Acceleration

Ankur Swayamsevi Sanstha, founded in 2012, is a beacon of empowerment for single women in Kaij Taluka, Beed, Maharashtra. Through community-driven initiatives, it addresses the systemic inequalities and discrimination prevalent in village systems, organizing Mahila Mandals and advocating for women's rights. With a focus on capacity-building and skill development, Ankur provides training on various aspects such as women's health, administration systems, and driving. It fosters a supportive environment where women can come together, share their challenges, and collectively work towards solutions. Anita, a resilient member of the organization, exemplifies courage and determination in the face of adversity. Her journey from hardship to empowerment serves as an inspiration, earning her recognition such as the Tejaswini Group Raigad level award and the prestigious Sathi Anita Pagare Yallagar Samman Award. Through collaborative efforts with other organizations, Ankur continues to expand its impact and empower single women across Maharashtra.

Vanangana, a women's rights collective established in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, in 1993, operates from Chitrakoot and Banda. Registered under the Societies Act, it focuses on combating violence against women, particularly among Dalit, Muslim, and tribal women, by integrating them into village development processes and elevating their social status. Started working on women's issues in 1997, through platforms for collective action, Vanangana empowers women to address common challenges and advocate for their rights, fostering leadership from within communities. With a commitment to justice, the organization advocates for a comprehensive application of the law, transcending social hierarchies and ensuring accountability within the judicial system.

Amina Khatun Laskar, a resilient individual who has faced numerous challenges and financial hardships since childhood, harbored a dream to pursue education and contribute positively to society. In 2006, after completing her graduation, she joined a local Community-Based Organization (CBO) as a social worker. Over time, she witnessed alarming rates of trafficking, early marriage, and domestic violence prevalent in the Sundarban area, with few organizations addressing these pressing issues, particularly in terms of supporting trafficked survivors. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, Amina embarked on a journey to establish an organization dedicated to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in her community. Thus, in 2012, Bansra Birangana Seva Samity (BBSS) was founded, marking the beginning of a twelve-year-long journey dedicated to preventing trafficking, early marriage, and domestic violence, while also providing vital rehabilitation programs for trafficked survivors to reintegrate into society with dignity. The work undertaken by BBSS is undeniably challenging, with daily obstacles encountered both in the field and within administrative realms. However, Amina, alongside her dedicated team members and the unwavering support of well-wishers, demonstrates resilience, passion, and determination in overcoming these challenges to fulfill their mission. BBSS operates as an autonomous, frontline, grassroots-level organization, focusing on community-based rehabilitation programs for survivors, survivor engagement in policy and program development, and women's economic empowerment through livelihood initiatives. The organization's efforts include providing physical and mental treatment for survivors, facilitating access to government schemes, aiding in legal processes, and conducting awareness campaigns to combat social stigma. Through the establishment of survivor Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and a leadership group named ICON, comprised of survivors, BBSS empowers individuals to raise awareness, support fellow survivors, and advocate for their rights within their communities. Additionally, vocational training programs, such as tailoring, offer survivors opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. BBSS's dedication and commitment to the prevention of human trafficking, domestic violence, child labor, and early marriage are evident in their ongoing initiatives and steadfast resolve. With continued support and collaboration, Amina and BBSS are optimistic about achieving significant progress in their mission to empower survivors and create a society where dignity and respect prevail.

