Livelihood
Building Dignified Futures for Women and NT/DNT Communities
Transforming from Marginalized to Model Villages, through Women-led Enterprises
Our Challenge
In rural Maharashtra, especially among NT/DNT and marginalized communities, women face multiple barriers to dignified work—historical marginalization, poverty, dependence on manual labor, and forced migration for survival.
Limited access to education, credit, and resources keeps them excluded from stable income opportunities. Cultural and social barriers further restrict their participation in decision-making, leaving families trapped in cycles of instability and poverty.
We asked: What if women were not just survivors of these challenges, but leaders of community-driven enterprises that sustain their families with dignity?
Our Approach
We take a holistic, child-first approach to education, meeting children where they are and building the scaffolding they need to succeed. We believe in community-led, women-centered livelihoods that are sustainable, dignified, and empowering. Our interventions focus on three pillars:
- Market Linkages – ensuring access to buyers, credit, and sustainable demand
Our work focuses on two core strategies - Skill Development – equipping women and adolescent girls with employable skills
- Enterprise Creation – supporting self-employment and collective businesses through SHGs and cooperatives
Sustainable Livelihoods for NT/DNT Women
Ek Bai, Don Gaay – Dairy Project
We established a residential school model to support children most vulnerable to migration-related dropout and exploitation.
Dairy Farm Development
Loans and training for women to purchase cows and manage farms
Skill Development
Training in animal care, milk extraction, and delivery
Market Access
Community-run milk collection and chilling centers, building a robust dairy market chain
Sustainable Livelihoods for NT/DNT Women
Bharari Mahila Udyog : Tailoring Training
Empowering Women and Adolescent Girls through Skills
Tailoring Skills
Tailoring & embroidery training for women and girls
Entrepreneurship Pathways
Skill-building for self-employment and local businesses
Community Connection
Training designed to fit local needs and contexts
Sustainable Livelihoods for NT/DNT Women
Income Generation & SHG Programs
Strengthening Women’s Collectives for Sustainable Growth
Women’s Collective
Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for mutual support
Skill & Financial Literacy
Training in skills, financial literacy, and enterprise management
Enterprise Support
Livelihood support for micro-businesses and community enterprises