"Growing up undocumented in this country has built resiliency in ourselves. We are now using some of those same strategies as an organization, to make sure we can not only survive this crisis, but come out of it even stronger."

“Legado’s approach is the best we have seen. They do not tell us what they want to do but instead help us identify our strengths to uplift what we do not have.” (Legado)

“It [development] is the responsibility of the villagers. If the villagers don’t tell the government about their problems, it won’t be able to carry out development initiatives.”

“We know Swades is not going to stay with us forever, and we are preparing ourselves for continuing the projects beyond their involvement.”

—VDC member in Gaodhond, Nashik (Swades)

“We have now started to receive more respect from the households we collect waste from as well as the police—they are recognizing our efforts. Even our confidence in raising issues and asking for our rights has increased.”

—Male, Kunthigrama (Saamuhika Shakti)

“Working with Swades staff has also helped us get exposure to the world outside. Now we have grown confident enough to present and represent ourselves even outside the village.”

—VDC member, Sule, Nashik (Swades)

“Earlier, the seeds the government sends for poor farmers were distributed among powerful farmers through the Panchayat [local government]. Maitree [a women’s farm collective] does not let that happen anymore. We make sure that the schemes benefit the poorest in our village.” (SRIJAN)

“Before SPECTRA, women feared going to Panchayats. The staff [from SPECTRA] would then accompany women and encourage them to talk about their issues. That is a massive change. For women who feared speaking in front of men to advocate for their rights”