Priyanka's journey from her rural roots in Bishanpur Gonahi Village of North Bihar to the forefront of community leadership is a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to effecting positive change. Despite the societal expectations placed upon her, she pursued education and embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led her to challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. After completing her studies at Miranda House, University of Delhi, Priyanka joined Youth Alliance as a rural fellow in a village in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. There, she immersed herself in grassroots initiatives, working tirelessly with school children, women's groups, and the elderly. Through this experience, Priyanka gained firsthand insight into the systemic barriers faced by rural communities, particularly women. Motivated by her own experiences and inspired by leaders like Chhavi Rajawat, Priyanka resolved to return to her native village and challenge the status quo. Despite facing formidable opponents in the local political arena, Priyanka fearlessly contested the position of 'Mukhiya' in her village, challenging the entrenched 'Mukhiya-Pati' syndrome. Although she did not emerge victorious in the election, Priyanka's campaign sparked a crucial shift in the discourse of local politics, paving the way for greater women's representation and empowerment. Undeterred by setbacks, Priyanka has now embarked on a new chapter in her journey by founding Gram-Chetna Andolan, a civil society organization dedicated to accelerating leadership development initiatives rooted in the values of Gram-Swaraj. With a vision of building a local movement encompassing social, political, economic, ecological, and cultural aspirations, Gram-Chetna Andolan strives to empower diverse interest groups within rural communities. Priyanka's unwavering dedication to grassroots activism and community empowerment serves as an inspiration to all. Through her leadership, Gram-Chetna Andolan is poised to become a catalyst for transformative change, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of rural communities are heard and respected at every level of governance.

Shaila Yadav's journey as the founder of Samaveshak embodies the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As the first woman from the Ghumantu community to pursue higher education, she defied societal norms and overcame numerous challenges to earn a master's degree in social work. Her struggles became the driving force behind her mission to improve the conditions within her community, particularly focusing on children's education and awareness-raising initiatives. Samaveshak, established in 2016 by Shaila and a group of dedicated youths from Denotified, Nomadic Tribes, and marginalized communities, serves as a beacon of hope for those often marginalized and overlooked in society. With a strong emphasis on the liberation of Nomadic Tribes and De-notified Tribes in Maharashtra, Samaveshak is committed to upholding principles of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. Through grassroots initiatives, advocacy efforts, and community empowerment programs, Samaveshak actively works to break the cycle of oppression and ensure dignity and respect for all individuals. Shaila's inclusive leadership approach actively involves community members in decision-making processes and program implementation, fostering a sense of ownership and agency among marginalized groups. Aligned with its vision for a strong society with equal opportunities, Samaveshak's mission focuses on capacity building, leadership development, education for nomadic tribal children, awareness-raising, and empowerment of women and youth from marginalized backgrounds. Through strategic partnerships and collective action, the organization amplifies its impact and works towards building a society where every individual's dignity is valued. Samaveshak's objectives encompass promoting awareness of rights, increasing democratic participation, building movement-based unions, enhancing socio-economic conditions, combating violence against women, preventing school dropout, and promoting constitutional values within NT/DNT communities and society at large. Shaila Yadav's tireless dedication, along with the collective efforts of Samaveshak's team, has made significant strides in addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. Through their unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, they continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, inspiring countless others along the way.

Swati Singh's journey as the Director and Founder of Muheem organization is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social change and empowerment. With over eight years of experience, Swati's leadership has been marked by her dynamic approach and dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Before founding Muheem, Swati had already established herself as a talented freelance journalist, recognized for her storytelling and advocacy skills. Her work in journalism earned her three Ladali Media Awards, showcasing her dedication to shedding light on pressing issues and fostering meaningful dialogue. However, Swati's passion for creating tangible change led her to establish Muheem: Ek Sarthak Prayas Welfare Society. Headquartered in Varanasi, Muheem is a community-based organization focused on the multidimensional upliftment and empowerment of marginalized individuals, particularly women, girls, and youth. Under Swati's leadership, Muheem has become a beacon of best leadership practices, as recognized in the United Nations Women's India coffee table book. Swati's role as a distinguished panelist at the UN Women's India conference further highlights her commitment to advancing gender equality and social justice. Muheem's initiatives span across rural areas in Varanasi, Bhadohi, and Mirzapur districts, addressing critical issues such as women's health, gender equality, and intersectional feminism. Through collaborations with organizations like UNFPA, Muheem has launched initiatives like the Sohar songs in 2023, aimed at empowering marginalized communities. The organization's contributions to sustainable menstruation and the promotion of women's leadership have been acknowledged by prestigious institutions like the Ministry of Culture and UN Women India. Through its relentless efforts, Muheem strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society, reflecting Swati's vision for a world where all individuals live with dignity, respect, and equality.