Women Empowerment

Rajsamand Mahila Manch (RMM) popularly also known as MAHILA MANCH or Rajsamand Women’s Forum came into existence in Rajsamand district on 14th May, 1998. It is a collective of grassroots women that now has membership of over 13,000 women across Rajasthan and even out of the state. We use this platform to women centric issues to bring it to the attention of the state government. RMM being a people organization is an independent SANGHTHAN (federation) of poor, harassed, deprived, oppressed and destitute women which was initially started from one block of Rajsamand district with the support of Astha Sansthan. Prior to this, no supportive civil society or organisation was working for the upliftment of the women in this region. RMM provides opportunities for empowerment of women suffering from existing social and dogmatic traditions in the society. The strategy of RMM has been women centered i.e. strengthening of women by collectivization as well as building women’s institutions at the village level to take up village level development issues over the last two decades. It has supported diverse groups of women- irrespective of caste, creed and religion in their struggles against community violence, domestic violence and builds trust among single women dealing with prejudice and exclusion in their daily lives. This involves enabling women especially those from socially and economically marginalized groups to address and deal with problems they face of isolation, lack of self confidence and oppressive social customs. Rajsamand Jan Vikas Sansthan (RJVS) was created to extend the RMM work profile and organize funding for RMM activities.

Key Initiatives:

 Single Women’s: RJVS has also mobilized and empowered more than 45,000 single women — including widows, separated, and abandoned women — by supporting them with identity, livelihood access, and legal / welfare related entitlements.

 Advocacy & Collective Action: RJVS believes in not just providing services but also bringing about systemic change. The organization engages in state-level advocacy and mass campaigns to address critical issues such as ration, pension, MNREGA wages and access to public infrastructure. Apart from advocacy, RJVS has successfully influenced policy decisions and ensured implementation at the ground level, resulting in better access to social entitlements, timely wage payments, increased pension amounts and better infrastructure for marginalized communities.

 Right to Information Campaign: Rajsamand Jan Vikas Sansthan (RJVS), in collaboration with the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), initiated the Right to Information (RTI) campaign from its Rajsamand office. The campaign aimed to empower rural communities, particularly women and marginalized groups, to demand transparency, accountability, and access to their rights from government institutions.

RJVS organized awareness rallies, public hearings, and training programs, enabling citizens to access information regarding MGNREGA wages, ration distribution, public welfare schemes, and local governance, while also exposing irregularities. These efforts not only strengthened grassroots democracy and civic participation but also helped communities become more aware and assertive of their rights.

 Food Security and Public Hearing Campaign: Rajsamand Jan Vikas Sansthan (RJVS) implemented a focused campaign on food security across 45 villages in 15 Gram Panchayats of 3 blocks in Rajsamand district. The campaign aimed to ensure that rural and marginalized communities had equal and timely access to government schemes and basic services.

Under this initiative, RJVS worked to:

• Monitor and improve the Mid-Day Meal (school meal) program.
• Ensure the availability and quality of Anganwadi services.
• Facilitate timely delivery of pension schemes to eligible beneficiaries.

Additionally, public hearings were organized in 15 villages, where community members could present their grievances and concerns directly. These hearings led to the resolution of multiple irregularities, increased community awareness, and promoted the effective implementation of government programs.

This campaign not only helped thousands of rural families secure their entitlements but also empowered them to become aware and active citizens in asserting their rights.

Through continuous efforts, RJVS has not only raised its voice on these issues but also brought about concrete changes, helping thousands of women and underprivileged families receive their due benefits and live a life with dignity.

At RJVS, empowerment is not charity — it is participation, ownership, and leadership. Every woman, regardless of her background, deserves the right to decide for herself, to speak without fear, and to lead with confidence. We work every day to make this vision a lived reality.