Grassroots India
Organization background

Grassroots India (GRI) has been operating since 2008 and is part of the Women's Independent Self Help (WISH) Network, Odisha, that works on issues related to women's health and welfare. They run a women's home in Cuttack where they admit girls from the disadvantaged backgrounds and offer them vocational & life skills training. GRI also conducts awareness programs in several neighbouring villages addressing women's healthcare and rights.

Project background

The Hariharananda Women's home in Cuttack, run by GRI, admits women who have been referred to them by government, social workers, ashrams, and other WISH girls. The women, who are usually between the ages of 17 & 28, have various family difficulties, or are subject to abuse or neglect. Admission to the home is through an interview process. GRI provides courses in tailoring, embroidery, computers, small business, and spice-making. They also run workshops on healthcare, first aid, home nursing, cooking and food preservation, gardening, artificial jewelry design, dance. 25 women reside at the home. The women graduate when they pass the courses and receive their certificates, which can take from 1-3 years. In addition, about 4-5 girls take outside training at colleges and ITI's. Academic education is provided through private tuition and college scholarships.

GKF contributions to GRI