Today there are lots of things that are happening in the name of women empowerment in India and lot of resources are spent in this direction. When we talk about women empowerment in India the most important aspect that comes into the mind is the attitude of the society towards women. Women are still considered as burden and liabilities. The bottom line is Women empowerment in India is not possible unless violence against women is eradicated from the society. Can you even imagine what‘s the actual ground situation?

Before moving to actual ground situations, HCSSS would like to let you know one of the statements from Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, ‘Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development, and peace.’

Violence against women is rooted in discrimination and inequality, making it challenging to address. Men and women who have not had opportunities to question gender roles, attitudes and beliefs cannot change them. Women who are unaware of their rights cannot claim them. To ensure the rights of women and girls, HCSSS has been organizing workshops and awareness camps on gender and women rights.

Development of need based community institutions such as SHG, Village Development Committees (VDCs), Federations, Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs), Forest Protection Committees etc and their strengthening in the project villages. Focus is on to enable the communities to realize their potential and leading the development effort being done in their villages. This also facilitates active community participation and adoption of technologies.