Equity & Inclusion
Ensuring everyone has a stake and voice in progress
In rural Odisha, opportunities and access are not experienced equally. Women, Adivasi communities, people living in poverty, and other marginalised groups often face barriers that limit their participation in community life and access to public resources.
While laws and public programmes have expanded rights and protections, social norms and entrenched hierarchies continue to influence whose voices are heard and whose needs are prioritised. Exclusion can persist even within institutions created to serve everyone.
Our work responds by creating opportunities for women, young people, and vulnerable households to participate more fully in decision-making, access public entitlements, and take on leadership roles within their communities.
How We Respond
Advancing Women's Leadership
We support women to take on leadership roles within community institutions, strengthening their participation in local decision-making.
Strengthening Inclusive Community Institutions
We work with village institutions and local governments to ensure that the needs of excluded households are recognised and addressed.
Broadening Representation in Decision-Making
We help communities adopt practices that ensure women, Adivasi groups, and other marginalised voices are represented in collective decision-making.
Supporting Children's Participation through Bal Sabha
We create opportunities for children to build confidence, voice their perspectives, and participate in decisions that affect their communities.
Enabling Community-Led Planning
We facilitate inclusive planning processes that help vulnerable households access social protection and livelihood support.
Spotlight
How Gram Vikas opened space for women’s leadership in rural Odisha
In villages where women were excluded from public meetings, Gram Vikas's water and sanitation programme created the conditions for women's…
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Equity in Action
Young Adivasi leaders spearhead community advances in water, hygiene and nutrition
Across Odisha, young Adivasi women and men are leading significant health improvements in their communities.
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Women negotiate their way to assume the role of decision makers
Women’s decisions on water and sanitation transformed Kaluku village.
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Bal Sabha cultivates confidence, responsibility, and decision-making skills in children
The newfound confidence and advocacy skills of Bal Sabha members are visibly transforming their villages, enhancing health standards and shaping community decisions.
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Partner for Impact Over 50 national and global donors collaborate with Gram Vikas to strengthen community-led development in rural Odisha. Join us in advancing long-term change. Write to us at ed@gramvikas.org.
Our Priorities
We strengthen people’s capabilities to act on six priorities for rural resilience.
Climate Resilience
Restoring water, land, and forests to secure the natural foundations of village life.
Enterprises & Markets
Expanding income and enterprise opportunities where people live and work.
Health & Wellbeing
Advancing safe water, sanitation, and nutrition for healthier lives.
Youth & Opportunities
Equipping young people to learn, earn, and lead.
Local Governance
Enabling Panchayats and village institutions to act for collective good.
