 was represented when the survey was conducted.

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SUMMARY OF DATACOLLECTED FROM QUESTIONNAIRESOut of the 15 villages surveyed, information for 15womens groups was available. In the past, Sand

Creek had 3 womens groups, but only 1 was represented at discussions; therefore, the other 2 womens

groups are excluded from data collection Maruranawa has 2womens groups and they are both

included. All other villages surveyed had 1 womens group per community. Shiriri is the only village

that has never had a functioning womens group in the past and still does not have one.

Group & Member StatusPlease refer to Appendix 3 for data.

Out of the 15 womens groups, only 3 are considered active. Active, pertaining to groups and for

the purposes of this report, describes groups that meet and/or engage in activities on a regular basis,

regardless of whether the activities are income-generating or not. The 3 active womens groups are

based inAishalton, Maruranawa, and Shulinab. Maruranawa is a small church-based womens

group whereas the womens groups surveyed in all other communities are not affiliated with areligious institution.

Out of the active womens groups, there are a total of 56 general members, of which 37 (or 66.1%) are

active. Active, pertaining to individual group members, describes persons who attend womens

groups meetings and/or participates in activities on a regular basis. All other members belong to the

group, but only attend meetings and/or participate in activities on an occasional basis. In Appendix

3, active members of inactive groups represent the number of women who were active before the

group dissolved.

Shulinabs womens group has the most general members and active members; 35 and 20,

respectively. Aishalton has 16 members, 12 being active and Maruranawas group has 5 members,

all of which are active.

Financial StatusPlease refer to Appendix 3 for data.

The 3 active groups in Aishalton, Maruranawa, and Shulinab feel they are in a stable financial

position at the moment due to income-generating activities. This being said, Aishalton and Shulinab

still feel they can benefit from more funds and have indicated that they would like to submit

proposals to acquire grants.

The inactive womens groups have indicated that they would like to start up again, but require funds

to do so.

According to the womens groups, funds would be used to do the following:

Purchase and/or fix equipment and tools (e.g. sewing machines)

Purchase materials (e.g. cloth for sewing, embroidery thread)

Build a new womens group centre in the village

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Build a water irrigation system for gardens

Bring in knowledgeable persons to train women in various skills (e.g. fruit preservation)

Activities UndertakenPlease refer to Appendices 4 & 5 for data.

Some womens groups, when they were active, were involved in only one activity (e.g. sewing only),

while others were engaged in multiple activities. Their past activities are listed below. The number

of womens groups that engaged in each activity follows in brackets. Please refer to Appendix 4.

Sewing (13)

Wine-making (1)

Catering and/or snacks (4)

Crafts (3)

Cotton spinning (1)

Embroidery (2)

Painting (3)

Tye-dye (1)

Making baby slings (1)

After surveying womens groups in the communities, some revealed that they want to do more

activities than they have in the past. Please refer to Appendix 5. Desired activities of groups (some of

which are past activities) include:

Sewing (11)

Wine-making (1)

Catering and/or snacks (6)

Crafts (6)

Cotton spinning (4)

Embroidery (5)

Painting (1) Tye-dye (1)

Weaving (4)

Knitting (3)

Crochet (4)

Beads (2)

Tibisiri (4)

Gardening and/or farming (5)

Pottery (1) Poultry and pig rearing (1)

Note that Beads and Tibisiri can be considered as Crafts, but has been broken out to outline

specific crafts mentioned by womens groups.

Descriptions and examples of activities can be found in Appendix 7.

Currently, the Isharatoon WomensAssociation in Aishalton is involved in catering and snacks. They

make and serve meals for many events and meetings (e.g. public village meetings) while also selling

food, juice, and snacks at their womens centre. Food/snacks include chicken foot, methai, polourie,

fudge, and dhal puri. They make fresh juice every day; flavours include mango, cherry, and it.

The Shulinab Womens Group is presently sewing hammock nets, sewing bags, embroidering designs

and crocheting trimmings on cloths, making bands/bracelets with embroidery thread and beads, and

making wine, jam, jelly, and snacks. The group focuses on knowledge-exchange and encourages all

group members to teach one another new skills. For example, if one woman specializes in crocheting,

she will teach all interested women how to crochet. The Shulinab Womens Group meets every

Wednesday.

