About MASS

MASS, Mahila Abhivrudhi Mattu Samrakshana Samsthe, is based in Belgaum district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It works mainly with Dalit women, with a particular focus on ex-Devadasi women and their children.

It was registered as a society in September 1997 under the Karnataka Societies Act of 1960. It grew out of the withdrawal strategy of Devadasi rehabilitation projects run by the Karnataka State Women Development Corporation (KSWDC) and MYRADA, with funding support from Oxfam NOVIB.

A membership organisation

MASS is not a federation of self-help groups. Any woman of Belgaum district dedicated as a Devadasi can join in her individual capacity. It currently reports 3,779 ex-Devadasi women as members.

Its primary constituency was and remains Devadasis of Belgaum district. Women from neighbouring districts have asked to join, but this has not been approved because the organisation could grow too large to manage. MASS also holds that women elsewhere should go through a similar participatory process, because that process is what empowered the women of Belgaum. It shares how it was formed with people and institutions in other districts.

Beyond the Devadasi issue

MASS is known in the region for its work on Devadasi issues and for its other services. Its vision extends to Dalit communities, other vulnerable women and children, through livelihood promotion, quality education for Dalit children, a campaign against child marriage and legal support for women facing injustice.

Leadership

Ms. Sitavva Dundappa Jodatti is the Chief Executive Officer of MASS and a Padma Shri awardee.

Read how MASS began