Vanita Mahila Sangathan, promoted by Utthan, is a women's collective focused on building local leadership and social capital for marginalized women in the tribal district of Dahod, Gujarat, India. Since our establishment in 2004, we have worked to advance gender justice and economic empowerment. We mobilize women around their rights, support survivors of gender-based violence, provide guidance on land rights, and promote gender sensitivity.

By equipping women with livelihood skills and encouraging civic engagement, we enable them to take leadership roles in village development. Through collaboration with local governments, we enhance access to essential services and foster participatory governance. Today, we are active in 80 villages across Gujarat, with over 6,000 members leading change in their communities.

We envision a society where women are free to make decisions, shape their futures, and drive change in their communities. Their leadership, rooted in dignity and equality, is the foundation of a just and inclusive world.

To empower women and young girls by enhancing their agency, providing them with the perspectives, resources, and tools necessary to amplify their voices, gain access and control over productive resources, entitlements, and services, and take charge of their bodily autonomy.

Our philosophy of change centres on empowering women with knowledge and skills in socio-technical aspects, enabling them to engage confidently with various systems and address issues that affect their lives and communities. By fostering this empowerment, we believe women can become active agents of change, leading to more resilient and equitable communities.