2. In 1970, 47% of Indians were engaged in agriculture 74% of which in plantations

3. agricultural estates provided income opportunities and other basic services: - housing - free estate schools - health care

4. agriculture was gradually phased-out by manufacturing sectors

5. plantation gave way to highway, golf courses etc

6. from 1980 - 2000 300,000 Indians were forced out of plantation residence

8. people lost jobs and homes

9. deprived access from basic amenities, socio- cultural facilities

10. destroyed estate community support structures

11. lost plots for vegetable farming and cattle grazing

12. people faced difficulties in negotiating the transition from plantation to urban or sub-urban living

13. estranged /alienated in their new urban environment lacked required skills, capital and support structure

15. forced migration led to break-up of extended family system

16. decline in community support which traditionally helped women in fulfilling their responsibilities

17. women have to contribute to the depleting family income through external labor

18. more households headed by women due to migration of men

19. household work, child education and family income have doubled the burden of women

20. In patriarchal households, increasing number of men distressed by competitive urban environment turn to:

21. excessive alcohol consumption commanded respect by beating wives and children sexual abuse and other demeaning treatment to women

23. uplift community through legal and psychological counseling 1

24. awareness raising and skills training 2

25. empowerment of women to assert their rights 3

26. while gaining greater self- esteem & control over their lives in both personal and social relationships 4

28. WE CALL on our government to respond to our issues

29. WE CALL on ASEAN to carefully assess the impact of integration policies that negatively impact on grassroots, particularly women

30. Thank you!