Information Management and Communication

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Like with Saurav, readily available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools have added a new dimension to the work of many young practitioners  in remote districts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh andslums of Kolkata.  This year we continued our interventions to integrate ICT in a more comprehensive way in the different aspects of our work. We added audio drama based curriculum to our already existing approach of using IVRS and telephones. The audio drama based method was introduced in Rajasthan and later included within the EkSaath Campaign capacity building process. The entire process is cost-effective and since it includes facilitated engagement it allows participants to critically examine gender discrimination and violence against women and girls .

Our exploration of the digital space and use of ICT continued with the development of an online course on Masculinities and Gender which was developed and offered to advanced practitioners and academics. This course enabled us to learn the nitty gritties of online learning methodologies.

The Information Management team also developed the capacity of its grassroots network partners and other organisations on photo-voice and community filmmaking which helped them to collectively amplify the voice of marginalised community and showcase their work.

The Information Management team strengthened its capacity for hosting video conferences and webinars. Many network meetings were supported through additional participants joining online using web facilities and the infrastructure at CHSJ was upgraded to provide quality facilities. A number of online dialogues and webinars were held with participants from across the globe.

CHSJ also started its first experiment in developing an Android app called EkSaath Lounge. This app is being developed as a go-to place for young people interested in gender equality. The app is currently under development and will also host the EkSaath online course.

Online Platforms – CHSJ’s work requires multiple online platforms and the Information Management team provided support to all of these. These included the following:
  • For work on men and gender equality support was provided for the FEM website (www.femindia.net), EkSaath page as well as the Eksaath and MenEngage Delhi Facebook page as well as the Menengagedilli2014.net website for sharing resources generated during the symposium
  • Support for Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights related work included managing the Reproductive Health Observatory (rhobservatory.net), a listserv, (ReproHealth India) as well preparing Health News Update. A blog and online newsletter was also maintained for members of the Maternal Health Rights Campaign (MHRC) in Madhya Pradesh for sharing of activities of the network.
  • The COPASAH communication platform included a website (copasah.net), a listserv, a blog, a twitter and an online newsletter (COPASAH Communiqué).
  • Kolkata Initiatives was supported through the production and maintenance of a website and an embedded payment portal for collecting donations.
 
ICT for Social Accountability
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EkSaath Lounge
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Online Dialogues 
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