The power of video for change
April 2006, Nilosree Biswas, Infochange India
The article looks at how video technology has been harnessed by the marginalised sections of the population to raise their voice against exploitation. The author analyses how the illiterate women of Ahmedabad, who were engaged in subsistence level occupations such as vegetable selling and bidi rolling, could themselves create videos which showcased their condition in stark detail. The compelling visuals has been a differentiating factor with regard to raising awareness as well as getting a positive response from the authorities with respect to their just demands for civic amenities. The case discussed thus shows that given proper training and guidance, video technology can empower the deprived sections of society to make themselves not only heard, but also seen.