On April 08, 2025, Bridge4Change Foundation, with the support of Aryadhan Foundation for Equitable Agriculture, a CSR arm of Arya.ag has concluded a 15-day capacity-building programme on Psychosocial Support and Leadership across the districts of Akola, Yavatmal, and Washim in Maharashtra. The initiative is designed to build resilience and leadership capacity among Self-Help Group (SHG) women leaders, enabling them to drive community development from the ground up.
The programme identified and trained 25 dynamic women leaders from the SHG ecosystem, chosen for their commitment to driving social change and their potential to inspire and mobilise local communities. This intervention aligns with Arya.ag’s broader efforts to shift the narrative from women as agricultural labourers to women as agricultural leaders.
Over 15 days, the programme addressed critical areas such as stress management, budgeting, goal setting, cyber safety, mindful consumption, menstrual hygiene, communication skills, gender rights, and social awareness. Sessions were led by 10 subject matter experts, each with over two decades of experience, who provided practical insights rooted in lived realities.
“We support initiatives that strengthen rural leadership and community resilience. Investing in women leaders through our CSR efforts aligns with our vision for inclusive growth and is a part of our commitment of changing the role of women in Indian agriculture from labour to leadership,” said Chattanathan Devarajan, Co-founder at arya.ag.
"Empowered SHG leaders create ripple effects of positive change. Through this program, we are strengthening their leadership, equipping them to drive meaningful progress and uplift their communities," said Ashish Agrawal, Director at Bridge4Change Foundation.
Bridge4Change Foundation remains committed to strengthening women-led leadership in rural India. By equipping SHG leaders with tools for psychosocial well-being and effective communication, the initiative fosters confidence, improves livelihoods, and enhances the capacity of these women to advocate for their rights and support others in their communities.
With this successful completion, Bridge4Change Foundation continues to drive impactful community-based interventions, fostering leadership and empowerment among rural women across India.
