Chaitali Sheth

We have launched a 'People's Agenda Campaign' across India with an aim to listen to communities, social groups and sections, understand their grassroots issues, and explore solutions to improve their own lives, improve local ecological and environmental conditions, and improve the country as a whole. As our collective efforts and the outcomes of these conversations, we have created a Hindi document called "The People's Agenda for a Equitable Future", which is available at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gzJc8xF4

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The story of a village in West Bengal, looks like any other village in India, depicting a poor, hand-to-mouth situation, and a growing feeling of hopelessness in the community. A community with small land holdings, some linked with SHGs, some not, has been growing only one cash crop, because of lack of arable water during summer. Located in North Sundarban, this village has enough salty backwater, but the rain-filled arable water ponds, do not sustain long. Men are engaged in farming, and women are engaged in cattle and poultry rearing, backyard vegetable gardens, and other activities. 475 households in 5 Paras, with a population of 2850,now face a fast growing problem of labour Migration, in the race to earn more money, to cover inflation and failing crops, due to climate change. AHEAD Initiatives and their Partner CSO have done commendable work to promote backyard vegetable gardening, organic farming, seed conservation, reviving astonishing local varieties of rice, and forming open learning centres, but were struggling to create sustainable livelihoods. A 3-day GLIDE Workshop organised for the village, from 18-20 October, helped the 30 Participants, design 11 Group Livelihoods for themselves, and take back detailed Business Plans for the same. Click here to have a glimpse of the workshop : https://lnkd.in/drykCgMK What more..? A visit to the participants of the GLIDE workshop (conducted in September), came in as a pleasant surprise, with 6 Group livelihoods started, and one already sailing on cloud nine, with an unexpected profit from the Dussehra Mela. We will share a detailed picture of all the Group livelihoods emerging from the series of 9 workshops (for AHEAD Initiatives), after December 2024. Those wanting to know more about what the GLIDE Livelihood approach is, and how it is weaving a magic in rural India, can see the web page link in the Comments.

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🌟 Excited to share my recent blog post for ILSS - India Leaders for Social Sector on “Strategies for Engaging Major Donors and Building Strong Relationships for Fundraising”! 🌟 In this piece, I explore essential strategies for nonprofits to engage significant donors effectively and build lasting connections. Key topics include: 🔹 Understanding the nature of major donor fundraising 🔹 Emphasising a collaborative approach across the organisation 🔹 Building genuine and personalised relationships with donors 🔹 Implementing continuous stewardship to maintain strong donor relations These strategies are vital for maximising impact and ensuring the sustainability of your mission-driven work. Curious to learn more? Read the full article and discover how these insights can enhance your fundraising efforts! #Fundraising #Nonprofit #MajorDonors #Philanthropy #RelationshipBuilding #Stewardship

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From humble beginnings, JEEViKA now supports more than 10 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across Bihar, bringing millions of rural women under its fold. These SHGs have become pillars of socio-economic development, offering women access to financial resources, skill development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Through initiatives like microfinance, health interventions, and livelihood promotion, JEEViKA has helped women break free from the cycle of poverty and dependence. JEEViKA’s journey is a testament to the power of collective action. By integrating women into income-generating activities such as agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts, and small-scale industries, it has not only increased household incomes but also diversified the rural economy. Its efforts have led to women managing enterprises, accessing markets, and participating in government programs, thereby creating a ripple effect of development. The success of JEEViKA lies in its community-based approach, which empowers women to lead their own development. The program’s achievements are not just numbers but stories of transformation—women gaining confidence, leadership skills, and a voice in decision-making processes.

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We are excited to share our latest policy brief on the seasonal patterns of births in Jharkhand. This comprehensive analysis reveals how seasonal variations impact birth rates, providing valuable insights for improving healthcare delivery and family planning programs. Understanding these patterns is essential for enhancing maternal and child health services in the region. Read the full brief here: https://lnkd.in/grTTSTE5 #NutritionResearch #PublicHealth #HealthcarePlanning #IITBombay #Jharkhand #FamilyPlanning

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How Child Development and Parenting Changes from Ages 3-6: Understanding the Transition on Parents of India podcast Join Piyush Jain and guest speaker Amita Kaushik, founder of EduWeave Foundation , as they explore the changes in child development and parenting during the ages of 3 to 6 years. Learn about the shifts in language development, mental faculties, and parenting styles. Discover how children's expressions and behaviors change, and how parental adjustments can support their development. Gain insights into age-appropriate activities and tips for guiding children through this crucial developmental stage. ____ Watch the Full Video with a Watch Time of Less Than 4 minutes https://lnkd.in/gq7gBm5t ____ Watch the Full Podcast Here: https://lnkd.in/gKpzwBUC ____ Join our community of collective leadership, where one parent, child, or expert can influence many through a chain reaction. Be a changemaker in others' lives by listening, watching, and sharing the knowledge, mindset, and information you develop or challenge during our podcast episodes. Join us in navigating parenthood and childhood with curiosity, ease, and happiness. https://lnkd.in/ghdAvUtY _____ #ChildDevelopment #ParentingChanges #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #LanguageDevelopment #MentalFaculties #ParentingTips #UnderstandingChildBehavior #TransitionToPreschool #CognitiveDevelopment #EmotionalDevelopment #SocialSkillsDevelopment #SupportingChildDevelopment #AgeAppropriateActivities #DevelopmentalChanges #Parentsofindia#ChildDevelopment #ParentingChanges #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #LanguageDevelopment #MentalFaculties #ParentingTips #UnderstandingChildBehavior #TransitionToPreschool #CognitiveDevelopment #EmotionalDevelopment #SocialSkillsDevelopment #SupportingChildDevelopment #AgeAppropriateActivities #DevelopmentalChanges #parentsofindia #piyushjain #amitakaushik #eduweavefoundation

