On International Women’s Day, celebrate these pathbreakers who are making a difference at the grassroots level by addressing issues ranging from water scarcity, gender inequality to inclusive development

After a gap of 11 years in February 2024, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released data on national household consumption expenditure. It also threw light upon the gaping divide between the richest and the poorest in India and revealed that the average MPCE (Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure) for the bottom five percent of the population was just Rs 1,373 in the rural areas. In simple terms, the daily expenditure by the poorest five percent in rural areas was a meagre Rs 46, compared to Rs 350 for the richest five percent.

In order to bring about lasting change, there is a need for policy interventions but social initiatives helmed by change-makers who respect the socio-economic and cultural diversity of rural India, can also make a huge difference. This International Women’s Day, meet five women who are working to uplift rural communities and address issues like water scarcity, gender equality, environmental conservation, and sustainable development among many others.