Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who joined for Walk for Women 2025! It was a beautiful day of solidarity with plenty of new and familiar faces. We were able to raise £6837, including Gift Aid, which is outstanding.

This year, Walk for Women is again supporting a range of powerful, women-led initiatives through Action Village India, working alongside grassroots partners across India.

In Tamil Nadu, the Rehabilitation and Livelihood Promotion for Persons with Disabilities programme is supporting women with disabilities and their families, including many unpaid carers. Across Minjur and Ellapuram, 1,300 people have joined Self-Help Groups, building confidence, accessing entitlements, and supporting one another. Over 1,100 now hold disability ID cards, unlocking government support, while health camps, rehabilitation, and livelihood initiatives are helping families lead more secure and dignified lives.

In Bihar and Jharkhand, the Girls’ Education Programme is helping over 1,100 girls stay in school by covering fees, uniforms, and tuition, while also working with communities to challenge norms that limit girls’ education.

In coastal Odisha, women around Chilika Lake are forming Self-Help Groups to build sustainable livelihoods, from poultry farming to small businesses, while also leading environmental efforts like casuarina plantations to protect against cyclones.

In Madhya Pradesh, indigenous and marginalised women are gaining financial independence through skills training, savings groups, and small businesses, while building resilience to climate change.

Across all of these programmes, a common thread runs through – women organising, supporting one another, and creating change within their communities. This is about dignity, independence, and collective strength.

Stories of Empowerment

Shared responsibility – supporting a sister with disability

After their parents passed away, Mahalakshmi returned home to care for her sister Devi, who has an intellectual disability. Unable to work while providing full-time care, she struggled financially. Through a CRUSADE-supported group, she learned caregivers could also receive support. With a small grant, she bought two goats, creating an income from home.

Against all odds – returning to education

Sumanti Soren, an indigenous girl from Jharkhand, was forced to leave school at 15 after losing her parents and managing her household alone. After two years out of education, community support helped her return to school through the Stri Shakti–AVI Sponsorship Programme, which covered costs and provided a bicycle. She has since passed her Class 10 exams and now hopes to gain computer skills and secure a government job.

What Your Donation Can Do

£30 can cover a girl’s school fees or stationery needs for an entire academic year—helping her stay in school and focus on learning.

£40 can provide a month’s worth of teaching and learning materials for a tuition centre, supporting dozens of young learners.

£50 can fund a workshop for self-help group members on how to access government schemes—opening doors to vital support.

£60 can support the cost of gender awareness workshops in one community, encouraging dialogue and change.

£90 can also cover the monthly stipend for a woman training to become a beauty technician—supporting her path to financial independence.

£100 can provide a household with the tools and support to start a small income-generating activity.

£150 can place a computer in a digital literacy centre, helping young indigenous women build confidence and skills for the future.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to build a more inclusive and supportive community. This support truly is life changing for women across rural India.

What to Expect

The walk usually lasts around 2–3 hours (approximately 5 miles) and is open to walkers of all ages. Afterwards, we spend a few hours together enjoying a picnic, catching up, and connecting as a community.

It’s a relaxed and welcoming day - and a chance to learn more about the work Action Village India supports across rural India.

How You Can Contribute

Virginia Water Walk for Women 2026 Event

If you would like to join the walk, please get in touch with me, Pallavi Modha, at pallavim.0707@gmail.com so I can plan the day smoothly.

Day & Date: Saturday 11 July 2026

Venue: Virginia Water

Organise Your Own Walking Event

You’re also very welcome to organise a walk in your local area. Pallavi has put together a simple guide, and the Action Village India team is always happy to help - just email info@actionvillageindia.org.uk.

Join our WhatsApp Group

Please scan the QR code in the cover photo to join our WhatsApp group or click the link below:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GWmzWUGud0B0hratpFa6ok

Thank you so much for being part of this.

In solidarity,

Pallavi