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The church-based womens group in Maruranawa focuses on sewing exclusively. They buy materials

from town and ship it to the village to make clothing and uniforms for students. They have not

indicated interest in expanding their skill-set as of yet.

TrainingWomens groups in all villages have indicated that they require training in several skills. The skills

mentioned by groups include:

Financial managementincludes bookkeeping and budgeting

Proposal/grant writing

Leadership

Sewing

Please see Appendix 6 for reference.

Sewingwas mentioned as a desirable skill because many of the womens groups already have some

knowledge of sewing and measuring. They want to be trained to further enhance their sewing and

measurement skills as well as improve the variety and quality of their products.

It should be noted that many sewing machines belonging to womens groups are broken and there

arent many (if any) local persons who can fix them. It may be beneficial to train local persons to fix

sewing machines in addition to teaching them sewing skills.

Administrative skills are also important to womens groups. Bookkeeping was mentioned as a

desirable skill by 10 groups, budgeting was mentioned by 3 groups, and proposal/grant writing by 5

groups. Financial management, in a general sense, was mentioned by 9 groups in discussions. For

the purposes of this report, bookkeeping and budgeting have been categorized under financial

management.

Financial management was expressed as one of the most important skills for groups. Losing track

of money (e.g. loans) and over-spending were listed as major causes for the collapse of financial

stability (and sometimes the operations and existence) ofwomens groups. Training in bookkeeping

and budgeting would help groups keep good financial records and allocate money appropriately for

present and future uses.

Proposal/grant writing, though only mentioned by 5 groups, should also be trained to all womens

groups. Many of the womens groups that are not active have stated that they require funding to re-

start. Training in proposal writing would allow the groups to apply for grants and potential funding.

Leadership skills should also be taught to womens groups, especially those in executive positions.

Topics such as planning, coaching, effective communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, andtime management, among others, should be addressed.

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NOTES FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONSThe data collected from questionnaires do not capture all the comments offered and non-verbal cues

displayed by the women interviewed. The facilitators have documented some observations below and

recorded comments not captured by survey questions.

Participation & CommitmentIn most villages, participation in womens groups is an issue. Groups are in need of more interested

persons and active memberspeople who will be enthusiastic about the activities and goals of the

womens groups. When it comes to meetings and discussions, people in elected positions (e.g.

Chairwomen) tend to do most of the talking for their groups while other members contribute on an

infrequent basis.

Some groups have also experienced that some of their executive members (e.g. Treasurers,

Secretaries) are not actively participating in activities and/or meetings. They accept their positions

and do not turn up to attend meetings and take care of their responsibilities. This lack of

participation and commitment is an issue for womens groups who are trying to run effectively.

Sand Creek has three womens groups, but only one was represented at the time of the

questionnaire. One of the Sand Creek womens groups has a well-known history of strong activity,

but is currently not functioning. The Sand Creek womens group representatives participated in

discussions a lot more in comparison to groups in other villages.

There is also a lack of youth participation in most villages, an exception being Parikawarunawa

where young women were passionate and participating actively in answering questions.

MarketsLack of markets is a major issue for womens groups. Sometimes, local markets are not enough;

women are discouraged from producing due to a lack of sales. Note that this applies for some, not all,

products; for example, the sales of snacks and drinks in villages with events, fundraisers, and a

higher population can be successful.

In Rupunau, the womens group attempted to carry their baby slings to Lethem, but there was no

market for them. One woman stated that the people in Lethem do not know how to use them and

they use alternative means to carry their children. This may indicate that baby slings can only easily

be sold locally.

Another thing to consider is the import of lower-priced goods, specifically Chinese manufactured

products. There is a big quantity of such goods in Georgetown and Lethem; products include, but are

not limited to, household items, automobile parts, furniture, and clothing. It is difficult to compete

with the prices of Chinese manufactured goods, so womens groups may find that they are unable to

sell items such as clothing at a profit.

As previously mentioned, sales of food and drinks can be successful. In Aishalton, there is a market

for snacks, meals, and fresh juices. The womens group earns income through the sales of these as

well as catering. The Shulinab Womens Group has also earned income by selling snacks and drinks.

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In addition, they have made money from the sale of jams, embroidered cloths, and wines. These two

villages have enough demand in their local markets to support their activities and are in a good

position in terms of local market demand.

Skills and TrainingSome skills, e.g. sewing, can be taught to womens groups by local villagers who have the knowledge.

