ActionAid Association

We stand for a world without poverty, patriarchy and injustice in which every person enjoys the right to life with dignity.

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association held a consultation in Guwahati, Assam, with community leaders, NGOs, trade union representatives, advocates, and social workers. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to strengthen the Mazdoor Kisan campaign across the region. They shared practical suggestions and experiences, which were documented to shape a participatory agenda that can effectively reach and support workers across Assam. #MazdoorKisan #WorkersRights #Assam @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association, in collaboration with Janajagaran Dadan Sangha, Balangir, organized a Labour School (Shramik Pathshala) at an MGNREGA worksite in Mathanpala village, Titilagarh Block, Balangir district, Odisha, for MGNREGA workers.
Fifteen days earlier, with support from the ActionAid Association team, job applications were submitted for eight families. As a result, 16 members from these households secured employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) through the Banjipadar Gram Panchayat.
The session focused on workers' rights under MGNREGA, wage entitlements, availability of worksite facilities, and the importance of accessing employment opportunities through the scheme. The initiative aimed to strengthen workers' awareness of their rights and entitlements while promoting greater access to livelihood opportunities and social protection.
@sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

At a brick kiln in Tapa Mandi tehsil of Barnala district, Punjab, ActionAid Association, through the efforts of community leader Jagseer Singh, supported six migrant worker families in securing their rightful wages at the government-notified rate
The intervention was initiated after reports emerged that the brick kiln owner intended to settle workers' dues at only half of the notified wage rate. Through timely action and advocacy, the workers received their full wages amounting to ₹7,45,000 and were safely assisted in returning to their native village in Uttar Pradesh.
This intervention highlights the importance of community leadership in protecting labour rights and ensuring dignity, justice, and fair compensation for migrant workers. @sndeep

[Dipali Sharma @dipalisharma02]

The need to build pathways for ecological conservation and inclusive growth in the #Himalayas! Conversations at #Doon University @actionaidindia https://t.co/ImD8hagXPc

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

The Himalayan Action School is a collaborative conclave organized by ActionAid Association and Doon University, held from 1st to 3rd June in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It brings together scholars, policymakers, and activists to discuss sustainable mountain development, focusing on the ecological and economic realities of the Himalayan region.

Inaugural Session
The conclave was inaugurated by key dignitaries, including:
- Smt. Kusum Kandwal, Chairperson, Uttarakhand State Commission for Women
- Shri Kishore Upadhyaya, MLA, Uttarakhand
- Dr. Sunita Raturi, Deputy Director, Government of Uttarakhand
- Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal
- Mr. Tikender Singh Panwar, Former Deputy Mayor, Shimla
- Mr. Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director, ActionAid Association and Managing Editor, Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy

The session was moderated by Mr. Khalid Chaudhry, Associate Director, ActionAid Association.

Key Focus Areas
- Theme: Reimagining the future of the Himalayas by balancing ecological conservation with inclusive economic growth.
- Participants: Delegates from nine Himalayan states and Nepal, sharing presentations and local data.
- Key Topics: Climate change mitigation, sustainable development models, infrastructure impacts, and protecting marginalized and nomadic groups.
#HimalayanActionSchool #SustainableHimalayas #MountainDevelopment #ActionAid #DoonUniversity @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

World Bicycle Day celebrates the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly means of transportation. Recognized by the United Nations, the day highlights how cycling contributes to healthier lifestyles, cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and more sustainable communities.
Bicycles provide an accessible mode of transport for millions of people worldwide, supporting mobility, education, livelihoods, and social inclusion. The day also encourages governments, communities, and individuals to promote safe cycling infrastructure and adopt sustainable transportation choices. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association’s Workers Facilitation Centers conducted door-to-door campaigns in Amritsar, Punjab, raising awareness among informal workers about government schemes and entitlements. Through this outreach, workers learned their rights, accessed support services, and gained confidence to claim benefits. Communities became better informed, empowered, and connected to important social security resources. #WorkersRights #SocialSecurity @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association organized an interactive session with sponsored children in Kanwar village, Madhya Pradesh to connect with them and understand their well-being. The session included discussions on the importance of education and key school-related guidance to support their learning journey.
To encourage creativity and self-expression, the children enthusiastically participated in a drawing activity. As a token of appreciation, each child received a lunch box gift. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to engage with the children, promote learning, and celebrate their talents. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

The women members of the Harigosain Collective Group successfully cultivated and harvested a variety of vegetables across 2 acres of land divided into three cultivation patches in Srirampur village, Kendrapara, Odisha. Over a cultivation and harvesting period of approximately two months, the collective produced:
•200 kg of okra (lady's finger), sold at ₹40/kg
•35 kg of green chilli, sold at ₹200/kg
•200 kg of bitter gourd, sold at ₹80/kg
•250 kg of pumpkin, sold at ₹20/kg
•60 kg of cucumber, sold at ₹40/kg
•250 kg of poi saag, sold at ₹30/kg
•100 kg of ridge gourd, sold at ₹40/kg
•28 kg of leafy greens, sold at ₹20/kg
Through the sale of their produce in local markets, the women collectively generated an estimated gross income of ₹50,460 within just two months. This remarkable achievement has strengthened household incomes, enhanced livelihood security, and demonstrated the potential of collective farming as a sustainable pathway to women's economic empowerment.
Supported by ActionAid Association in collaboration with Mukul Madhav Foundation and Finolex Industries Ltd., and guided by technical inputs from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the initiative showcases how collective action and access to resources can help rural women build resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
@sndeep @_mukulmadhav @FinolexIndia

