Understanding Women

Women constitute about half of humanity, yet across many societies they face systemic inequalities, discrimination, and barriers in social, economic, political, and legal spheres. Our goal is to ensure that all women—regardless of caste, class, religion, region, ability, or other identities—have agency, dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.

Our Vision

To build a society where women live free from violence and discrimination; where their rights are upheld; and where they can access opportunities, lead with confidence, and shape their own lives and communities.

Our Mission

• Raise awareness about women’s constitutional rights, legal protections, and gender justice.
• Enable access to education, skill development, and economic independence for women and girls.
• Provide legal aid, counselling, and support in cases of gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination.
• Facilitate connections to government schemes, welfare programs, and support networks aimed at women’s upliftment.
• Advocate for women’s participation in governance, leadership, and public decision-making.
• Build alliances across social workers, feminist organizations, activists, professionals, and women leaders.

Our Focus Areas

Legal Empowerment & Rights Awareness

• Awareness campaigns on laws such as the Domestic Violence Act, Workplace Harassment Act, Nari Adalat
• Legal aid clinics, paralegal training, referrals to lawyers
• Support for women survivors (police assistance, court accompaniment, counselling)

Education & Scholarships

• Scholarships, remedial support, mentorship for girls in secondary & higher education
• Coaching for competitive exams, girls in STEM
• Leadership training, life-skills programming, civic engagement

Livelihood, Skills & Economic Empowerment

• Vocational training (tailoring, digital skills, handicrafts, micro-enterprises)
• Support for microfinance, SHGs, women-led entrepreneurship
• Market linkages, incubation, mentorship, capacity building

Safety, Health & Well-being

• Awareness and services related to sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, mental health
• Helplines, crisis support, shelters, counselling services
• Campaigns against GBV, trafficking, child marriage

Digital & Social Inclusion

• Bridging the gender gap in digital access and literacy
• Digital awareness (online safety, rights, use of e‑governance portals)
• Social mobilization, community groups, peer networks

Important Laws for Women

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Provides protection orders, residence orders, compensation, and support for women facing domestic abuse.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013: Mandates internal complaints committees (ICC) in workplaces, guidelines, and redressal mechanisms.
• Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts, 2013/2018: Strengthened provisions related to rape, stalking, acid attack, aggravated sexual assault.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Prohibits child marriage and prescribes penalties; empowers courts to nullify such marriages.
• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 / Amendments: Provides for maternity leave, benefits, and protection of employment for pregnant women.
• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits giving or receiving dowry and prescribes penalties.
• Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Ensures equal pay for equal work for men and women.

Key Schemes / Programs for Women

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Promotes girl child survival, education, and welfare.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Cash maternity benefit for pregnant and lactating women.
• Ujjwala / Ujjwala II: LPG connection support for women-headed households or women beneficiaries.
• Mahila E‑Haat: Digital platform for women entrepreneurs to market products.
• One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi): Provides support to women affected by violence: medical, legal, counselling, shelter.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra: Community outreach for women empowerment at gram panchayat level.
• STEP Scheme: Helps women with skills training and employment generation.
• National Creche Scheme: Day-care facilities for children of working mothers.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan / WIFS: Nutritional support for adolescents and women in reproductive age.

Institutions, Commissions & Helplines

• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
• National Commission for Women (NCW)
• State Women’s Commissions
• Women Helpline (1091 or state-specific)
• One-stop Crisis Centres / Women’s Police Cells
• NGOs, shelter homes, counselling centres

Our Services for Women

• Legal Aid & Case Support — filing complaints, legal counselling, court accompaniment
• Education & Mentorship — tutoring support, mentorship for higher aspirations
• Skill Training & Livelihood Support — training modules, job placements, self‑employment
• Awareness Campaigns & Outreach — workshops, community meetings
• Advocacy & Policy Interface — monitoring laws, PIL support
• Digital Inclusion Programs — training in digital tools, safety, e‑governance services