In Maruranawa, the women have identified a man who is skilled in measuring, tailoring, and

sewing. They have expressed an interest in having him train group members.

Many individual group members already have skills such as crocheting, knitting, embroidery work,

wine making, and fruit preservation, to name a few. If womens groups followed the Shulinab

Womens Group method of knowledge-exchange, members would be able to teach each other to

develop skills without bringing in outsiders.

Women mentioned that training in administrative, proposal writing, financial management,

leadership, and other business skills (e.g. marketing, pricing, etc.) can be done via non-governmentalorganizations and external consultants. Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), for example, brings in

experienced and knowledgeable persons who specialize in topics such as financial management,

fundraising, proposal writing, and marketing. Conservation International (CI) also has the resources

to provide training for communities by bringing in consultants if necessary.

Support from Husbands/PartnersThe support level of husbands was commented on in several discussions. Some women felt that the

level of support from their husbands was minimal. A few also expressed that their husbands were

not supportive at all; this has prevented them from attending group meetings and participating inactivities.

According to some women, husbands feel that their wives should stay at home with the children at

all times. Even if children were welcome at womens group meetings and activities, women felt like

they could not attend due to their husbands wishes. In addition, husbands felt that when women

had to go out of the house, it should be to do things for the family e.g. make purchases, tend the

family farm, etc. Jealous was one word that some women used to describe how their husbands felt

about the womens group. The group was seen as a hindrance to the family life as husbands feared

their wives would neglect household duties.

Another reason why husbands did not approve of their wives being involved with womens groups is

due to the lack of actual income generation. The men felt that their wives were sharing knowledgeand doing work for very little, if any, pay.

It is important to note that there are some women who expressed how grateful they are of their

husbands support and encouragement. One male in Aishalton, outside of questionnaire discussions,

even expressed how he was glad his wife had the opportunity to learn new things and earn for their

family.

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NOTES ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF WOMENS GROUPS

Shulinab Womens GroupIn June 2012, the Shulinab Womens Group met to hold elections in order to re-start the group. It

had been inactive for months prior to elections. Meetings were held to determine which activities

women wanted to partake in. There are now 5 groups which women may be a part of (they can

participate in as many groups as they like):

1. Snacks & catering

2. Sewing & crocheting (e.g. nets & uniforms, kitchen towels, pillows, etc.)

3. Wine making & gardening

4. Preservation of fruits (e.g. jam)

5. Crafts (e.g. beads, cotton, tibisiri)

On August 5, 2012, the Shulinab Womens Group held a fundraiser where they sold all productstheyve made to date. These include wine, jam, jelly, bands/bracelets, snacks, and embroidered

kitchen cloths. They raised a total of GYD $87,000 and are using the funds to purchase more

supplies for their activities.

The Womens Centre in Shulinab village is currently being rented out as accommodation for a

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) volunteer working with the South Central Peoples Development

Association (SCPDA). For rent, VSO pays GYD $35,000 a month to the Shulinab Womens Group.

This steady income will continue until February 2013.

Parikawarunawa Womens GroupThe Parikawarunawa Womens Group submitted a proposal in 2012, via Behi Barzegar of

Conservation International, for a new project which aims to revive the sewing activities the group

used successfully in the past as a source of income generation. The project also aims to ensure its

sustainability by providing simple repairs and maintenance skills as well as a means to access spare

parts and further technical input.

In addition, the project targets the upgrade of hygienic standards in food premises currently used by

the women to prepare snacks for school children. The kitchen will be upgraded and technical

assistance and start-up funding will be provided to re-start and maintain a community kitchen

garden. The proposal has been informally approved and funds are pending.

Aishalton Womens GroupThe Isharatoon WomensAssociation (IWA) in Aishalton is currently involved in catering and

making/selling snacks and fresh juice. Their Womens Centre, located at the centre of the village and

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RECOMMENDATIONSThe following recommendations are suggested in a general sense, with no specific time frame in mind.

Time frame, budget, and logistics will be addressed in SCPDAs Strategic Plan which is currently

being reviewed.

Pilot GroupsThe South Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA) is dedicated to building capacities of

communities and the empowerment of women, among others. SCPDA serves 17 communities in the

South Central and South Rupununi, but only 3 of the womens groups surveyed are active.

It is recommended that SCPDA work with the existing active womens groups in Figure 1.

