WHO WE ARE
About Us
Empowering Women, Transforming Lives
Nari Gunjan stands as a beacon of hope and a transformation for Musahar women at the grassroots, specifically those from marginalised, impoverished, agricultural laborers, landless, and residing in rural areas. These women grapple with various forms of deprivation: economic dependence, social discrimination, political invisibility, and cultural neglect. They endure a complex web of challenges, including caste-based atrocities, gender-based violence, and economic exploitation. The struggle becomes further compounded by their limited access to basic rights and entitlements, food security provisions, security pensions and educational support for their children.
In this atmosphere of inequality and abuse, the need for women to unite and realize their collective strength became evident. Women from the diverse villages of the Danapur Block in Patna district faced the harsh reality of their status. They often bore the brunt of caste tensions, experiencing verbal abuse and physical attacks. Their workplaces exploited them, withholding wages and denying their rights. The daily struggles of these women were further exacerbated by sexual abuse, oppression, and the specter of untouchability and discrimination that haunted their daily lives, even affecting their children’s experiences in
At this crucial juncture, the visionaries of change emerged in the form of social activist, Sudha Varghese and her dedicated companions. Their arrival in 1986 marked a turning point. They engaged with these women, providing guidance and empowering them to lead better and more dignified lives. As women started participating in meetings, their consciousness expanded, and they became acutely aware of their rights as both women and citizens. She questioned why they should tolerate domestic violence and various forms of atrocities, be it in the public or private sector.
As women grew more organized and aware, the need for a collective entity representing rural, Dalit, and agricultural laborers became evident. Thus, in 1987, Nari Gunjan Women’s Voice was born, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
Our Diverse Mission: Touching Lives, Driving Change
Collaborate with team members
- Empower the Deprived: We aim to reach out to the most deprived sections of society, including Dalits, women, and children, conscientizing them about their inherent dignity as human beings. We strive to empower them with equal economic, social, cultural, and political rights.
- Education for Transformation: We uphold education as the cornerstone for change and development. We make it accessible for children, especially girls, ensuring that no one is left behind.
- Promote Health Awareness: We create awareness about health, focusing on prevention, treatment, and promotion. We encourage the use of herbal and home remedies and champion reproductive health, particularly among Dalits and economically vulnerable sections of society.
- Fight Against Violence and Discrimination: Nari Gunjan identifies and combats violence and all forms of discrimination against women. We support women in becoming economically independent and self-confident.
- Foster Leadership: We nurture leadership qualities among women, encouraging potential leaders to actively participate in decision-making processes.
Join us in our mission to empower women, transform lives, and create a world where equality, dignity, and freedom are not mere aspirations but lived realities for all. Together, we can make this vision a powerful force of change.
Empowering Dalit Women - Our Transformative Initiatives
At Nari Gunjan, our commitment to empowering Dalit women goes beyond words. Through a diverse range of initiatives, we strive to uplift, educate, and provide holistic support to these deprived individuals, fostering positive change in their lives and Communities.
Kishori Kendras - Lighting the Path to Education
Prerana Hostels - Providing Shelter and Education
Anand Shiksha Kendras - Illuminating Minds
Empowering Communities, Changing Lives: Our Transformative Journey
At Nari Gunjan, we’re on a relentless mission to create big changes in the lives of marginalized women and their communities. Join us as we strive to empower people and make a positive impact on the world.
Empowering the Marginalized - A Journey of Transformation
In a nation where untouchability is outlawed, the Musahar community still finds themself marginalized, oppressed, and excluded from the mainstream of Indian society. Musahars, a sub-group of Dalits, face a harsh reality where even basic rights elude them. Deprived of land ownership, means of livelihood and education; they live in a perpetual struggle for sustenance. As landless laborers in rural areas, their work is often compensated with meager provisions, mostly discarded food or grains. Lacking savings for times of need, starvation becomes a looming specter during periods of unemployment.
For those who migrate to urban areas in search of employment, their fate often leads to daily wage labor or collecting waste. Liquor production has become a significant source of income for some Musahar communities in cities. Entire families are involved in this, further exacerbating the cycle of poverty.
In the Musahar communities, the status of women is particularly distressing. They not only lack basic rights but also endure domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape, often perpetrated by those from higher castes. Access to education, healthcare, and fundamental rights remains a distant dream for women in the Musahar community.
In the Musahar communities, the status of women is particularly distressing. They not only lack basic rights but also endure domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape, often perpetrated by those from higher castes. Access to education, healthcare, and fundamental rights remains a distant dream for women in the Musahar community.
Kishori Kendras - Lighting the Path to Education
To address these challenges, Nari Gunjan initiated the Kishori Kendra program in Punpun and Bihta Blocks. These Kendras are a grassroots educational endeavor aimed at adolescent girls (ages 8-18) from the Musahar community. Each Kendra is led by a dedicated teacher from the community who imparts education in the local language through engaging activities like music, drama, and storytelling. The focus is on providing fundamental literacy skills, including reading, writing, and arithmetic.
This informal, value-based education also tackles essential topics such as morality, sanitation, health, nutrition, and issues concerning women and adolescent children. The program adopts a multi-grade system spanning three years for each child, with the ultimate goal of reducing school dropout rates and increasing regular school enrollment
Join our mission of Childhood Protection Program Anand Shiksha Kendras - Illuminating Minds
Nari Gunjan’s commitment extends to Anand Shiksha Kendras, with 40 established in Punpun and Bihta Blocks. These centers actively contribute to educating children, with a total of 3,000 children enrolled in our education program. These Kendras work tirelessly to elevate the quality of education in government schools and Aanganwadis within the Maner Block of Patna district
Prerana Hostels - Providing Shelter and Education
In 2006, the Prerana Hostel for Musahar girls was established in Danapur, providing residence for 100 girls. Now 150 girls taking benefit of this hostel. Additionally, Special Schools are conducted for their educational needs. In 2012, another Prerana Hostel was set up in Gaya, where 100 girls currently reside, and Special School programs cater to their unique requirements.
A Health Revolution - Building Awareness and Access
The Nari Gunjan team, through relentless awareness programs, has kindled a positive attitude within the Musahar community and among government doctors. Over time, community mobilizers worked tirelessly to make the community self-reliant, encouraging them to seek medical attention from local hospitals. This proactive approach led to community members accessing their rightful healthcare facilities.
Health camps, organized in collaboration with government hospitals, addressed conditions such as Chickenpox, Leprosy, and Swine Flu. The outreach team played a crucial role in spreading awareness about health services, including Tuberculosis, malnutrition, polio vaccinations, and various seasonal diseases. Advocacy for health rights within government hospitals, in conjunction with government departments and health workers, has been instrumental in providing comprehensive healthcare to the Musahar community.
Caring for Vulnerable Children
Nari Gunjan also addresses the welfare of orphan or single-parent children who lack proper care. Currently, we provide alternative care to 50 boys and girls who are in such situations.
The journey of Nari Gunjan is one of resilience, empowerment, and transformative change. It aims to break the cycle of oppression, deprivation, and discrimination that the Musahar community faces, lighting the path towards a brighter future.
