Women Empowerment
Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD)
Our Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) program stands tall as a beacon – fearless champions dedicated to safeguarding the rights of marginalized women. These defenders, often shaped by personal experiences or a deep belief in human rights, engage at grassroots levels in diverse communities, amplifying the voices of women and advocating for their rights. SDS, alongside these remarkable women, empowers them with leadership skills through comprehensive training, workshops, and campaign support. Our program spans multiple states—WHRD Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Manipur—working hand-in-hand with women’s organizations and individual activists. Together, we stand committed to equipping these defenders to enact meaningful change, ensuring every woman’s voice is heard and every right protected.
Women in Governance (WinG)
Our Women in Governance (WinG) initiative, launched in 2009, stands on three pillars: fostering women’s active participation in political and administrative spheres, scrutinizing customary laws impacting women’s rights, and nurturing women’s leadership capabilities. Implemented remarkably in Assam, this program instilled a sense of ownership among women in five districts, empowering them as grassroots organizers, experts, advocates, and watchdogs. Not only did WinG intervene legally in cases of violence against women, establishing a dedicated legal cell for support and documentation, but it also forged alliances with legal entities like Human Rights Law Network and Asian Centre for Human Rights at regional and national levels. Drawing from the success in Assam, similar strides were taken in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, collaborating with local civil society partners, such as Mahila Swarozgar Samiti (MSS) and Prayatan, to extend these impactful initiatives.
Promotion of Women's Livelihood
Step into a world of empowerment at SDS, where we champion the economic upliftment of women from low-income backgrounds. Through tailored initiatives, we equip these resilient individuals with essential skills in tailoring, crafts, and vital business acumen. Our organization goes beyond mere training by facilitating access to low-interest loans, unlocking opportunities that traditional banking systems often deny. This multifaceted approach not only fosters sustainable income sources but also promotes gender equality, enhancing the economic landscape for women. Our impact reaches beyond age and status, extending support not only to women but also to adolescent girls, bridging educational gaps and enhancing vocational skills. From empowering women to creating a path for adolescent girls towards employability in both formal and informal sectors, we’re paving the way for inclusive economic growth and empowerment.
