Rural women have always been the backbone of Indian agriculture, yet their contributions often remain invisible in both policy and practice. At the Centre for Collective Development (CCD), we believe that true rural development begins when women are given equal voice, resources, and decision-making power.

That’s why over 80% of CCD’s project participants are women many of them small and marginal farmers, daily wage workers, or homemakers who have never had financial independence or leadership opportunities. Through women-led cooperatives, training programs, and democratic governance structures, we’re changing that story.

How CCD Supports Rural Women:
• Formation of women-led cooperatives: CCD encourages women to form and lead agricultural and processing cooperatives giving them ownership and a stake in the success of the business.
• Leadership training and capacity building: Women receive practical training in cooperative management, record-keeping, pricing, and conflict resolution skills that help them become confident and capable leaders.
• Access to credit and financial literacy: Through bank linkages and cooperative savings, women gain access to credit facilities, learn to manage finances, and reduce dependency on moneylenders.
• Market access and fair pricing: CCD connects women-led cooperatives directly to buyers and institutions, ensuring they earn fair value for their produce and processed goods.
• Safe, dignified livelihoods: Many women report that they now have consistent income, can send their children to school, and feel respected in their homes and villages.

Impact So Far:
• Financial inclusion of thousands of rural women
• Representation of women in cooperative boards and local governance bodies
• Creation of dignified, community-led livelihoods across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
• Cultural shift in gender norms more women speaking up, making decisions, and being seen as economic contributors

CCD’s model shows that empowering women is not just a social responsibility it’s a strategy for holistic rural development. When women grow, entire communities rise with them.