Empowering Women & Children in Rural India
Improving health, livelihoods, and menstrual equity through community-led programs.
WE’VE IMPACTED
LIVES
PROGRAMMING FOCUS AREAS
HEALTH, LIVELIHOOD & MENSTRUAL EQUITY
Health
The lack of access to hospitals and qualified medical professionals creates mounting challenges for rural communities.
Livelihood
We view livelihood as the chance to live a fulfilling life by generating a meaningful income that can support the pursuit of diverse opportunities.
Menstrual Equity
We break menstrual stigmas through awareness, education, production, and distribution of Asani Sanitary Napkins.
Climate Resilience
We empower rural women and their families to lead India’s green transition through community-centered investments in climate action.
Our Impact
Transforming Lives Across Rural India.
Your support helps us reach the next woman, the next village, the next generation.
Direct beneficiaries
Indian States Reached
Communities Served
Years of Impact
Menstrual Hygiene Is Now a Fundamental Right
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that every school must ensure menstrual hygiene for all students. The Desai Foundation is helping schools across India meet this new mandate.
Our Story
The Problem
In rural India, millions of women and girls face a daily reality shaped by silence, stigma, and exclusion. For generations, shame surrounding menstruation and barriers to economic opportunity have been passed from mother to daughter, eroding dignity and limiting possibility. Without access to education, healthcare, or financial independence, entire communities remain trapped in cycles of poverty and inequality.
OUR MISSION
We exist to cultivate dignity and unlock potential in rural India. Through integrated programs in health, livelihood, menstrual equity, and climate resilience, we empower women and children to envision and build futures beyond their current circumstances. By investing in women as changemakers, we create sustainable pathways to education, economic empowerment, and health that transform lives for generations.
Our Approach
We place communities at the center of everything we do. We listen closely to understand real needs, co-create solutions with local partners, and pilot programs designed for relevance and sustainability. Innovation drives our work: we incubate new ideas, test rigorously, measure impact, and scale what works. By strengthening local leadership at every stage, we ensure that progress becomes embedded in the fabric of community life.
IMPACT STORIES IN MOTION
Restoring Health Through Timely Care: Kusum’s Anaemia Recovery Story
Kusum, a 32-year-old woman from Chainpura village in Niwai block of Tonk district, had been experiencing constant fatigue, weakness, and cramps, making even routine household work exhausting. During a health screening in March 2025, her haemoglobin level was found to be 6.5 gm/dl, indicating severe anaemia.
Community Facilitator Kanta,
Read More
provided Kusum with iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements, counselled her on improving her diet, and supported her in seeking medical care at the Niwai Community Health Centre. With regular follow-ups and guidance, Kusum remained consistent with her treatment.
By the second screening, her haemoglobin level had increased to 10.5 gm/dl, and she reported feeling healthier and more energetic. Her husband, Vidyacharan (34 years), who was also found anaemic with an Hb level of 8.5 gm/dl, showed improvement as well, with his levels rising to 11.4 gm/dl. Kusum’s story reflects how timely screening, community support, and sustained follow-up can lead to meaningful improvements in health and well-being.
Managing Periods with Comfort and Dignity: Mamta’s Journey to Better Menstrual Health
Mamta, a 32-year-old working woman, had been using cloth during her periods for many years. This often caused her itching and rashes, making those days very uncomfortable for her.
One day, Mamta attended a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) session organised by Desai Foundation Trust in her village. There she learned about Asani sanitary pads and their qualities.
Read More
She got a sample packet to try. After using them, she felt soft, comfortable, and free from the problems she faced earlier.
After this good experience, Mamta started buying Asani pads every month from her sangini Maalti. Now, she feels healthier, more confident, and can manage her periods with comfort and dignity.
From Silence to Strength: Richa’s Path to Empowerment Through Menstrual Health
Richa lives in a small village near Lucknow, where periods are rarely spoken about. Growing up, she had limited access to sanitary pads and little knowledge about menstrual health, which made her feel shy and unsure, like many women in her community.
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
Read More
decided to join. She learned to make sanitary pads, operate machines, and follow hygiene practices, and with every step, her confidence grew.
