A previous document (see IRLDP Field Note n.3) has reported the results of an evaluation of the activities of the Integrated Range and Livestock Development Project (IRLDP) in Kach Mulazai (Qila Saifullah district), one of the pilot areas of the project. That paper analyzed the reactions of both men and women to the different activities initiated by the project, assessing their degree of interest in and satisfaction with the various initiatives, as well as eliciting their judgments about the consequences of these activities on their lives.
It appeared, however, that women were not completely at ease with the questionnaire method adopted for this evaluation. Some seemed hesitant to give their opinions or points of view for fear of the reactions of their husbands. Others seemed constrained by the very formality of the procedure, which was not conducive to full elaboration of their thoughts, experiences, and feelings as expressed in their own words. It was clear that the findings of the initial evaluation needed to be explored more fully through larger focal group discussions led in a more relaxed manner.
The focal group discussions were held with two groups of women divided on the basis of age, since age is such a determining factor in establishing the paramenters of women's status and roles. The first group included elderly women who occupied positions of some authority within their households as mothers, mother-in-laws and/or grand-mothers. The second group was composed of younger married women. Supplementary discussions were held with the female school teacher and with the women responsible for monitoring girls' education in the village.
The present document presents some elements of these discussions. The first section records the general perceptions of women of recent social and economic changes and their consequences on their daily life. The second section focuses more particularly on women's views of changes brought about by project initiatives and their suggestions for future activities. A third section records the principal lessons learned in the course of the project about working with women in this area.
