State Level Policy Seminar | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 24 April 2026
Kalanjiam Foundation organized State Level Policy Seminar on “The Power of WE – Women Empowerment through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships”, held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 24 April 2026. The seminar brought together community leaders, policymakers, development practitioners, academicians, civil society organisations (Federations), financial institutions, and women representatives to discuss collaborative approaches for strengthening women's empowerment.
The event served as an important platform to exchange ideas, share field experiences, and explore policy measures that can improve the social, economic, and institutional empowerment of women. The discussions highlighted the importance of collective action and partnerships in creating sustainable and inclusive development. The seminar featured insightful sessions led by experts and representatives from government departments, development organisations, and community institutions. The deliberations focused on strengthening women's leadership, promoting inclusive governance, improving access to finance and livelihoods, and enhancing the role of grassroots institutions in development.
Community members and women leaders shared inspiring stories of transformation through self-help groups and federations. Their experiences demonstrated how collective action has strengthened livelihoods, improved financial inclusion, and created opportunities for social and economic progress.
A key highlight of the seminar was the emphasis on building strong partnerships among government agencies, federation, financial institutions, academic institutions, and community organisations. Participants agreed that sustained collaboration is essential for scaling successful initiatives and creating an enabling environment for women's empowerment.
The seminar also witnessed the release of the Seminar Compendium, which documented the key discussions, recommendations, and good practices presented during the event. The publication is expected to serve as a valuable knowledge resource for policymakers, practitioners, and development professionals.
The programme concluded with a Policy Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of all stakeholders to promote gender equality, strengthen community institutions, and work collectively towards inclusive and sustainable development. The seminar reinforced the message that meaningful and lasting women's empowerment can be achieved when governments, communities, institutions, and development partners work together with a shared vision.
The Neithal Movement, initiated by the Coastal Conservation and Livelihoods (CALL) Programme of DHAN Foundation, continues to inspire collective action towards healthier coasts, resilient ecosystems, and stronger coastal communities. Rooted in the belief that environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods must go hand in hand, the movement encourages communities to become active custodians of their coastal resources.
The CALL Programme was established in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. DHAN Foundation responded immediately with relief efforts and later supported affected communities in restoring their livelihoods. Over the years, this initiative has evolved into a comprehensive, area-based programme that adopts an integrated approach to coastal conservation, disaster resilience, and livelihood development while respecting the social fabric and cultural identities of coastal communities.
The programme promotes people's organisations among vulnerable fishing communities, coastal farmers, women, and families engaged in allied occupations. Through these institutions, communities gain access to savings, credit, insurance, and livelihood enhancement opportunities. At the same time, the programme focuses on conserving coastal ecosystems, marine biodiversity, water bodies, and coastal farming systems to reduce vulnerability and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and coastal agriculture. CALL also strengthens livelihood security by promoting business-based people's organisations and encouraging alternative livelihood opportunities. Recognising the recurring risks faced by coastal communities, the programme has established disaster preparedness mechanisms through Disaster Management Committees (DMCs), Early Warning Systems (EWS) supported by Village Information Centres (VICs), and community corpus funds to enhance resilience during future disasters. It also works closely with Panchayats and district-level agencies to ensure coordinated and effective responses during emergencies.
June 5 holds special significance for the Neithal Movement as it coincides with World Environment Day, reinforcing the movement's commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems while promoting sustainable livelihoods. Observing Neithal Movement Day on this globally recognised environmental occasion highlights the shared responsibility of communities to conserve natural resources and build climate-resilient coastal landscapes.
On this Neithal Movement Day, more than 115 community members across six coastal locations in Tamil Nadu came together to undertake beach clean-up drives, plant native tree species, and reaffirm their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their enthusiastic participation reflects the growing community ownership fostered by the Neithal Movement and demonstrates how local action can contribute to global environmental goals.
By integrating conservation with livelihoods, the Neithal Movement demonstrates that healthy coastal ecosystems are the foundation for secure livelihoods, resilient communities, and a sustainable future. As communities celebrate Neithal Movement Day alongside World Environment Day, they reaffirm their collective resolve to protect the coast, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure that future generations inherit cleaner, safer, and more productive coastal ecosystems.
45th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training
DHAN People Academy (DPA) have successfully completed 45th batch of Vayalagam Movement Workers Training. Twenty Eight Field Level Associates from the various Federations of Pambar, Gundar and Thiruvallur regions participated in 42 Days Movement Workers Training from April to May, 2026.
109th Kalanjiam Movement Workers Training
DHAN People Academy (DPA) have successfully completed 109th batch of Kalanjiam Movement Workers Training. Fifteen Field Level Associates from the various Federations of Thanjavur, Kanchipuram, Madurai Urban and Ramnad regions participated in 42 Days Movement Workers Training from April to May, 2026.
1st Batch of Dhaniyam Associates Training Programme
DHAN People Academy (DPA) successfully completed the first batch of the Dhaniyam Associates Training Programme (Small Millets). A total of 18 field-level associates from the Anchetty and Jawadhu Hills Federations completed the 42-day Movement Workers Training Programme conducted from April to June 2026, strengthening their knowledge and skills in community mobilisation, institution building, and millet-based livelihoods.
As part of the programme, two field exposure visits were organised in Jawadhu Hills (06–07 June 2026) and Anchetty (18–19 June 2026). Facilitated by the DPA Team, these visits provided hands-on learning in Participatory Learning Methods (PALM) through social, seasonal, and historical mapping, community interactions, and practical experience in initiating Dhaniyam groups, enabling associates to connect classroom learning with field practice.
