Uttar Pradesh Bhumi Sudhar Nigam (an Undertaking of the Govt. of UP) is implementing Uttar Pradesh Sodic Lands Reclamation III Project (UPSLRIIIP) a project funded by the World Bank UPSLRIIIP is designed to reclaim 130, 000 ha sodic lands in sodic infested districts of the State. Large numbers of the owners of sodic lands are from poorest section of the community deprived of basic amenities and the condition of women in such households is very deplorable. The World Bank and the government of Uttar Pradesh has formulated this project so as to bring about significant agriculture and socio-economic development in the project area which directly and indirectly will help in eradication of poverty and gender discrimination. Fortunately the above mentioned project recognizes women as a major stakeholder in the project. Keeping in view the issues faced by the women and the opportunities available under the project, a Gender Development Strategy has been developed which is applied during the process of implementing project activities which will ensure the empowerment of women. My paper will attempt to discuss in detail this Gender Development Strategy which has been adopted by the project under the guidance of the World Bank.
Empowering Women, Gender Development Strategy, Gender Development Index (GDI), Self Help Group (SHG), Mahila Mitra Kisan (MMK)