Starting or re-starting operations of groups would be more difficult than building on already existing

and functioning ones, so only one inactive womens group appears in Figure 1. SCPDA can treat

these womens groups as pilot projects. In addition, SCPDA has offices in Shulinab and Aishalton,

which makes the womens groups in these villages very accessible.

The church-based womens group in Maruranawa is small and self-sustaining, so it may not require

much help from SCPDA, but there is a non-active village womens group in the same village. SCPDA

can use this group as a pilot for the re-starting of inactive womens groups in other villages.

Working in Maruranawa will allow capacity building for both womens groups in the village.

It is important to note that the groups in Figure 1 are pilot groups. Lessons learned from working

with/for the pilot groups can be applied to future projects targeting womens groups in other villages.

Figure 1: Recommended groups that SCPDA should work with

Village Womens Group Active/Non-ActiveAishalton Isharatoon WomensAssociation Active

Maruranawa Roman Catholic Womens Group Active

Maruranawa Maruranawa Womens Group* Non-Active

Shulinab Shulinab Womens Group Active

*The Maruranawa Womens Group has no funds to work with at the moment. Work with them will

have to be held off until enough funds are acquired to re-start the activities of the group.

Recommendations going forward will apply to the womens groups listed in Figure 1.

Skills & TrainingSCPDA can help provide training to womens groups by planning, facilitating, and funding trainingsessions where possible.

The womens groups in Figure 1 have stated that they would benefit from additional funding.

Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that members of womens groups go through some training

for proposal writing. Womens groups can benefit from grants and they should be able to write

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proposals by and for themselves. SCPDA currently has a Fundraising and Public Engagement

Advisor (a VSO volunteer) who has experience in proposal writing and can help with this training.

It is important to note that the villages of Aishalton and Maruranawa have access to the internet

and can actively search and apply for grants online. Shulinab is close to Lethem which also enables

them to access the internet from time to time and submit proposals. Thus the proposal writing skill

is essential for all groups.

Another important skill is financial management. Once womens groups have successfully

acquired funds for their groups, it is important, especially for Treasurers and Assistant Secretary

Treasurers, to be financially responsible. Grantors, banks, and other funders, often require

statements to ensure that their grant money is being used appropriately and responsibly. Training

for bookkeeping and budgeting will be beneficial for all women, even if they are not members of the

executive team. SCPDA currently has an Enterprise Development Advisor (another VSO volunteer)

who can help with financial management topics.

Skills can be taught via a work-shop, in small groups, or via one-on-one training depending on the

skill. For example, it may be beneficial to conduct training in small groups for bookkeeping (e.g. forthe executive team) or one-on-one for Treasurers, but it may make more sense to teach budgeting in

a larger workshop as individuals can apply those skills to their household/personal lives.

This report previously mentions leadership and sewing as desirable skills according to womens

groups. These are also essential skills; however, leadership skills are made of many components and

can be addressed (and targeted towards executive team members) after training in proposal writing

and financial management has occurred. Proposal writing and financial management training would

benefit a greater number of people and should be priority.

Sewing was listed by Maruranawa and Shulinab as a skill to be trained in. It would be valuable to

wait until the Parikawarunawa Womens Group has completed their sewing project before starting

sewing training for other villages. Lessons learned and notes from the Parikawarunawa WomensGroup sewing project can be used to structure sewing training for other womens groups. It may also

be possible to use local Parikawarunawa women as trainers for other villages. This would save on

consulting fees and encourage knowledge sharing between women in different villages.

Knowledge exchange between group members and between villages should be encouraged. Skills

such as crocheting, bead-jewelry creation, and jam-making can be shared by individual members to

the rest of their group or from one womens group to another. This will help bring people with similar

interests together and can strengthen bonds between women.

FundingInitial funding for womens groups and projects can be acquired through grants. SCPDA can apply

for funds on behalf of the womens groups and/or can assist womens groups with applying on their

own. Training in proposal writing will enable womens groups to apply for grants aimed specifically

for and at women and womens groups.

According to the 3 active groups, they would use funds to purchase materials/ingredients, fix

equipment (e.g. sewing machines), and bring in knowledgeable people for training. Grants are likely

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required to fund high-cost items like equipment.

Once womens groups have some money and feel they are in a stable financial position, they will be

able to use their savings to drive their activities. Womens groups in Shulinab and Aishalton, for

example, are generating incomes and are already using their profits to purchase materials.

