INaariSaniata
Annual Report QOQ4-QOQ5
## Dreams, reality and reflection
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride at how NaariSamatā has grown organically. Now over three years old, we have navigated early challenges and emerged with a stronger sense of purpose and a clearer vision for the future.
Our focus in 2024 was on stability and delivering impactful projects that align closely with our core mission: promoting, defending, and realising the rights of women, children, and marginalised communities, particularly on issues related to gender, caste, and sexuality. At the heart of our work is the dream of a world where empowerment and equality are the norm, not a privilege.
This vision translated into action through dedicated projects that continue to flourish — especially _Project Paalan (Sponsor a Girl for Education)_ , _Project Siragu (Adopt a Village)_ , and _Project MatriShakti_ ( _Sport to Livelihood)_ . These initiatives are making a meaningful difference, reaching those who need them most.
None of this would have been possible without our growing team of incredible volunteers, whose passion and talent drive our work forward. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, as well as for the unwavering support of our donors and partners, including Visa Bangalore, PPL, Henkel, La Rue Foundation, and Tesseract, along with our regular donors. Our partnerships with organisations in India have also been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome new leaders who will help shape NaariSamatā’s future and ensure its longevity and sustainability. Naveen has taken on the role of Chair and Tanuj joins us as a Non-Executive Director. This is just the beginning — we plan to expand our leadership further. Watch this space!
We also have exciting new projects launching this year, including _Project Eco-Empower (The Women’s Green Bag Initiative),_ our e-learning project, and the development of a mobile app that will give women easy access to vital resources in their own language, whenever they need them.
To everyone who has been part of NaariSamatā’s journey in 2024 — THANK YOU. Your belief in our mission and your unwavering support are the foundation of our success. Together, we are creating real, lasting change in the lives of women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Anita Sunder Rajan
_Trustee & CEO_
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## Who we are
## Our Mission
NaariSamatā is committed to fostering gender equality and diversity by eradicating gender-based discrimination. Our mission is to empower vulnerable individuals in underprivileged communities, enabling them to grow into responsible, empowered members of society.
## Our Vision
A world where equality is a given, not a goal, creating a secure and inclusive society for all.
Core values and principles guiding our work
**Equality and Inclusion**
We believe in creating equal opportunities for all, ensuring no one is left behind due to gender, social, or economic barriers.
Our work is focused on equipping women and children with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
**Empowerment**
**Sustainability**
Every initiative we undertake is designed to have a long-term impact, whether in education, employment, or community wellbeing.
**Collaboration**
Partnerships and community engagement are at the heart of our efforts, helping us scale impact and reach more individuals.
**Integrity and Transparency**
We are committed to operating with honesty and accountability, ensuring that our supporters and beneficiaries can trust in the work we do.
We continuously adapt and innovate, using technology and creative solutions to make support more accessible and effective.
**Innovation**
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## Our objectives
**To promote gender equality and diversity for the public benefit.**
**To provide support and advice to women, children and young people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence and abuse.**
**To promote the welfare of children and young adults in underprivileged communities by providing recreational facilities.**
**To eliminate discrimination on the grounds of gender and age.**
**To help vulnerable adults, children and young people in underprivileged communities by supporting activities which develop them into mature and responsible people.**
**To advance education through the creation of e-learning tools and resources.**
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## 2024:
## Key achievements and milestones
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## **Expanding our reach to the UK**
We launched our first projects in the UK to support homeless women. Through _Project Shine and Thrive_ , our _Dignity Kits Initiative_ , we provided essential hygiene kits, including sanitary pads, tampons, shower gel, shampoo, and deodorant, to women in shelters across London.
Our _new podcast series_ was introduced to support migrant women by addressing common challenges they face, providing them with resources, guidance, and a sense of community.
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## **Continued support for girls’ education**
Our _Sponsor a Girl for Education Initiative (Project Paalan)_ continued its commitment to empowering young girls. We ensured uninterrupted education for the 13 girls we currently support, reinforcing our dedication to long-term educational impact.
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## **Expansion of Project MatriShakti (Sport to Livelihood)**
We successfully expanded our _Sport to Livelihood Project_ , increasing participation from 180 mothers last year to 480 mothers this year. This initiative continues to provide mothers with essential skills and training, helping them transition from sports engagement to sustainable livelihood opportunities.
