Strengthening Local Governance and Community Participation
From March 2024 to February 2026, Darpan implemented the programme “Strengthening Gram Sabha through Empowerment of Women and Youth and Change in Traditional Social Norms for Women in Tribal Community” with support from the Azim Premji Foundation. The programme covered 15 villages and 2 Panchayats in Tatijharia Block of Hazaribag, reaching 14,200 local community members, including men, women and children. It focused on empowering Gram Sabhas, strengthening youth participation, increasing women’s participation in local governance, challenging traditional social norms and helping needy families access social security schemes. As an outcome, 493 men and women were enrolled in social security schemes, women’s participation in Gram Sabha increased by 20%, and 7% of women were able to voice their views in Gram Sabha meetings.