Women’s Initiative to Learn and Lead (WILL)

Latur, Osmanabad, Solapur, Nanded districts in Maharashtra 

Women’s Initiative to Learn and Lead (WILL) is one of the core approach of Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP). Through the WILL process, we organized women leaders from diverse communities into Village Action Groups (VAGs). Across 398 villages in Maharashtra, 6,423 women leaders took a bold step forward by presenting the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) during Gram Sabhas. Their efforts span 16 talukas in 5 districts—Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Solapur, and Pune.

Women identified the following key issues using Participatory process and mobilising diverse communities to contribute to the demand of their own needs and priorities:

Water & Sanitation: Clean and Safe Drinking water, and waste management

Infrastructure: Roads, safe bus stops, and health centers

Health & Education: Better healthcare, clean school toilets

Safety & Social Change: CCTV, *stopping child marriages* , and creating safe spaces for women

-Finding local solutions to reduce the impact of climate change on livelihood and agriculture

These women leaders brought people together, listened to their issues, and worked hard to prepare development plans that reflected the needs of their villages. Their efforts made sure everyone’s voice was heard.

The Gram Sabha discussions resulted in these issues being prioritized for the 2025–2026 Village development plans.

Swayam Shikshan Prayog
January 30, 2025