Anandi (Area Networking and Development Initiatives)

Anandi, founded by its directors with a commitment to feminist research and advocacy, bridges theory and praxis through action research projects and collaborations with academic institutions. Their writing and advocacy endeavors prioritize empowerment, challenging entrenched knowledge hierarchies, and centering the experiences of marginalized women. Engaging at national and global levels, Anandi influences discourse on food security and economic entitlements, notably contributing to the National Rural Livelihood Mission and shaping inputs for the National Food Security Act 2013. Presently, Anandi focuses on women's land ownership issues through grassroots engagement and partnerships with state-level networks and organizations like CAWL and the Working Group for Women's Land Ownership.

Strengthening Sangathans stands as a central program and strategic focus for ANANDI, recognizing that sustainable change necessitates empowered leaders and collectives driving the change agenda within their respective contexts. Over the span of two decades, ANANDI has facilitated the formation and nurtured the capacities of seven women's collectives, all led by women from economically and socially marginalized backgrounds. Notably, three of these collectives—Panam Mahila Bachat ane Dhiran Mandali, Azad Mahila Machimari Sahakari Mandali, and Mahila Swaraj Manch—have been established as separate registered entities, showcasing ANANDI's commitment to fostering grassroots leadership and collective empowerment.