India, Jan. 30 -- Members of women's collectives (self-help groups) in Madhya Pradesh, known as Samta Sakhis, have been playing a crucial role in addressing gender-based violence, ensuring women's rights and entitlements, and empowering communities to take action. Part of an initiative promoting transformative change through women's leadership, they spread awareness about gender equality and mobilised women to hold local authorities accountable.

Coming from marginalised economic and social backgrounds, the Samta Sakhis have faced many challenges in their own lives. This enables them to relate closely to the struggles of other women and fuels their desire for change. Their lived experiences of hardship have strengthened their empathy and ...