Partners

Founded by Rubeena in 2023, Aangan primarily works with Muslim, Dalit, and OBC communities facing intersecting marginalisations, including restricted mobility, limited access to education and livelihoods, economic dependence, and exposure to gender-based violence. These challenges are further shaped by entrenched patriarchal norms, caste hierarchies, and gaps in access to state services.

At the core of Aangan’s approach are Mahila and Kishori Manchs which are collective spaces where women and adolescent youth come together regularly to engage on issues of gender, identity, violence, mental well-being, education, livelihood, and rights and entitlements. These groups serve as platforms for dialogue, peer support, critical reflection, and leadership building, enabling participants to question social norms, build confidence, and strengthen their sense of agency. 

Project with MHI

The project with MHI aims to build on the work of Aangan Trust to strengthen the agency, well-being, and rights awareness of women and adolescent youth from marginalised communities through the formation of Mahila and Kishori Manchs. Approximately 80-100 participants will be engaged in regular collective spaces for dialogue, learning, and peer support on various issues. 

A key focus will be on building critical consciousness and leadership, enabling participants to reflect on their lived realities, challenge restrictive norms, and make informed choices regarding education, mobility, and livelihoods. Around 20 women and youth will receive more intensive, individualised support to pursue educational and livelihood opportunities.

The project will also engage families, community elders, and men and boys to foster more enabling environments, while responding to locally identified issues, such as access to public services, education infrastructure, and documentation, through community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.

Overall, the project aims to indirectly reach approximately 2,000 community members, increasing awareness of rights and entitlements, improving responses to violence, and strengthening agency and leadership among women and youth.