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## **Strengthening collaborations and partnerships**
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Our _engagement with various partners and corporate supporters_ has grown, allowing us to leverage additional resources and expertise to enhance our programmes and broaden our impact.
## **Launching Project Sathi**
We have embarked on the development of the _Sathi App_ , a crucial initiative aimed at providing women with easy access to local resources, helplines, and information in their regional languages. This project aligns with our vision of making vital support more accessible to those in need.
## **Growth of our Animation Team and E-learning Development**
Our _animation team_ has expanded significantly, working tirelessly to develop a diverse set of characters for our _e-learning courses_ . This initiative enhances our educational content, making learning more engaging and impactful for women and children.
**As we look ahead, we remain committed to driving meaningful change, advocating for gender equality, and supporting women and children through education, empowerment, and access to essential resources.**
**Our journey is made possible through the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our partners, and the** 7 **resilience of the women we serve.**
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## Our impact to date
We believe that the work we do in supporting underserved individuals cannot truly be quantified. Our work is ongoing, and we recognise that we are but a small part of the lives of the people we have supported.
However, as a small volunteer-run charity, we think it is important to highlight what we have achieved in the four years since our journey began.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
35+ 14+ 600+
kg
Women skills trained Full time education Of clothes distributed
help
17,940+ 480 3
Sanitary pad / Women in Sport to Villages adopted
tampons distributed Livelihood Project
4+ 161+ 5
Abused women Underprivileged Tribal villages
helped children helped helped
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## Acting on UN Sustainable Development Goals
**The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world.**
**They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. It is critical that no one is left behind.** _The World Health Organisation_
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework established in 2015 to address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to quality education and healthcare, with a target to achieve these goals by 2030. They serve as a blueprint for nations, organizations, and individuals to work collaboratively towards creating a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world.
Charities often use the SDGs to align their missions with them, thus ensuring that their initiatives contribute to these universal objectives, enhance transparency, and resonate with a global community that is committed to positive change.
_NaariSamatā aligns with six of these goals_ , demonstrating its commitment to fostering gender equality, improving health and education, and promoting sustainable community development, thereby amplifying its impact within the broader global agenda.
Our projects are aligned with six SDGs:
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## Key initiatives and programmes
|Project Shiksha|Page 18|
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|Project Udaan|Page 20|
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|Project Palaan|Page 22|
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|Project MatriShakti|Page 24|
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|Project Siragu|Page 26|
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|Project EcoEmpower|Page 28|
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|Project Muskaan|Page 30|
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|Podcast Initiative|Page 32|
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|Project Shine and Thrive|Page 34|
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Shiksha Learning beyond the textbook
## Creating changemakers through education and awareness
In a world where education is often reduced to rote learning and exam results, Project Shiksha dares to ask a deeper question: _What are our children actually learning about the world — and about themselves?_
At NaariSamatā, we believe education should do more than prepare children for exams — _it should prepare them for life_ . Project Shiksha is our flagship e-learning initiative, designed for children aged 11–14, with a focus on topics rarely addressed in traditional Indian classrooms:
**Gender Equality**
**Consent and Safety**
**Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing**
**Empathy and Respect**
**Bullying and Peer Pressure**
**Puberty and Body Awareness**
These are not just topics — they are lifelines. Especially for young girls from marginalised communities, understanding their bodies, rights, and emotions can be t _he first step toward reclaiming agency and dignity._
## **Purpose & Scope**
Project Shiksha is not just an educational program — it is a social justice intervention aimed at _addressing the systemic inequities in education_ . Our goals are:
**Creating Gender-Equal Classrooms:** Challenging harmful stereotypes _through conversation and experiential content_ .
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**Reducing Girl Dropouts:** Providing the tools and confidence girls need to _stay in school_ .
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**Focusing on Social-Emotional Learning:** Equipping children with skills to _navigate their feelings, relationships, and challenges._
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**Training Changemaker Fellows:** Developing a _network of trained facilitators_ who will carry the vision forward in their communities.