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association held a community meeting in Jauljibi, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, where around 60 local members came together to strengthen child protection efforts. officials from Child Development and police explained laws on child marriage, labour, and trafficking. Participants learned to identify violations, report safely, and access support, helping build safer villages free from exploitation. #ChildProtection #StopChildMarriage @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, conducted a training on climate change and climate resilience, encouraging farmers to adopt organic and climate-resilient farming practices. Through the use of Jeevamrit in crops such as onion, maize, and bottle gourd, farmers are promoting sustainable agriculture while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association organized a Sramik Pathasala at Patharabandha Slum, Ward No. 17, Bhubaneswar, to strengthen awareness among workers living in urban poverty about their labour rights and entitlements.
The session focused on key issues such as minimum wages, workplace safety, and access to social security schemes. Highlighting the importance of workers’ rights, dignity, and social protection, Bhaskar Chandra Pradhan encouraged participants to understand their rights and responsibilities and share this knowledge with fellow workers to build collective empowerment.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on workers’ rights and dignity were distributed during the programme. Construction workers, daily wage labourers, and domestic workers actively participated in the session, contributing to meaningful discussions on workers’ welfare and rights. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association conducted a Menstrual Hygiene Awareness session for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers at Mandhamkkappil Colony, Wayanad, Kerala. The session covered safe menstrual hygiene practices, menstrual health management, and access to available health services. It helped workers build confidence, challenge stigma around menstruation, and promote well-being at the workplace. #MenstrualHealth #MGNREGA #DignityAtWork @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association, in collaboration with the Juba Saathi team conducted awareness programmes across 10 villages on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, in Jujomura block of Sambalpur district, reaching nearly 320 participants, including Anganwadi workers, ASHA didis, Community Resource Persons (CRPs), ward members, Gram Saathis, women, and adolescent girls.
The sessions focused on menstrual hygiene, personal health, cleanliness, and the importance of using safe sanitary products. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions helped participants address myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation while building awareness and confidence. They were encouraged to openly discuss menstrual health and break the stigma associated with it. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association, in collaboration with the Centre for Child & Women Development and Rogi Arogya Samiti, organised an awareness drive at Mandap Slum in Ward No. 9, Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day,. The initiative focused on educating adolescent girls from urban poor communities about menstrual hygiene, the proper use of sanitary pads, and safe disposal practices.
The session highlighted the importance of menstrual health awareness and informed participants about government health schemes available for adolescent girls and women. The programme also featured a rangoli activity and an oath-taking ceremony to encourage positive conversations and practices around menstrual hygiene.
The event was coordinated with the support of community members, volunteers, and interns from Rajdhani Degree College, reflecting a collective commitment towards building a period-friendly and stigma-free society. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

World No Tobacco Day, observed on 31 May, raises awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use on health, livelihoods, and the environment. The day encourages people to make informed choices, support tobacco-free lifestyles, and promote stronger action to protect public health. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, ActionAid Association held sessions in Hyderabad, Telangana, with 200 girls to break myths and stigma around menstruation. Through interactive discussions and live demos of eco-friendly options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and tampons, participants learned sustainable hygiene practices, safe usage, and disposal methods. They gained knowledge about menstrual cycles, health, and their rights. The sessions created a safe space for open dialogue without shame, boosting confidence and awareness. Outcome: girls empowered to make informed choices and champion menstrual health in their communities. #MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodPositive @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

As part of the ongoing heatwave and climate change awareness campaign, ActionAid Association, with support from community leader Prem Kumar, organized a public initiative in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh to distribute drinking water to travellers, workers, and children affected by the extreme heatwave.
The initiative highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, especially informal workers and daily wage labourers, while promoting humanitarian values, social solidarity, and communal harmony. @sndeep

[ActionAid Association @ActionAidIndia]

ActionAid Association organised a Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Programme at Stalin Nagar, North Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for 175 adolescent girls and women. Guided by ActionAid Association members Dr. Esther Maraiselvam, Ms. Vijiliya, and Ms. Sangeetha, along with student volunteers, the “My Body, My Rights” event featured a short film, street play, live demos on sanitary pads and menstrual cups, and talks on menstrual cycles, hygiene, and urinary health. Chief Guest A.S. Kumari, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women, addressed stigma around menstruation. Participants learned safe practices, gained confidence to discuss menstruation openly, and received sanitary pads, reinforcing menstrual health as a right for North Chennai’s resettled communities. #MenstrualHygieneDay #MyBodyMyRights @sndeep