Today, Richa earns her own income and openly talks to girls and women about menstruation, helping break long-standing taboos. She also trains new women at the unit, which has produced thousands of pads for nearby villages.
Richa’s journey shows how one opportunity can transform a life, and create change far beyond one woman.
When Skills Create Independence: Bhanumati’s Story of Sustainable Livelihood
Bhanumati from Mahimunda village in Balangir district transformed her life after completing a three-month sewing training programme organised by Desai Foundation Trust. Earlier engaged only in household work, she had no independent income.
After the training, Bhanumati began taking stitching orders from her community and now earns ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month,
Read More
contributing to her family’s income. Living with her parents, brother, and sister-in-law, she takes pride in being financially independent.
With growing confidence, Bhanumati dreams of starting her own tailoring shop and inspiring other women in her village to become self-reliant — a true example of how skills can create sustainable change.
From Caregiver to Survivor: Arti’s Journey of Awareness, Courage, and Early Detection
Arti joined Desai Foundation Trust over two years ago as a community facilitator under the Heroes for Humanity (HFH) programme. While supporting others, she silently endured months of pain, believing it was normal and managing it only with painkillers.
Read More
Nine months ago, when the Health & Hygiene Awareness of Cancer programme
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
began in Lucknow, Arti started educating women about breast and cervical cancer. Through this work, she found the courage to speak up about her own health. A medical checkup revealed lumps in her cervix that could have developed into cervical cancer.
Arti began treatment immediately and, after months of care, is now healthy. Today, she openly shares her journey, encouraging women to seek timely checkups and talk about their health. Arti is not just a survivor, she is a true hero for her community.
Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope: Lakshmibai’s Cataract Recovery Story
At 66, Lakshmibai from Bhirda village, Hingoli district, struggled with daily tasks as her vision blurred. “I couldn’t see my grandchildren’s faces clearly anymore,” she shared.
On 26th August 2025, she attended an eye check-up camp organized by Desai Foundation Trust. Doctors diagnosed cataracts in both eyes and recommended surgery.
Read More
Initially anxious, Lakshmibai was reassured by the medical team that the procedure was simple and free.
In early September, she underwent successful surgery. When the bandages were removed, she could see clearly, the green fields, neighbors, and most importantly, the smiles of her grandchildren. “I can finally see their smiles again!” she exclaimed, tears of joy in her eyes.
Lakshmibai’s story is a testament to courage, hope, and how community healthcare can transform lives, restoring not just sight, but independence and confidence.
Our Pledge
When women and girls thrive, entire communities prosper. Your investment fuels scalable programs that deliver measurable outcomes in health, education, economic opportunity, and dignity. Because our operational costs are covered by our founding endowment, 100% of your contribution goes directly to programming on the ground.
Recent Awards
AWARDED THE “TOP 20 MOST TRUSTED NGO’S” BY THE INDIAN CSR AWARDS
News
Latest News and Updates
How You Can Support
We are more powerful together!
Every large and small action can create lasting change. Your support helps rural families, women, and children gain access to education, health, and livelihood opportunities. Together, we can transform lives and build stronger communities across India.
Donate for Dignity & Opportunity
Your contribution supports women’s health, menstrual equity, and livelihoods across rural India.
SUPPORT MENSTRUAL EQUITY
Help ensure women and girls have access to sanitary products, awareness, and dignity, every month.
SPONSOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Partner with us to fund health camps, livelihood training, or awareness sessions that create lasting impact.
HOST A FUNDRAISER / CAMPAIGN
Celebrate a birthday, milestone, or event by raising funds for women and children.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
Partner with us to create impactful CSR collaborations through event sponsorships, corporate giving, in-kind support, and matching gift programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to create impact: volunteer your time, attend events, connect us with donors or grantors, and support our programs.
Events
Upcoming events
From the vibrant lights of Diwali on the Hudson in NYC to the cultural richness of the Lotus Festival in Boston, our events are celebrations of community, culture, and connection.
Reach out to us if you’d like to know more or be part of our upcoming events, we’d love to have you join us. Don’t see an event in your city? Help us organize one!
Diwali on the Hudson 2026
LOTUS FESTIVAL 2026
Our Partners
Our WEBSITES