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**Bridging the Learning Gap:** _Strengthening basic literacy and numeracy,_ especially in rural and tribal belts.
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**Empowering Girls:** Not just to survive, _but to lead._
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Udaan A sub-project of Project Shiksha
Under Project Udaan we launched a sponsored programme to bring Shiksha’s modules to life through on-ground support. We collaborated with grassroots educators to adapt and deliver the curriculum in ways that resonate with local realities — using theatre, games, and storytelling. _This project is about giving wings to the dreams of young girls and boys_ who have never been asked how they feel, only what they scored.
Each village has a dedicated community teacher, drawn from within, _creating local employment while ensuring cultural sensitivity and trust._
## **Some milestones:**
- _Basic literacy and numeracy milestones_ for out-of-school children
- _Science-based learning_ to counter local superstitions
- Engaging teaching methods like _role play and learning through play_
## **The Lahunipada Bridge Program – Learning Without Limits**
- _Library Days and Quiz Days_ to build curiosity
A key pillar under Project Shiksha is the Lahunipada Bridge Programme in Odisha, focused on tribal communities where access to quality education remains limited.
- _Active parental involvement_ to strengthen long-term impact
- _A culture of community_ building through inclusive education
We sponsored learning centres in five villages:
Badabil
## **Looking Ahead**
Mahulpada
Project Shiksha is a seed we have planted — with care, rigour, and imagination. As our network of changemakers grows, so does our vision: of classrooms where every child feels safe, seen, and inspired to become more than just a student... _to become a changemaker._
Tasada
Uskela
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Paalan Sponsor a Girl for Education
## Nurturing dreams — one girl at a time
Our mission is to level the playing field for these girls, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to study. By ensuring they have access to quality education, _we are helping them break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination._
At NaariSamatā, we believe that _education is key to achieving our mission of empowering women and girls._
Gender inequalities and cultural norms have continued to _disproportionately impact girls’ access to education._ A study conducted between 2002 and 2013 found that, in India, approximately 10% more boys completed secondary-school education when compared to girls — a disparity that intensifies among lowerincome families. Many girls are kept home due to fears of _experiencing exploitation or harassment along their journey to and from school_ and in the classroom, as well as the financial burden. Educating girls is therefore not seen as being worth the risk or added cost.
In 2024, we _proudly promoted the education of 13 girls,_ providing them with resources and opportunities to succeed. We supported them through school, covering their tuition fees, books, uniforms, transport, and other essentials that often become barriers to their learning.
Most of these girls have _shown marked improvement in their academic performance,_ with regular attendance and growing confidence.
## **A glimpse into progress**
Five girls in the programme have shown exceptional promise, with the _potential to go on to achieve remarkable things_ — whether in academics, leadership, or social impact. Their progress reaffirms our belief that access to education is the first step toward generational change.
However, _investing in their education has enormous and far-reaching benefits_ for themselves, their families, and the wider community. It provides them with skills and knowledge that can _open up employment opportunities, meaning higher wages and an improved standard of living._ Keeping girls in education also reduces harmful practices such as child marriage. Ultimately, it offers girls a _chance to fight against discrimination, abuse, and oppression._
Through Project Paalan, we are not just providing education; _we are offering hope and a brighter future._ Each girl we support is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact it can have on their lives and the lives of those around them.
## Alfie's Story
Alfie is in Year 1 and is just starting her life at school. She is very excited about being able to go to a school that challenges her and gives her the opportunity of a good start in life, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Alfie lives in Madhya Pradesh with her parents. With most of her dad's earnings going towards daily necessities such as rent, water, food, and electricity, it has been a struggle to afford the cost of Alfie's schooling. Faced with the prospect of her daughter missing out on her education, Alfie's mum contacted NaariSamatā for help. "This is a wonderful project from NaariSamatā — I am glad that in this generation girls are getting opportunities that were denied to previous generations in families like mine," Alfie's mother says.
With the support of our sponsor, Alfie has been able to not only start her studies but also thrive. She is excited about her future and the opportunities that education will bring. Alfie, who aspires to becoming a doctor, says: "I love my school, and maths is my favourite subject and I love music and dancing."
