Numerous studies and our own experience have shown that when we work to empower women, the entire society gains. But sad to say, in India, far from empowering women, the majority are denied even their most basic rights, such as access to health care, education for girls to empower women, jobs, and a decent social status.

A recent UNDP Human Development Report claims that India has a dangerously unbalanced sex ratio, with widespread female infanticide and sex-selective abortions being the main causes.

In 2005, Swabhiman, which in English means “self-respect,” was established to tackle these issues in a straightforward and efficient manner. Through creative communal activities, the program specifically aims to realize both individual and collective self-esteem and inner strength for marginalized and socially excluded women and adolescent girls.

Under Swabhiman, the programme for women’s empowerment, a customised approach known as the “4 S Model” was devised. The abbreviation “4 S Model” stands for four cutting-edge strategies: Supporting Education, Sustaining Change in Communities, and Seeking Healthcare as a Behaviour.

The initiative seeks out young women and girls from the neighbourhood and nurtures them into Change Agents who then actively participate in the community mobilisation process.

So far, Swabhiman has successfully improved the lives of nearly 560,000 women and girl children through its health and women’s empowerment programmes.