In grappling with the problems they face, people can gain sight of solutions and develop their own space in relation to given power structures for actualization of their rights to health and development.

Discrimination is at the root of women’s and girls’ poor health, therefore addressing unequal gender relations and working with men is also central to CHETNA’s efforts.

Women and communities are reservoirs of ancient health knowledge and healing practices, based on local resources and intricately woven into people’s lives. These practices can enhance self-reliance and health.

Design, implementation and follow up of need-based participatory training for trainers, programme coordinators and managers on health and development of children, youth and women.

Innovative community empowerment experiences are designed and disseminated to encourage replication and mainstreaming. The Information and Documentation Centre (IDC) addresses diverse issues of women, youth and children.

Need-based Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) material addresses specific groups using simple, regional language and cultural sensitive illustrations. They undergo pre-production field-testing with user groups and are widely disseminated at state, national, regional and international levels.

Every girl has the right to survival and social value. Social transformation is the key, and for this it is essential to work with parents, teachers, social leaders and policy makers.

Through an interactive exploratory approach to health education, children learn the knowledge and skills to actualize their right to healthy growth and dignity in life. Adults are oriented to facilitate the learning to be interesting and spontaneous.

By analyzing their needs and articulating the challenges, adolescents and youth can participate critically in policy formulation, programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Learning how one’s body and mind work builds self-confidence and self-esteem; as a result of which young people learn to take decisions related to reproductive and sexual health, with responsibility and sensitivity.

Developing skills in deciding and negotiating gender and power relations ensures that young people can take timely decisions to adopt practices that protect their own and others’ health.

A holistic view of health

Not only is women’s health related directly to their social status in respective cultural frameworks, it is also a part of the life cycle of growth and experience.

Women’s empowerment

A process of reflection and action is geared towards raising self-esteem, confidence and consciousness, encouraging women to access their entitlements and to improve health and quality of community life.