## **Looking Ahead**
As Project Paalan grows, our vision extends beyond school. If we are able to build a financial reserve, we hope to support some of these girls through university — giving them not just an education, but a platform to shape their future, and inspire others in their communities to dream bigger.
_Because when you sponsor a girl’s education, you are not just changing her story — you are transforming many._
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project MatriShakti Sport to Livelihood
## From the playground to power
30 mothers have now been linked to livelihood training and supported through bank linkages to begin small entrepreneurial ventures.
In Jharkhand, where nearly 38% of girls are married before the age of 18, the battle for gender equality must begin early — and persist across generations. Recognising this, Project MatriShakti was designed not just to bring mothers back to the playground, but to transform play into power, sport into confidence, and participation into pathways for livelihoods.
As a result of sustained community engagement, _a number of participating villages have reported reduced stigma around women’s sport and mobility,_ and increased participation of girls in outdoor play.
## **Government recognition**
The success and scale of MatriShakti has _caught the attention of the Jharkhand government,_ with state representatives attending the final match of the season.
Started by Pratigya and supported by NaariSamatā, this pioneering initiative uses football as a vehicle to empower women — particularly mothers — across marginalised communities in Jharkhand.
_The Department of Women and Child Development has expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities,_ particularly in scaling up the Sport for Empowerment model across other rural districts.
Each match was linked to pre-game social learning tasks. Women did not just compete — they learned, reflected, and led.
There is growing dialogue around integrating MatriShakti into statesupported health, livelihood, and education schemes — _a promising development towards institutional sustainability._
## **From awareness to agency**
The unique structure — _Organise – Learn – Teach – Celebrate_ — has allowed women to become powerful agents of change in their communities. Mothers who once lacked confidence _are now actively involved in decision-making,_ encouraging their daughters to play, and shaping safer, more inclusive neighbourhoods.
## **Key Highlights: 2023–24**
The project _expanded its footprint,_ increasing reach and directly engaging 480 mothers (up from 180 in the previous year).
The number of _Change Champions increased to 8_ , enabling deeper grassroots mobilisation and mentorship.
32 teams were formed, each guided by a sports coach and a social coach — a powerful dual approach to _build both physical fitness and social consciousness_ .
Through football, women engaged with critical issues:
Gender stereotypes;
Domestic violence;
Menstrual hygiene;
Heinous crimes against women;
Adolescent reproductive health, family planning, and substance abuse.
## **Looking Ahead**
With a goal of reaching 600 mothers in 2024–25, the focus will remain on combining sports with social education and livelihood pathways. New components, including training on breast cancer awareness, maternal care, and government welfare entitlements, will deepen the impact.
MatriShakti continues to show that when mothers play, communities change. And now, with state-level recognition, we are on the path to making this model a scalable blueprint for rural women’s empowerment across India.
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Siragu Adopt a Village
## Second Wings: Transforming Periya Bettiganapalli’s Primary School
Project Siragu — meaning wings — is NaariSamatā’s _rural education initiative that adopts underserved village schools_ and supports them with infrastructural improvements, basic learning resources, and a renewed sense of hope. After the successful transformation of the school in Chinna Bettiganapalli, the neighbouring village of Periya Bettiganapalli approached us with a heartfelt request: “Please help our children too.”
## **The Problem**
## **Our Intervention**
The Primary School in the village of Periya Bettiganapalli faced severe infrastructural constraints:
NaariSamata stepped in with a practical, community-led solution:
We restored the two unused classrooms — _fixing the roof, sealing the dampness, and completing the floors_ — bringing them back into use for regular classes;
_Only two usable classrooms_ were available for five different year groups;
- These _same rooms doubled as staffrooms and administrative offices;_
We _established a ‘Mini Library’_ , with two book cupboards filled with ageappropriate, engaging books to spark curiosity and build a reading culture;
Students often had to take turns attending classwork, leading to _frequent disruptions and significant learning loss;_
The cupboards and books were donated by supporters who believe that _every child deserves the joy of discovery through reading._
The school also had two abandoned classrooms, left unused due to _leaking roofs, damp walls, and unfinished floors_ — making them unsafe and unfit for learning.
## **Impact at a glance**
More than 70 children now have access to a full day of uninterrupted classroom learning.
