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.
Lives Directly Impacted
Indian States Reached
Communities Served
Years of Impact
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, provided Kusum with iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements, counselled her on improving her diet, and supported her in seeking….
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.
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
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,
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.
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
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.
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
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