The goal is to make the income-generating activities of womens groups sustainable so that they do

not have to rely on external organizations, grant money, or loans, to function on a continuous basis.

MarketsProducts such as jams, wine, meals, snacks, and drinks are usually sold in local markets due to their

perishable nature. Womens groups can sell food and refreshments at local events (e.g. sports games)

and festivals (e.g. Heritage month). Vegetables from kitchen gardens, once established, can also be

sold to local villagers. Items such as kitchen cloths, bands/bracelets, and other crafted products can

be sold locally as well.

Due to the accessibility and ease of selling to local communities, local markets should be focused on.

It is costly to transport products to bigger markets (e.g. Lethem or Georgetown) and there is no

guarantee that the products will sell in such markets.

Stores like to see products before they decide to stock and sell them. It may not be worth it to

transport products out of villages only to have them come back if stores are unwilling to sell them.

In addition, local market demand is easier to monitor and cater to.

Commitment & ParticipationAll members should be encouraged to participate in meetings and activities. Leaders should giveconfidence to their group members and actively listen to the opinions and suggestions of everyone. A

supportive group will make members feel comfortable with speaking up. Once womens group

members have had training in leadership, the executive body should have more knowledge in

motivating their members.

Commitment by executive group members should be high. Prior to elections, it should be made clear

that executive members are expected to attend all meetings and participate in activities the majority

of the time. It is important that executive members have a high commitment and high participation

level; as leaders of their group, they should lead by example. The success of the group depends on the

dedication and enthusiasm of its members, especially those on the executive team.

Local Support SystemsVillage Councils should support their womens groups. They can do this by making announcements

for/about the group at public meetings and/or hiring the womens groups to cater their meetings and

functions. With support from village councils, community members may be more likely to support

womens groups as well.

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The support from Village Councils (whose councilors are predominantly male) will hopefully trickle

down to those husbands whose wives would like to participate in women s groups. With their

husbands support, women may feel more inclined to join in on activities and feel less guilty about

taking time out of their days do so. Supportive husbands will give confidence to women and increase

their faith in their own skills and abilities.

Without supportive husbands, it will be difficult for women to partake in womens group activities if

family conflict is to be avoided. Examples of supportive husbands can be seen by looking to the

current chairwomen of the womens groups in Aishalton and Shulinab. These women have very

supportive husbands who understand the importance of and encourage the development of women.

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CLOSING REMARKSIn preparing SCPDAs Strategic Plan for the next 10 years, women and womens groups were

identified as target groups to serve and work with. Using questionnaires and group discussions, the

women of South Central and South Rupununi gave some great feedback about past and present

successes and challenges. Their suggestions are to be taken into account when drafting SCPDAs

Strategic Plan.

The collective goal for projects pertaining to womens group is to help them in the development of

sustainable income-generating activities and to build their capacity to manage their enterprises

without the help of external persons and organizations (e.g. consultants, NGO funding).

The data presented in this report should be used as a guideline when conceptualizing projects for

womens groups in the South Central and South Rupununi. More in-depth consultations are required

for individual village projects, but this paper will provide a general idea of what is happening with

womens groups in the South Central and South Rupununi communities.

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APPENDICES

Appendix 1Womens Group Questionnaire

________(Village)________ Womens Group

When speaking with women or womens groups, you can obtain information through an informal

group discussion. This can take place before the Management Plan Dissemination presentation or

afterwards. It shouldnt take more than an hour.

The following questions are important for this research:

1. Is the womens group functioning and active?

2. When is the last time the womens group held elections?

3. Who are the members of the executive team? (Chairwoman, Vice, Secretary, Treasurer,

Assistant Secretary Treasurer, etc.)

Chairwoman:

Vice-Chair:

Secretary:

Treasurer:

Assistant Secretary Treasurer:

Board Members:

Other:

4. How many general members/participants are there in the womens group? How many are

active?

5. What are the past and current activities of the womens group? For example: catering,

sewing, crafts, jewelry, etc.

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a. Which of the above activities of the womens group have been successful and which

have failed?

b. Are the successful activities still ongoing? If not, why?

6. What are the activities that women want to be involved with in the future (that are not

currently being done)?