Designated workspace for school staff, allowing them to manage administration without encroaching on teaching hours.
The library corner has become a favourite space for children to explore stories and build reading habits.
Increased community engagement, as parents and teachers came together to support the restoration.
## **Looking Ahead**
Project Siragu is about more than brick and mortar. It is about restoring dignity to rural education — one village, one classroom, one child at a time. As we expand, our goal is to adopt more schools like this, ensuring that geography never limits a child’s potential.
_If wings give flight, Siragu gives every child a reason to soar._
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project EcoEmpower The Women’s Green Bag Initiative
## Sustainability meets livelihoods
EcoEmpower is NaariSamatā’s bold step towards creating a circular impact — _empowering women economically while promoting environmental sustainability._
Launched with the _dual goal of reducing plastic waste and providing dignified livelihoods to underprivileged women,_ the initiative trains and supports women to produce eco-friendly paper bags for commercial and community use.
This year, with a project budget of £10,202.50, and most of the funding already secured through grants and generous partners, we _aim to offer sustainable employment to 60 women from marginalised backgrounds._ These women, many of whom had never had access to formal employment or vocational training, were _equipped with skills in production, quality control, and basic financial literacy._
## **Purpose and Impact**
**Environmental Impact:** By replacing single-use plastic bags with reusable alternatives, EcoEmpower contributes to the fight against plastic pollution.
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**Economic Empowerment:** Women earn a regular income, gain vocational skills, and improve household financial security.
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**Community Building:** The initiative fosters solidarity and collective action among the participants, building a peer support network.
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## **Key Highlights:**
60 women will be _recruited and trained in bag production and basic entrepreneurship_
_Partnerships formed with local businesses_ to promote and purchase the bags
_Waste reduction workshops_ conducted in tandem with production training
Strong alignment with our wider vision of _dignity through opportunity_
## **Looking Ahead**
EcoEmpower is more than a project — it is a movement. A movement where women are not just beneficiaries, but contributors to a greener planet and stronger communities. As we scale, we envision setting up more micro-units across urban and rural areas, replicating this model to create hundreds of eco-entrepreneurs.
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Muskaan Clothes donations with dignity
## Because everyone deserves to wear clothes that make them feel valued.
We all have that one beautiful outfit tucked away in our cupboard — too lovely to throw out, but we know we will never wear it again. Maybe it no longer fits, or our style has changed, or it carries memories we have moved on from. Similarly, our children grow so fast that many of their clothes barely get worn before they are outgrown. These gently-used, high-quality garments often end up collecting dust… but what if they could bring a smile to someone else?
Project Muskaan is NaariSamatā’s initiative to bring dignity and joy to those in need through thoughtful clothing donations. It is not just about giving away old clothes — it is about sharing comfort, confidence, and care. We believe that second-hand does not have to mean second-best. Everyone, regardless of their circumstance, deserves to wear clothes that are clean, comfortable, and make them feel good about themselves.
We encourage you to donate:
That festive saree or kurta you loved once but haven’t worn in years;
The frocks, jeans, or jackets your children outgrew almost overnight;
Unused or barely-worn formal wear, winterwear, or school uniforms;
Accessories and shoes in good condition.
All items are sorted, washed (if required), and distributed through our trusted local partners and grassroots organisations to ensure they reach individuals and families with dignity and respect. No rummaging through garbage bags. No feeling “less than.” Just the joy of wearing something nice — maybe for a job interview, a school event, or just for the confidence boost we all sometimes need.
_This project is named “Muskaan”, meaning smile — because that is what your donation brings._ Let your forgotten clothes create new memories for someone else.
_Give with dignity. Share with love. Bring a Muskaan._
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Podcast Initiative
## Empowering voices and building community
Our podcast initiative was _born out of a deep concern for the issues highlighted in anonymous posts on various Facebook groups._ These posts revealed several common threads among the community, including:
**Domestic abuse:** Spouses who arrived as dependents faced the threat of deportation if they reported abuse, fearing they would lose their children who held British passports. This created a harrowing dilemma where victims felt trapped and powerless.
