ABOUT US

Background of Organisation

Action for Women and Rural Development (AWARD) is a registered not-for-profit social organisation (NGO) established in Satara by post-graduate social work students with active support and guidance from academicians with a strong interest in rural development. AWARD emerged out of a concern of the founding members for the problems confronting marginalised communities in remote, inaccessible areas. People living in these villages lack basic amenities for health, sanitation, housing, education, drinking water, transportation, etc. Efforts by Government agencies to address the problems of people in rural areas seem half-hearted and inadequate.

Geographical Area of Operation

The organization is currently working in three Districts of Maharashtra State - namely Satara, Sangli and Raigad -on programmes such as promotion of sustainable agriculture, livelihoods of Adivasi communities, water conservation, sanitation, kitchen gardens, women empowerment, Environmental education in schools; Reproductive and child health issues, Rights-based issues, etc.

Key objectives of the organization

• To undertake development projects in rural and urban areas.
• To promote sustainable agriculture and agriculture-based socially relevant enterprises.
• To undertake water conservation and watershed development initiatives.
• To take up work on issues related to Adivasi rights and livelihoods.
• To facilitate environment education initiatives in schools.
• To promote women empowerment through self help groups and women enterprises.
• To undertake constructive developmental projects and create community-based organizations with peoples participation.
• To address issues related to women, children and youth.
• To facilitate linkages with Government agencies.