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Worth investing our time in understanding this.

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Oceans are a cornerstone of the Earth’s climate system, serving as major carbon sinks and heat absorbers, thus helping regulate global temperatures. The complex #mangrove root systems filter nitrates, phosphates and other pollutants from the water, improving the water quality flowing from rivers and streams into the estuarine and ocean environment. Did you know #CBMIndiaTrust has plnated over 15 Thousand saplings thus far, we engaged local communities particularly women and people with disabitlies to select the locations, design landscape and also engaged in plantation which not just protect thier families and livestock from floods, but this project has created addtional income, it also support the future economy as mangroves protect species that are the basis of a $7.6 billion seafood and this project aligns the current union budget priorties too. Contact me to know more about this unique and inclusive #CSR project #NetZero #ESG #Climateachange #DisabilityInclusive #Mangrove #CarbonFootprint #UnionBudget

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It's been 11 days since the horrific crime at RG Kar in Kolkata, and each day since, we've seen more reports of violence against women and children. The fear of uncertainty lingers, especially for women, as we navigate our daily lives and workspaces. These incidents are a stark reminder that it could be any of us, our friends, or our family. These unsettling events force us to question: Are women in our country truly free? At a time when we should be encouraging more women to join the workforce, such crimes pull us backward. A society that fails to protect its women has failed as a whole. It's time we ask ourselves—how free are we, really? #justiceforRGKar #justiceforwomen #standagainstviolence #createsafeworkspace #safeworkspaceforwomen #breakthesilence

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Women Leading the Way in Rural Workforce 📊 A recent article on YourStory Media highlights the significant strides women are making in India's rural labor force. The report from IWWAGE -an initiative of LEAD at Krea University reveals how women's participation rates in rural areas (41.5%) surpass those in urban regions (25.4%), reflecting a growing trend towards women-led sustainable development. Preethi Rao, Director, Partnership and Outreach at LEAD at Krea University, emphasizes the need for systemic change: "There are persistent gaps in the skilling ecosystem, mobility planning, and workplace and household infrastructure that need to be addressed systematically." Key highlights in this article include: - Increased self-employment among rural women - Growth in women's entrepreneurship supported by government schemes - Persistent challenges in skilling, mobility, and workplace infrastructure This article highlights the importance of comprehensive policies and initiatives to further support and empower women in rural areas. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g9taZdZC #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #RuralDevelopment #Workforce #IWWAGE Sharon Buteau | Radha Chellappa | Preethi Rao | Sona Mitra | Diksha Singh | Sruthi Kutty | Sayak Sinha | Pallavi Duggal | Karunakar Rao | Aparajita Bharti | Sonakshi Chaudhry | Devika Oberai | The Quantum Hub

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UHC is targeted to cover all, but if the non poor benefit more then the poor, the strategies to UHC need attention. Alok Kumar Singh at Centre for Social and Economic Progress analyses the household consumption expenditure survey data (2022-23) to find that less than 30% of the population in the lowest two quintiles are covered, and 50% of those covered belong to higher quintiles. #UHC #benefitincidence

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Did you know? In the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an essential yet often overlooked component. At the heart of this program are Anganwadi centers, which play a critical role in delivering ECE to millions of children across India. While Anganwadis are widely known for their focus on child nutrition and health, the role they play in early education doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Quality early childhood education is crucial for cognitive development, social skills, and lifelong learning, but in many cases, the ECE component in these centers is under-resourced and under-prioritized. It's time to recognize the importance of ECE in the ICDS framework and ensure that every child has access to a stimulating, nurturing learning environment from the very beginning. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Anganwadi #ICDS #EducationForAll #ChildDevelopment #InvestInEarlyYears #SocialImpact #EducationReform

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Navigating Delhi’s hospitals can be overwhelming for families of children with disabilities. We’re offering support! At ASTHA, a community-based disability organization that has been working in Delhi for over 31 years, we’ve observed a recurring challenge: families of children with disabilities often migrate from their states to Delhi in search of a "cure" for their child with disabilities, visiting at least 7 hospitals in the city, having significant out-of-pocket expenses. Unfortunately, the information they receive is often incorrect, coupled with stigma and discrimination. We are offering support by partnering with hospitals in Delhi to run weekly/monthly camps that offer families support with disability entitlements, access to education, early intervention, aids and appliances, teaching and learning materials, and parent training – all at zero cost. If you are connected to a medical facility, preferably government-run or serving marginalised populations in Delhi, please connect. Reach out in the comments or via DM. #DisabilitySupport #InclusiveHealth #InclusiveEducation #HealthForAll #DisabilityAwareness #SupportFamilies