These pressing issues motivated us to launch this podcast project. Through our podcasts, _we aim to provide valuable information, advice, and share success stories_ to inspire and support our community. Our goals include:
**Raising awareness:** By discussing these issues openly, we hope to shed light on the challenges faced by our community and encourage empathy and understanding.
**Sense of isolation:** Many individuals felt disconnected and alone in their new environment, struggling to find a sense of belonging and community.
**Insecurities due to lack of employment:** Despite being well-qualified, many struggled to find jobs, leading to financial and emotional stress. This lack of employment opportunities exacerbated feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.
**Children's struggles:** Children facing bullying, isolation, and even suicidal ideation. The impact on their mental health is profound, with many feeling unsupported and insecure. There is the added pressure on migrant children to always do well in school and pressure to be at the top of their class in every subject.
**Providing resources:** We offer practical advice and information on accessing support services, legal rights, and employment opportunities.
**Sharing success stories:** Highlighting the journeys of individuals who have overcome adversity, we aim to inspire and empower others to take positive steps in their own lives.
**Building community:** Creating a platform where people can connect, share their experiences, and support each other, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.
**Expanding digital reach:** Broadcasting already on Spotify, we plan to expand to other platforms to reach a wider audience. Our vision is to create a comprehensive support network that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by our community, helping individuals and families to thrive.
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Key initiatives and programmes
## Project Shine and Thrive
## Dignity Kits – UK
As part of NaariSamatā’s Shine and Thrive initiative, this project _focuses on supporting homeless women in London by providing essential hygiene kits._ While we recognise that the best long-term solution to homelessness is securing stable housing, many organisations are already working towards this goal and are better equipped to do so. Rather than duplicating efforts, we chose to address an immediate and often overlooked need — _making life more comfortable and preserving dignity while women remain homeless._
Our hygiene products include _essential items such as sanitary napkins, shower gel, mouthwash, toothpaste, and shampoo_ . These products are distributed directly on the streets and at day shelters frequented by homeless women.
## **Implementation approach**
- _**Procurement:**_ Sourcing hygiene products from wholesale suppliers or charity outlets. _**Collaboration:**_ Engaging volunteers and partnering with local shelters and organisations for effective distribution.
- _**Distribution:**_ Directly delivering the kits to women in need.
- _**Impact monitoring:**_ Collecting feedback to assess effectiveness and refine strategies.
## **Expected outcomes**
- Improved personal hygiene and overall health. Enhanced dignity and well-being. Increased community awareness and support.
## **Operational considerations and risk management**
The project has three key objectives:
## **Enhancing hygiene and health**
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Providing essential personal care products to support well-being.
## **Promoting dignity**
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Ensuring access to basic hygiene items that allow women to maintain self-respect.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, we focus on:
- _**Volunteer recruitment and training:**_ Building a strong team to facilitate distribution. _**Partnerships:**_ Collaborating with shelters and community organisations for wider reach.
- _**Logistics and storage:**_ Securing proper facilities for storage and transport of kits. _**Risk mitigation:**_ Maintaining multiple supplier relationships, developing a volunteer retention plan, and implementing a diversified funding strategy to address potential challenges such as supply chain disruptions and funding shortages.
## **Measuring impact**
- Regular surveys and beneficiary feedback help evaluate progress, identify challenges, and refine the approach.
Quarterly reports detail outcomes for stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement.
## **Looking Ahead**
## **Raising awareness**
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Increasing public understanding of the unique hygiene challenges faced by homeless women.
Through Shine and Thrive, NaariSamatā is making a tangible difference in the lives of homeless women in London—providing not just hygiene essentials, but also dignity, care, and visibility for those often overlooked. We remain deeply committed to this cause and will continue offering our support across the capital.
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## Community engagement and partnerships
At NaariSamatā, we are proud to collaborate with a diverse array of charity partners who share our commitment to making a positive impact amongst underprivileged communities. Together, we have achieved already remarkable milestones, from providing essential resources to underserved villages to promoting personal growth, education and sustainable development initiatives.
As we look to the future, we recognize the power of unity in our mission. We are actively seeking to join forces with other supporters and foundations that align with our values and goals. By pooling our resources, expertise, and networks, we can amplify our efforts and create lasting change.
