Rural women have always been the backbone of Indian agriculture. They sow, weed, harvest, and often manage households alongside farm work. Yet, their contributions are rarely recognised in policy or practice. At the Centre for Collective Development (CCD), we believe that meaningful rural development begins when women are given equal voice, resources, and leadership opportunities.

Why Empowering Women Matters

  • Invisible contributions: Despite their central role in farming, women often lack ownership of land and decision-making power.
  • Economic independence: When women earn and manage income, entire families benefit.
  • Breaking barriers: Leadership roles challenge traditional gender norms, inspiring future generations.
  • Community resilience: Empowered women invest in education, healthcare, and sustainable farming, strengthening communities.

How CCD Supports Women Farmers

  • Women-led cooperatives: CCD actively encourages the formation of women-led agricultural and processing cooperatives, giving women both ownership and control.
  • Leadership training: Practical training in record-keeping, pricing, conflict resolution, and cooperative management builds confidence and capability.
  • Access to finance: Through bank linkages and cooperative savings, women gain access to credit, reducing dependency on moneylenders.
  •  Market linkages: By connecting women-led cooperatives directly with buyers, CCD ensures fair pricing and better income.
  • Safe livelihoods: Women report greater respect within their families and communities as they gain consistent income and dignity.

Impact So Far

  • Thousands of rural women included in formal financial systems.
  •  Representation of women on cooperative boards and local governance bodies.
  •  Community-led livelihoods created across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
  •  A cultural shift where women are seen as economic contributors and decision-makers.

 

When Women Grow, Communities Rise

Empowering women is not just about fairness – it’s about strategy. When women farmers are given leadership roles and economic independence, their families thrive, their children receive better opportunities, and their villages grow stronger.

CCD’s work shows that empowering women is the seed of holistic rural development. And when women rise, entire communities rise with them.