Action Aid India and the enduring commitment to social justice

SINCE its inception in 1972, Action Aid India has been an unwavering advocate for the marginalized, a beacon of hope for the excluded, and a catalyst for transformative change. As a prominent member of the global Action Aid federation, spanning over 40 countries, Action Aid India has consistently placed the impoverished and excluded at the heart of its endeavors. Guided by its mission to stand in solidarity with those on the fringes of society, the organization has relentlessly strived to eliminate poverty, dismantle patriarchy, and combat injustice.

Foundation and global federation

Action Aid International, the overarching entity to which Action Aid India belongs, emerged in the late 1960s as a response to the dire socio-economic conditions plaguing many developing nations. Established in 1972, Action Aid India swiftly integrated into this global federation, aligning its vision with the principles of justice, equality, and sustainable development. With a presence in more than 40 countries, the federation operates under the shared belief that local communities must be at the forefront of their development, thereby ensuring solutions are contextually relevant and empowering.

Central focus on the marginalized

At the core of Action Aid India’s philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to the downtrodden, the marginalized, and the excluded. This commitment translates into on-ground actions that address a myriad of challenges faced by these communities, from economic hardships to social discrimination. Through extensive grassroots engagement, Action Aid India aims not just to alleviate immediate suffering but also to address the systemic causes perpetuating such suffering.

Solidarity and camaraderie

Solidarity is more than just a word at Action Aid India; it’s a guiding principle that underscores every endeavor. The organization firmly believes that genuine transformation can only arise through a shared commitment to change. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the disenfranchised, Action Aid India fosters a sense of camaraderie that empowers communities to challenge oppressive systems and structures. This solidarity is not just about lending a helping hand but about recognizing the inherent dignity and agency of every individual.

Inclusive sisterhood

A distinctive facet of Action Aid India’s approach is its emphasis on sisterhood as a force for positive change. Recognizing that gender inequality is a pervasive driver of poverty and injustice, the organization champions the rights of women and girls. By promoting inclusive sisterhood, Action Aid India not only uplifts women’s voices but also actively involves men and boys in dismantling patriarchal norms. This holistic approach fosters an environment where everyone can collectively strive for equality.

Multi-dimensional struggle

Action Aid India’s pursuit of change encompasses a multi-dimensional struggle against poverty, patriarchy, and injustice. Poverty, in its various forms, perpetuates a cycle of vulnerability, denying individuals the opportunity to realize their potential. Patriarchy further exacerbates these challenges, limiting women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Injustice, whether rooted in caste, class, or gender, deepens societal divides, hindering progress for all.

Empowerment through awareness

Awareness is a powerful instrument of change, and Action Aid India recognizes this. The organization engages in extensive awareness campaigns to shed light on systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and injustice. Through these campaigns, individuals are empowered with knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions and advocate for their rights. Action Aid India also collaborates with local partners to amplify marginalized voices on national and international platforms, catalyzing change at larger scales.

Policy advocacy and systemic change

While direct assistance is crucial, Action Aid India recognizes that lasting impact requires systemic change. The organization engages in policy advocacy to influence legislation and governance that affects the lives of the marginalized. By partnering with grassroots organizations, conducting research, and leveraging the strength of its global network, Action Aid India contributes to the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development.

Education and empowerment

Education is a cornerstone of empowerment, and Action Aid India invests significantly in educational initiatives. By ensuring children from marginalized communities have access to quality education, the organization not only equips them with skills but also enables them to challenge the cycle of poverty. Additionally, education empowers individuals to advocate for their rights, fostering a generation of change-makers.

Resilience and sustainable development

Resilience is born from empowerment, and Action Aid India‘s approach cultivates both. By building the capacities of communities to withstand shocks and adapt to changing circumstances, the organization paves the way for sustainable development. This involves equipping individuals with livelihood skills, promoting sustainable agriculture, and establishing community-based disaster preparedness mechanisms.

Action Aid India and migrant laborers

Migrant laborers have long formed the backbone of India’s informal sector and micro, small, and medium enterprises. According to the Indian Census of 2011, the nation harbored a staggering 139 million internal migrants, a majority of whom were men. However, the migration of women for employment often remained hidden behind categories like marriage and family data. Although estimates suggest that women constitute 20-30% of migrant workers, their contributions have been largely unrecognized. States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have emerged as the epicenters of rural migration, with urban hubs like Delhi and Maharashtra being the prominent destinations.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created not only a severe health crisis but also wreaked havoc on the lives and livelihoods of countless internal migrant workers. The economic turmoil faced by these migrants was a stark manifestation of the broader social and ecological crises compelling rural communities to seek better lives in cities. The nationwide lockdown in response to the pandemic triggered a massive exodus of internal migrants to their hometowns. Although both central and state governments announced relief measures, implementing these measures on the ground proved to be a formidable challenge. 

Action Aid India served migrant laborers in Bihar with the following initiatives:

Formation of women farmer’s co-operatives

Strengthening women’s co-operatives involves conducting regular meetings, offering training on the structural factors contributing to gender-based discrimination, and raising awareness about subaltern feminism. By cultivating exclusive women farmer producer groups, the plan fosters sustainable farming practices, gender sensitization, and the creation of seed capital for agricultural activities. This not only enhances livelihoods but also initiates a structural shift in power dynamics based on gender, caste, and class.

Revival of traditional water harvesting structures

Women’s farmer co-operatives will work to revive traditional water harvesting methods through eco-friendly approaches and traditional water conservation knowledge. This includes revitalizing ‘aharpyne’ structures, deepening and desilting ponds, constructing new water bodies, and focusing on farm bunding for collective farming on communal lands.

Promoting zero budget natural farming

To counter pandemic-induced crop losses, the strategy encourages low-cost, environmentally friendly natural farming techniques. This entails training in ZBNF, establishing vermicompost pits at a collective level, and implementing natural cold storage methods. By combining eco-friendly practices and tools, this initiative champions climate-conscious, affordable, and sustainable agriculture.

Agriculture extension

This intervention bridges the gap between production and marketing processes. It entails training in primary grain processing, cultivating a basic understanding of value addition’s profitability, and revitalizing women’s role as traditional seed conservators through seed banks and seed replacement efforts.

Forward linkages on exclusive women-led markets 

Creating exclusive women-led markets ensures that women farmers not only produce but also market their goods effectively. Training covers market dynamics, collectivization, and value addition. By showcasing women’s resilience in livelihood reconstruction, this initiative also seeks to influence policymakers and stakeholders.

Krushi Mitra

To ensure the smooth implementation of these activities, a part-time female Krushi Mitra will be appointed in each village. These individuals will serve as local points of contact and resources for the community, facilitating the initiatives’ effective execution.

The envisaged impact encompasses the formation of 30 women’s collectives, involving 500 trained and practicing women farmers, benefiting 2,500 individuals directly in terms of sustained livelihoods and food security. The ripple effect of these interventions is projected to reach approximately 15,000 individuals across 30 villages, celebrating women’s roles as farmers and champions of sustainable development. Through these concerted efforts, Action Aid India strives to bring lasting change to Bihar’s rural communities, empowering women, revitalizing livelihoods, and challenging discriminatory norms.

The road ahead

Action Aid India’s journey is far from over. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt, its core principles remain resolute. The pursuit of solidarity, camaraderie, and sisterhood with the marginalized shapes its actions as it confronts the complex interplay of poverty, patriarchy, and injustice. By embracing the values of equality, dignity, and empowerment, Action Aid India stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a brighter and more equitable future for all. You can donate here to Action Aid India to uplift and empower marginalized communities.