Current Project.​

ISWS is implementing the Amplifying Community Voices (ACV) Project as part of a consortium in five gram panchayats of Pathar Pratima Block, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The project focuses on child protection, gender equality, and climate‑resilient agriculture. It is guided by the principles of equality, inclusion, participation, community leadership, and accountability.

current project

What the Community is Doing

Local collectives are taking joint action to:

  • Save drinking water and reduce plastic use
  • Raise awareness on menstruation taboos and hygiene
  • Improve school toilet facilities and prevent early marriage
  • Promote plantation drives and address gender‑based violence
  • Collaborate with local governance to build child‑friendly, women‑friendly, and environment‑friendly gram panchayats

Key Interventions

  • Capacity building: Training adolescents, women’s groups, and farmers on sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods.
  • Access to schemes: Helping collectives engage with stakeholders to secure resources and entitlements.
  • Child protection committees: Strengthening village‑level committees through regular meetings and training.
  • Community‑led ICDS advocacy: Women’s collectives gather evidence and present issues to stakeholders for solutions.
  • Climate‑smart farming: Adoption of mixed farming, nutrition gardens, sack culture, seed preservation, organic manure, integrated pest control, and integrated farming systems.
  • Cross‑cutting training: Sessions on gender, environment, rights, and collective problem‑solving.
  • Monitoring and reflection: Periodic reviews, documentation, and planning for future action.
  • Exposure visits: Knowledge exchange with stakeholders and partners.
  • Consortium coordination: Regular communication and support among consortium members.
  • Steering group meetings: Sharing progress, challenges, and strategies for sustainability.
  • Local governance collaboration: Advocacy by adolescents and women to promote inclusive gram panchayats.
  • Climate club initiatives: Plastic collection, eco‑friendly festivals, and campaigns for clean toilets and green environments.
  • Community events: Observance of World Environment Day, International Women’s Day, National Children’s Day, and other local events in partnership with gram panchayats.