7. Does the group feel they are in a stable financial situation? (You may have to ask the

Treasurer if members or the executive body are unsure)

a. If the group does not feel they are in a stable financial situation, why do they think

that is and what can be done to resolve this? For example, more knowledge in

applying for grants, more knowledge in bookkeeping, etc.

b. If the group feels they are in a stable financial situation, what do they think has

contributed to this? For example, is it because the Treasurer is knowledgeable in

bookkeeping or maybe there are a lot of funds available to them?

8. Are there any other general concerns/comments the Womens Group has regarding their

existence and operation?

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Appendix 2Shulinab Womens Group Questionnaire

Shulinab Womens Group

When speaking with women or womens groups, you can obtain information through an informal

group discussion. This can take place before the Management Plan Dissemination presentation orafterwards. It shouldnt take more than an hour.

The following questions are important for this research:

1. Is the womens group functioning and active?

Yes

2. When is the last time the womens group held elections?

May 6, 2012

3. Who are the members of the executive team? (Chairwoman, Vice, Secretary, Treasurer,

Assistant Secretary Treasurer, etc.)

Chairwoman: Faye Fredericks

Vice-Chair: Karen Vincent

Secretary: Leonicia Laurindo

Treasurer: Gracelyn Williams

Assistant Secretary Treasurer: Calvin Josie

Board Members: Christina Clement, Theresa Lewis

Other: N/A

4. How many general members/participants are there in the womens group? How many are

active?

35; 20 active

5. What are the past and current activities of the womens group? For example: catering,

sewing, crafts, jewelry, etc.

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Sewing, crafts (jewelry), wine making, hammock netting, snacks & refreshments

a. Which of the above activities of the womens group have been successful and which

have failed?

Successful: sewing hammock nets, wine making, snacks & refreshments

Unsuccessful: sewing clothes (could not compete with ready-made clothes sold atshops at a cheaper cost), crafts (no quality control)

b. Are the successful activities still ongoing? If not, why not?

Yes, they are starting up again.

6. What are the activities that women want to be involved with in the future (that are not

currently being done)?

weaving traditional cotton hammocks

7. Does the group feel they are in a stable financial situation? (You may have to ask the

Treasurer if members or the executive body are unsure)

a. If the group does not feel they are in a stable financial situation, why do they think

that is and what can be done to resolve this? For example, more knowledge in

applying for grants, more knowledge in bookkeeping, etc.

b. If the group feels they are in a stable financial situation, what do they think has

contributed to this? For example, is it because the Treasurer is knowledgeable in

bookkeeping or maybe there are a lot of funds available to them?

- monthly income from VSO is steady

- there is a financial system set in place with rules and guidelines (e.g no more loans);

more accountability

- money is to be used to generate more income instead of remaining idle

8. Are there any other general concerns/comments the Womens Group has regarding their

existence and operation?

N/A

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Appendix 3General Information about Womens Groups

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Appendix 4Past Activities of Womens Groups

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Appendix 5Desired Activities of Womens Groups

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Appendix 6Skills Needed/Wanted from Womens Groups

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Appendix 7Descriptions and Examples of Activities

Activity Descriptions and/or Examples

Beads using beads to make bands/bracelets or earrings; decorating

clothing pieces

Catering and/or snacks cooking for meetings and functions or providing snacks (e.g.

methai, chicken foot)

Cotton spinning process (or spin) prepared cotton roving into workable yarn or

thread

Crafts band/bracelet making (e.g. with embroidery thread, cotton);

may include beads or tibisiri

Crochet crocheting using cotton, embroidery thread, and/or yarn into

clothing, bags, hats, or decorating cloth pieces

Embroidery stitching design patterns onto cloths

Gardening and/or Farming establishing vegetable gardens or farms collectively

maintained by group members

Hand-painting painting pictures/portraits of landscape and scenery

Kitting knitting using cotton and/or yarn into clothing, bags, hats

Pottery creating vassals, cups, pots, etc. out of clayPoultry and Pig Rearing chickens and pigs to supply catering operations or to sell

Sewing hammock nets, uniforms, clothing, bags

Tibisiri weaving tibisiri into bands/bracelets, necklaces, headbands,

baskets

Tye-dye dying patterns on t-shirts

Weaving weaving cotton into traditional Wapishana hammocks or

traditional clothing, or weaving baskets out of leaves

Wine-making using locally available fruits (e.g. jamun, sorrel, banana,

pineapple)

women's groups in south central and south rupununi - report

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