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The Emotional Journey: Perspectives of Donor Families Donor families undergo a profound emotional journey, navigating a complex terrain of grief, gratitude, and hope. This journey begins with the profound loss of a loved one, a moment that shatters the very fabric of their existence. Amidst the anguish, there arises a glimmer of hope, a chance to transform their tragedy into something meaningful by offering the gift of life to others. Initially, shock and disbelief envelop the donor family, grappling with the suddenness of their loss. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a profound sense of pride and comfort in knowing that their loved one's legacy will live on through the lives they save. This juxtaposition of emotions is both overwhelming and comforting, offering solace in the midst of despair. As the donation process unfolds, donor families experience a myriad of emotions - from anxiety and uncertainty to pride and fulfillment. The decision to donate organs or tissues is not made lightly; it requires immense courage and selflessness. Despite the pain, donor families find solace in the knowledge that their loved one's final act was one of compassion and generosity. In the aftermath of donation, donor families embark on a journey of healing, finding meaning in their loss through the lives touched by their loved one's gift. Their grief is transformed into a source of strength, propelling them forward on a path of hope and renewal. Through their experience, donor families become ambassadors of hope, advocating for organ and tissue donation and inspiring others to make a difference. One overarching theme that emerges from the narratives of donor families is the duality of emotions they navigate. While grief and sorrow are undeniable aspects of their journey, there's also a profound sense of pride and comfort in knowing that their loved one's legacy lives on through the gift of life bestowed upon others. This juxtaposition of emotions underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find solace amidst tragedy. In essence, the emotional journey of donor families is a testament to the enduring power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of generosity. Through their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to honoring their loved ones, donor families exemplify the profound impact of organ donation in shaping lives, fostering healing, and creating a legacy of hope that transcends the boundaries of grief and loss. - Pakhi Agarwal

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Alert:  Ananya Birla Foundation (ABF) is inviting applications for projects aimed at enhancing rural women’s participation in the workforce and improving mental healthcare for vulnerable populations. Thematic Areas In this grant cycle, the organization aim to address two pressing societal issues: -         Promoting sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship support for rural women. -         Access to mental healthcare for vulnerable populations Funding Amount Each program is eligible for receiving a maximum grant of ₹1.2 crores or up to 25% of the organization's annual budget, whichever amount is lower Funding Amount -         Maharashtra -         Karnataka -         North-eastern states of India. Eligibility Criteria -         Must be registered under trust, society, or Section-8 non-profit organizations in India. -         Possess valid 12A, 80G, and CSR registrations. -         Demonstrate a commitment to addressing social challenges with a preferable presence in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the North-eastern states of India. To apply visit the link below https://lnkd.in/guEaWFWD Note: Grant Guideline is attached Disclaimer: Sharing the opportunity for information and not connected to the opportunity #livelihood #mentalhealth #grant #csr

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I’ve been in Amritsar for the past 11 days, mostly grappling with a severe stomach bug. My plans to rest, reflect, and focus on my wellbeing took an unexpected turn, and let’s just say, things got way too real 🙃. It’s how the mop flops, I guess. This experience has definitely tested my resilience. While I’m not yet 100%, I hope to escape today for Dalhousie, about 4 hours away—a serene hill station surrounded by pine forests. But here’s the thing: I’m angry. Seriously angry. At 7:30 a.m. this morning, the ‘PM2.5’ index in Amritsar—representing the number of tiny particulate matters in the air about 1/30th the width of a human hair—was at 196, which is categorised as ‘Very Unhealthy’. This is three times the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit. These particles are so small they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This isn’t just an Amritsar issue. India has 20 of the world’s 30 most polluted megacities. The problem is systemic, and it cannot be solved by individual action alone. I’m deeply disappointed by the lack of meaningful government action over the past decade to address the air pollution, plastic-filled waterways, and in some parts the open sewage on the streets. How can we expect global environmental initiatives to succeed when, despite all the talk, I have seen no meaningful action on my return a decade later, and with so many people continuing to live in these conditions? India contains 1/6th of the world’s population. It’s a sobering reality. At least I can choose to leave.

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Every support matters.

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We need to see Commons and Commoning as a pathway to inclusive and sustainable development.

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Does #economicempowerment, #acquisitionofassets, #means or #access to #production ensure #empowerment for #women? And this is a significant question which need exploration, sieving through layers narratives.. This book #meghedhakatara (also adapted into a movie) raises this question.. of course this is part of #Ghatak’s #partitiontrilogy and shows the humanitarian crisis that partition brought upon human lives, dehumanising then, sucking out the souls.. but it was more of Neeta’s story.. Neeta, educated, working, earning, having economic means yet #oppressed from living out a life with desire and agency… This week under Women Economic Empowerment Program we bring this book for discussion.

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