Grassroots women's initiatives in reconstruction and governance: community visit and exchange workshop report

A report from the workshop: 17-22 August 2008, Tamil Nadu, India

Post tsunami initiatives across South Asia have taken a long journey from recovery to development, and are now focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Initiatives and responses from grassroots communities have reached a new level whereby policy makers, government institutions and experts are recognizing the efforts and skills of the community.

In this context Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), on behalf of GROOTS International, facilitated a learning exchange between grassroots communities from Sri Lanka and India. This exchange took place in the districts of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu from August 17th to 22nd 2008. The learning exchange gave an opportunity for grassroots women to share their learning, initiatives and best practices in rebuilding resilience among communities.