Manavi

Mission

Manavi's vision is, "A society free from the oppressive systems perpetuated through gender, caste, class, creed, and religion based inequalities". Its mission is, “The empowerment of women of downtrodden groups (in an economic and socio-cultural paradigm) to initiate and sustain the values of an egalitarian social existence leading to social transformation.

Programs

The overall goal of Manavi is to promote women's empowerment, especially rural and tribal women. Manavi has developed micro-credit schemes, young women's clubs, libraries and traditional birth attendant trainings to promote women's income, literacy and health status. Manavi works in close partnership with women and groups from 42 villages. Manavi also focuses on issues relating to floods, water-born diseases, labor migration, child labor, and atrocities against women.

Funded Projects on GlobalGiving

Women Protect Land & Promote Self-Reliance, India

Women in India Protect Land & Foster Self-Reliance

Self-Employ 100 Women in Organic Farming in India

Self-Employ 100 Women in Organic Farming in India

Personnel Overview

Balu Iyer - IDEX Program Director
Balu moved to the Bay Area from India in 1998, and completed a Masters in Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Prior to coming to the U.S., Balu worked for 6 years on poverty eradication programs with ActionAid India. Before that, he worked as a Program Organizer with the Aga Khan Rural Support Program. Balu also has a Masters in Rural Management from the Institute of Rural Management in Anand, India.

Annu - Manavi Secretary
In the 1970-80’s, Annu participated in land redistribution and youth movements in India. Annu took note that neither of these movements addressed the issues of women. She decided to organize Manavi as a forum to work with women, especially those from indigenous communities. Annu holds a degree in Arts and has been working with women for the last 14 years. Annu does not use a patrilineal last name.

Personnel Statistics

Annu,
Secretary
Founded in 1989
Employees: 18
Volunteers: 8