By Marilyn Watson, member of the CA, Berkeley – 2 Together Women Rise chapter

Colorful, chaotic, inspiring. These are but a few adjectives that come to mind as I think back on my Together Women Rise  journey to India in February 2026. In order to fully appreciate the grantees we would visit, we were given a varied and fascinating feel for India, past and present, in between site visits. Our guide, Jaya, waxed on for hours, literally, on the historic touch points of this ancient country, the modern views of religion, current customs and regional adaptations in language, folk art, and agriculture.

India is a vast country, and we saw just a small bit of it, but the Together Women Rise grantees we visited seemed to cover the issues India is met with throughout all her regions. Gender inequity is deeply experienced in this patriotic nation. Women are subjugated to male authorities every turn in the road, and girls have little exposure to any kind of a dream. It’s not common in India to see men listening to a woman take charge and introduce creative ideas or to assert herself into problem solving discussions. So in the Together Women Rise grantees we visited, where gender equity is at the core of their work, it was with awe and admiration that we were able to meet with women, along with men who did see and listen to women in positions of authority and leadership. The programs are funded for extremely poor girls, and the standards are high so they do acquire skills, grow their talents, increase their self-esteem, and not only envision but plan for a life beyond the walls that have confined them.

NOORA HEALTH

The thing that stood out for me hen we visited a local hospital that supports Noora Health’s Care Companion Program was how gently and with such great respect each person was addressed. Teaching patients and caregivers is focused on self-care. At the entrance where everyone must first register, the sign reads: MAY I HELP YOU. Indeed that’s what we witnessed throughout as we walked hallways filled with patients, entered rooms where procedures were taking place and interviews conducted. The services offered by Noora Health were well staffed and organized, and quite comprehensive. In waiting areas, which are commonly the hallways, nurses and attendants teach patients and caregivers as they wait to see a doctor. Using large flip charts, nutrition, hygiene, exercise, mental acuity are all addressed in simple, direct exhibits, using words and pictures. It was inspiring to see patients rise with questions, and engage in serious conversations as a follow-up to what they were learning.

EDU-GIRLS

Outside of Firozabad, a large two-story building is alive with laughter, and movement. Girls in red sweaters, dark blue skirts, and long neat braids ran to greet us with garlands, tika paste, and cups of tea. Some proudly wore banners declaring herself to be “Head Greeter,” “Sports Champ,” or “Class 5 Leader.” Their slogan: EDUCATE HER TOODAY TRANSFORM HER TOMORROW. At Edu-Girls, girls from impoverished homes, or no homes at all, awaken each morning to prepare for a long day beginning with an hour’s bus ride to a place they now know is safe and will be empowering. They are fed, taught and, in effect, ensured that they will break through socioeconomic barriers that have constricted them for centuries. Selected for their willingness and ability to join the rigorous program, the girls and their parents must assure commitment to steady attendance.

They have a full study program with math, science, technology, language and arts, as well as recreation and sports for physical development. Instruction in life-skills and vocational training is also given. It is like swimming up stream for these girls, moving against the most difficult currents, and this program insists on a very high quality of education. No monies are required (and none exists, frankly) for the transport, the food, or the services offered each one. The classroom decor is completely created by students.

Community acceptance of the girls’ development is crucial. It will mean leaving home for more education and employment opportunities. They won’t continue the inter-generational production of glass bangles which most homes here provide for the markets. Eventually their success at school will mean lifting up the lives of family members and growing the numbers of women in leadership for India.

GRAVIS

GRAVIS touched our hearts. On a more impoverished scale than either Edu Girls or Noora Health, this program rides on the efforts of the trainers and directors who are inspired, and dedicated to the core. Education and medical services are the focal points of GRAVIS. We walked through the gardens which were planted with edible tree leaves, bushes and flowers, some medicinal and all with the purpose of balancing what nature provides and what is consumed.

There are simple rooms where some of the staff live. Students no longer live there due to safety concerns, but transportation is provided for those that need it. It is a small school with boys and girls attending together. The directors are both men and women working closely together with utmost respect for each other. The team served us a tasty lunch in their small kitchen/meeting room. We sat on the floor and were served foods they had prepared with great care, and which were consistent with their nutritional values and the limited budget with which they operate.

On the medical front, the GRAVIS hospital offers a limited variety of clinical services, and seems to focus on delivering babies and cataract surgery. A small eyeglass dispensary gives out glasses post-op.

ANCHAL

The courageous women of ANCHAL have come from hard times into a community that is fostering skill development and safe choices. It is primarily an organization producing fabrics and stitching clothing, quilts, bags and more to sell to the West. They have a joie de vivre that was contagious and inspiring. Sadly they have lost a good deal of financial support due to the tariffs imposed on their exports.

All Together Women Rise trips include time for laughter and camaraderie. And no trip to India would be complete if an elephant did not arrive on the scene. Namaste!