If you are a foundation or corporation interested in collaborating with us, we invite you to connect. Together, we can forge a stronger path toward a brighter future for those we serve. Let’s make a difference — together!
## **Our charity partners over the years:**
The women from the tribal rural villages from Jharkhand would like to extend deep gratitude to NaariSamatā.
With its vision to enrich lives of women, adolescents and children NaariSamatā attempts to reach last mile families. This inclusive approach leaves no one behind. In Pratigya’s journey of reaching tribal mothers and adolescents of Jharkhand, NaariSamatā not just believed in experimenting innovative solutions to address stigma around sexual reproductive health but also recognised the challenges on using sports for addressing gender discriminative norms.
The charity’s program _Sports to Livelihood_ not only empowers mothers economically but also helps them get recognition and respect in society. The women are able to claim physical spaces around them. The playgrounds are generally claimed by men or boys, and girls where women often do not get chance to even cross these areas. The opportunity to play in the same grounds gave the women a sense of social empowerment. Gamification of sexual reproductive health rights modules helped mothers to deal with 21st century problems around them.
We would like to thank NaariSamatā for supporting organisations like Pratigya in implementing the _Sports to Livelihood_ program. We look forward in walking alongside NaariSamatā on the journey of bringing justice and building agency of last mile tribal community.
Chandan Singh _Pratigya_
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## Future plans and strategic goals
At NaariSamatā, we remain committed to scaling our impact while remaining rooted in community-driven, volunteer-led work. Our future plans and strategic goals focus on deepening our reach, strengthening our programmes, and increasing sustainability.
## **Grow our storytelling platforms**
Our _‘Her Story’_ and _‘Maari Katha’ podcasts_ aim to _share the untold stories of women overcoming adversity_ . We plan to:
Expand into more regional languages;
## **Expand ‘Project Shine and Thrive’ across the UK**
We aim to _expand our ‘Dignity Kits for Homeless Women’ initiative_ across more shelters in London and other major cities in the UK. Our strategic goal is to _partner with local councils, day centres, and health outreach programmes_ to support at least 500 women annually with essential hygiene supplies.
## **Launch ‘Project Sathi’, our mobile app, for women’s resources**
We are building a mobile app that will _connect women in underserved communities_ to local support services in their regional languages. In 2025, we aim to:
Complete development of the MVP (minimum viable product); Pilot the app with three community organisations; Secure partnerships with legal aid, counselling, and shelter providers.
## **Develop more skill-based training initiatives**
To support financial independence among women in India, we will _scale up our ‘EcoEmpower Green Bag initiative’ and explore new vocational training programmes,_ including:
Feature grassroots changemakers and local champions; Host live podcast listening events in communities we serve.
## **Build more strategic collaborations**
We are _actively seeking pro bono partnerships and CSR collaborations with corporates, tech platforms, and foundations_ that align with our values. Our goal is to: Double our partnership base by the end of 2025;
Secure technology and consultancy support for key projects;
Form alliances with advocacy groups to amplify our voice on gender equality.
## **Enhance organisational capacity**
As a growing charity, we aim to:
Strengthen volunteer onboarding and training systems; Implement better project tracking;
Establish a formal Advisory Council to guide strategy and sustainability.
Digital literacy workshops; Basic financial management; Sustainable product-making (e.g., compostable packaging).
## **Strengthen educational support for girls**
We plan to _provide continuous support to girls c_ urrently enrolled in our education programme and:
Offer additional digital learning resources; Partner with local schools to improve access to technology; Introduce a mentorship programme connecting students with professionals.
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2024:
Financi
ervièv.
