Home › Central Philosophy

Central Philosophy

Respecting local knowledge and supporting the initiatives of the rural poor, especially women and children.

GMVS is committed to respecting and recognising indigenous knowledge and supporting local initiatives of the rural poor who are striving to improve their living standards, with a special emphasis on women and children.

Most GMVS programmes are built on a collective approach and a process of continual learning and reflection. They revolve around two broad concerns:

  • The right of every citizen to participate in the process of development
  • The right of every human being to live in peace and dignity

GMVS starts a sustainable process of empowerment by organising marginalised communities, especially women, around their own major issues in the form of institutions, and by helping them build their capacities. It helps village-level institutions and self-help groups find local solutions to basic needs, based on informed choices and on the principles of equality and sustainability.

Through networks of women’s SHGs and NGOs working in health and sanitation, education, environment, women empowerment, livelihood support and legal aid, GMVS seeks to influence government policy to enable decentralisation and broader participation.

The greatest resource of GMVS is the community of women and men who have learned through their own experience that change is possible through the strength of collective effort and trust, and that it can be achieved from within without undue dependence on others.

Support our work

Your contribution helps us reach more villages, women and children.

Donate Now Contact us