Imagine a village where women, once confined to household chores, are now leading public meetings, demanding their rights, and transforming their communities. This is the reality unfolding under the Saksham III Programme, a groundbreaking initiative by Caritas India. At the recently concluded Saksham Strategic Learning Consolidation Meet (March 4-6, 2025) in Delhi, the extraordinary progress over three years was celebrated, showcasing how empowered communities are shaping their future through good governance, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.

The event brought together 18 dynamic partners from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, who shared groundbreaking achievements and actionable insights. The gathering exemplified collaborative leadership with the esteemed presence of Fr. Antony Fernandes, Executive Director of Caritas India, alongside Fr. Anil Crasta, Assistant Executive Director, and Dr. Saju MK, Zonal Lead – West. Their collective vision and unwavering commitment laid a solid foundation for strengthening community-driven initiatives and fostering systemic change at the grassroots level.

A core highlight of Saksham III has been the transformation of local governance through increased community participation and assertiveness. Over 6,500 women actively participated in Gram Sabha meetings, with 1,086 instances of women directly engaging with government offices to demand their entitlements. This surge in women’s leadership has led to 158 Special Gram Sabhas being convened, addressing critical community concerns and holding local governance accountable.

The programme also facilitated the creation of 613 community assets, including vital infrastructure like roads, schools, and water tanks, achieved through persistent community advocacy. These tangible outcomes are a testament to how empowering local communities to engage with governance structures fosters transparency, accountability, and equitable development.
Saksham III has also championed sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and improving livelihoods. Over 5,916 households adopted localized organic farming methods, reducing input costs and increasing agricultural sustainability. The establishment of 65 seed banks and 428 farmer organizations has ensured the preservation of indigenous crops and strengthened food sovereignty.

By promoting nutrition gardens, the programme enabled 5,429 households to access fresh, healthy produce, addressing malnutrition and enhancing family well-being. These efforts were bolstered by 7 community-managed markets (Haat Bazaars), offering women farmers fair pricing and greater market access, fostering local economies and empowering women-led enterprises.

The review emphasized past achievements and the roadmap for scalable and sustainable solutions. Key strategies include:

• Women’s Leadership: Increasing women’s participation in decision-making through dedicated Special Gram Sabhas and Micro Planning initiatives.
• Entrepreneurship & Market Access: Strengthening women-led livelihoods through microcredit, skill development, and improved market linkages.
• Transparency & Accountability: Implementing social audits to ensure the responsible execution of government welfare schemes.
• Environmental Sustainability: Expanding community nurseries and Bio-Input Resource Centres to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.

These initiatives aim to amplify the programme’s long-term impact while fostering community ownership and sustainability.

As Fr. Antony Fernandes highlighted in his address, Saksham III represents a replicable model of community-driven governance and livelihood enhancement. The programme’s robust Management Information System (MIS) enables real-time tracking of progress and outcomes, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

The Strategic Learning Consolidation Meet concluded with a shared commitment to deepening impact and expanding Saksham’s reach. The focus remains on empowering communities, especially women, to become change agents and securing a future where no one is left behind.

The program has played a vital role in scaling these solutions, ensuring marginalized communities receive the resources and support needed to thrive. The Saksham model exemplifies how strategic partnerships and localized solutions can drive meaningful social change and sustainable development.

For corporate and institutional partners, supporting initiatives like Saksham offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey that blends sustainability, social equity, and governance reform, delivering tangible and lasting change at the grassroots level.