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2024: Financial overview
## 2024: Financial overview
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Matri- Udaan/
in GBP Total Palaan Core Dignity Siragu Muskaan Silaan
Shakti Shiksha
Balance
2023/24 22,869.61 1,056.77 21,780.65 32.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
b/fwd
Receipts
16,694.01 1,035.00 6,943.01 4,000.00 616.00 200.00 3,900.00 0.00 0.00
2024
Payments
21,354.50 2,165.27 1,464.08 14,137.17 2,071.92 419.46 162.14 32.96 901.50
2024
Balance
18,209.12 -73.50 27,259.58 -10,104.98 -1,455.92 -219.46 3,737.86 -32.96 -901.50
c/fwd
Adjustments
for Paypal -1,352.18 -1,352.18
2023/24
Transfers -219.46 219.46
-10,104.98 10,104.98
-1,455.92 1,455.92
-32.96 32.96
-901.50 901.50
Balance
2024/25 16,856.94 -73.50 13,192.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,737.86 0.00 0.00
c/fwd
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Chart 1: Receipts distribution by Chart 2: Receipts and payments by project project**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
14
Receipts
6.2% 41.6%
12
Payments
1.2% 10
3.7%
23.4%
8
6
4
24.0%
2
0
Core MatriShakti Siragu Palaan
Udaan/Shiksha Dignity Muskaan Silaan
Chart 3: Monthly receipts trend by project
2000 Core
MatriShakti
Siragu
1500
Palaan
Udaan/Shiksha
1000
Dignity
Muskaan
500
Silaan
0
Palaan CoreMatriShaktiUdaan/ShikshaDignitySiraguMuskaan Silaan
Jan 24 Feb 24Mar 24 Apr 24May 24 Jun 24 Jul 24 Aug 24 Sep 24 Oct 24 Nov 24 Dec 24 Jan 25
Amount (in GBP, in '000)
Amount (in GBP)
**----- End of picture text -----**
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## Acknowledgements
## Sponsors
## **Corporate/Event Donors**
Visa India Henkel PPL Leeds Food Festival
## **In Kind**
Microsoft Oracle Google Amazon KREDO Dell TrustLaw Cranfield Trust
## **Content Partners**
Mantis India
## **Foundations**
La Rue Foundation
## **Individual Donors**
Ganeshkumar, Radesh Dandawate, Beena Dandawate, Nitika Dandawate, Akshita Khan, Umair Sunder Rajan, Anita Mulage, Leena, Jethwa, Paresh Kandolha, Nandini Kapoor, Rumit Lall, Nikita Khurana, Akshay
## Volunteers
## **Trustees**
Judah, Naveen — Chair Sunder Rajan, Anita — CEO, Trustee Khan, Umair — Trustee Dandawate, Beena — Trustee Rangoni, Silvia — Trustee
## **Advisors**
Rajagopal, Asha Bhaskaran, Ravi Dubey, Anasuya Subramanian, Bhagya
## **NED**
Saluja, Tanuj
## **2-D Animators**
Bull, Arran Johnson, Isaac Henry, Jemma
## **Instructional Designers**
Wordingham, Sean Pancholi, Chetan Buckley, Carrie
## **Marketing**
Mehta, Tanisha Bali, Swati Pagadala, Anu
## **App Development Team**
Swaminathan, Ganesh Ganesh, Swarna Chavan, Krishna Makinde, Paul Patel, Yogita
## **Podcasting**
Jimi, Ashreya Wingfield, Sarah Fleming-Jones, Myfanwy
## **3-D Animators**
Howard, Julian Wu, Chun-Hin Sawant, Amrapali Chidzoy, Emilia Philp, Beau Schweizer, Tim Wray, Bradley Sapa, Daniel U, Divine
## **Fundraising and Events**
Sunder-Rajan, Sameer Rowlands, Peter Varsani, Daksha Jethwa, Paresh
## **Annual Report Design**
Sterzl, Helene
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## How to get involved
## **Become a Sponsor**
Our sponsors and partners are critical in empowering our beneficiaries to transform their lives. Together, we can truly impact their future! In a world where every action counts, your sponsorship will not just be a financial commitment but a testament to your dedication to improving the lives of women and children, one community at a time. Join us in making a difference.
## Contact us
## **How to get in touch with us**
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Click here for further information on sponsorship.
## **Volunteer with us**
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## **Registered address**
79 Dunston Road London SW11 5YB
Click here if you would like to volunteer with us.
## **Connect with us**
## **Make a donation**
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**Your money goes further —** As as a volunteer-led charity, our administrative costs are minimal.
**Passion —** Our volunteers share a passion for the cause and are committed to making a difference.
**For as long as it takes —** We have long-term, sustainable plans to help women and children.
Click here if you would like to donate.
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N2ariSamat