As humans, we move through systems of power every day in our life. Power is embedded in society, in structures and institutions. The complexities of Power underline all social issues from discrimination to subjugation, all of which are wrong manifestations of Power. However, Power can be transformed through collective action. To change Power dynamics, it is essential to first understand what Power is. The session on Power aimed to explore these complexities, examining various forms and manifestations of power.
During the session's opening, fellows shared their observations of power dynamics at play within the communities they visited for their research. They were also free to discuss their recent encounters with power. Fellows identified various forms of power, including visible, invisible, and hidden. The examples they cited included queue-jumping, elite capture of public services, power dynamics in religious institutions, and police stations. In conclusion, it was acknowledged that caste, class, and network all contribute to advancing one’s Power.
Alongside the discussion of Power, dialogue about disempowerment also took place. Dr. Tandon pointed out that people who feel helpless often devalue themselves due to their lived experiences, which ultimately erodes their sense of self-worth. Over time, this sense of low self-worth becomes a major impediment to their empowerment. Therefore, he remarked that the first step in overcoming disempowerment is recognising one’s worth and potential alongside acknowledging that one might need the support of the community to build empowerment. This is where community mobilisation is required.
Only through collective mobilisation can the dynamics of Power change; therefore, he emphasised that collective power is essential for those who are relatively powerless in the formal structure. Dr. Tandon went on to highlight that knowledge and expertise can be leveraged to legitimately mobilise the formal structure and change the concentration of power. Hence, being "anti-power" is not the solution. Power is a necessary force for change, change happens in our life and our communities when relations of Power are transformed to address societal injustices and inequalities.
The facilitator emphasised that relations of Power are Universal, appearing in various forms sometimes Visible, sometimes Invisible, and at other times Hidden. Fellows were asked to reflect on situations where they felt powerless and powerful which would eventually lead them to recognise the fact that empowerment is possible when one finds a way to overcome obstacles.
Overall, the session highlighted the significance of collective power, particularly for those who hold less power within formal structures. It was noted that violent mobilisation tends to occur when spaces for constructive dialogue and negotiation are lacking. The importance of fostering dialogue and identifying constructive ways to challenge existing power structures was emphasised. It was recognised that while power relations can maintain the status quo, altering those power equations is essential for initiating broader social change.
As participants left the session, they were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they could contribute to changing power dynamics in their communities for the better.