Gender

Village life pivots around women. And – at the same time – they are often pushed to sidelines, quietened, ignored. Here we look at how and why that happens, and champion those working to change it. We would also feature LGBTQ individuals and communities who are all too often overlooked in rural India.

her life

The power of exposure trips

Four years ago, program officer Ankita Goyal accompanied a group of tribal women on their first trip out of their village. Little did she know this “exposure visit” would turn out to be a life-changing experience for her.

her life

Fish on their plate, money in their wallet

In underdeveloped Mayurbhanj, Odisha, women sustainably cultivate fish that not only brings them money but ensures better nutrition for their family.

her life

A young woman engineer spurs hope for pottery in Kashmir

Traditional potters struggling to survive are confident of better business again after a young woman who found hope through pottery is bringing it back into the limelight.

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Joy of making banking accessible to women

Local banker Lakhimi Baruah saw how women were ignored in banks so launched Assam’s first cooperative bank for women, ensuring thousands of marginalised women get access to banks, gaining financial literacy and empowerment.

her life

Abandoned as an infant, she brings up orphaned girls

Knowing the pain of being abandoned and growing up in an orphanage, Parkash Kaur brings up abandoned girls, giving them a loving home, care and a good education.

her life

Village Square launches “Her Life”

New strand champions India’s unsung heroes, women navigating their way through a changing world – her accomplishments, her struggles, her dreams, her home, her hopes – her life.

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Enabling policies are necessary to ensure gender equality

The pandemic has exacerbated the multiple barriers that women face. Gender-specific policies and accountability in implementation are needed to ensure gender inclusivity

her life

Women sustain traditional wisdom of conserving indigenous seeds

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Understanding the close link between crop diversity and resilience, women farmers in Mandla ensure that the conservation practice of climate-resilient traditional seeds continues

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Women volunteers allay vaccine fears in Jharkhand

Acting as a bridge between communities and public health services, setu didis addressed the concerns of villagers and convinced them to get vaccinated.