From Silence to Action: Dahalewadi Women Use Gram Sabha to Address Alcohol Harm

In Dahalewadi, a tribal village in Trimbakeshwar taluka, the growing impact of alcohol consumption had become a serious concern for many families. Women were facing domestic violence, financial insecurity, and emotional distress, yet their voices remained largely unheard in public decision-making spaces.

Through the Empowering Tribal Women for Village Development initiative implemented by BELIEFS, women from the village participated in leadership development trainings, community discussions, and governance awareness sessions. These processes helped them gain confidence to identify local issues, collect evidence, and engage with village institutions.

Recognising alcohol abuse as a major challenge affecting family well-being, the women decided to act collectively. With support from community facilitators, they conducted a village-level survey to understand the extent of the problem. The findings were discussed within women’s groups and later presented before the Gram Sabha.

For many participants, this was their first experience speaking in a public forum. The women submitted a formal application to the Gram Panchayat, raised the issue during the Gram Sabha, and shared both survey findings and personal experiences. Their collective efforts resulted in the successful passage of a resolution opposing liquor sales and encouraging stronger community action against alcohol-related harms.

The process demonstrated the power of informed participation and collective leadership. Women who had previously remained silent emerged as active contributors to local governance. The initiative strengthened their confidence, increased community dialogue, and encouraged greater participation in village decision-making processes.

While the challenge of alcohol abuse requires continued effort, the Dahalewadi experience illustrates how empowered women can use democratic institutions such as the Gram Sabha to influence local priorities and bring community concerns into the public sphere.

Key Outcomes

• Women gained confidence to participate in Gram Sabha meetings.
• A community-led survey documented the impact of alcohol abuse.
• Formal representations were submitted to local authorities.
• A Gram Sabha resolution addressing alcohol-related concerns was passed.
• Collective action strengthened women’s leadership and community engagement.