Author(s): Renjini MU and Dr. Sithara Balan V

Abstract:
Tribal communities and tribal studies are acquiring great significance in the present scenario. India is having second largest tribal population in the world. Larger number of tribal population in South India is found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The tribal communities in Kerala have been historically marginalized and oppressed by various developmental factors and forces. They are facing severe problems in areas of health, social and economic fields. Thus, “Social Intervention for Women in ST Settlements of Vithura Panchayath” was designed to study the socio-economic status there by the constraints faced by the tribal women, create awareness on areas related to health, immunization, nutrition, savings and personal hygiene and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention programme. Hundred women belonging to Kanikkar clan of ST Settlements of age group 20-50 years were selected as the samples. The data obtained in the beginning was utilized to prepare lesson plans and teaching aids applicable to tribal society. After the intervention programme, a checklist was used to assess the impact before and after the programme. The study revealed a positive impact on the level of knowledge of the samples. In addition, many shocking as well as interesting information regarding the tribal communities were also found out. Thus, the intervention was effective and successful.