About Us

Join Hands, Change the World

The People’s Organization for Women Empowerment Trust (POWER) is a women-headed, women-led, and women-managed not-for-profit, non-political organization that has dedicated itself to the empowerment and upliftment of women and girls. Established in 1998, POWER was born from a deep realization that women—particularly from rural, tribal, and marginalized backgrounds—needed to unite to challenge social injustice, economic deprivation, and gender-based discrimination.

What began as a small informal women’s group in Erasakkanayakkanur Village, Chinnamanur Block, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, has today evolved into a dynamic and legally registered organization under the Indian Public Charitable Trusts Act, 1882 (Reg. No. 120/1998, dated 24th December 1998). POWER also holds 12AA and 80G exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1981, and maintains recognition with both State and Central Government authorities.

POWER’s foundation lies in the courage and determination of rural women from lower middle-class farming families who, despite facing deep-rooted patriarchal and feudal pressures, came together to create social change. These women—educated, aware, and compassionate—dreamed of a world where women’s dignity, equality, and human rights are respected. Their collective action and unshakable belief in women’s strength gave birth to POWER, an organization that continues to empower the marginalized with compassion and conviction.

Core Philosophy

At POWER, we believe that women are not just recipients of aid—they are leaders, thinkers, and agents of transformation. Real development can only occur when women recognize their power, organize collectively, and act to change unjust systems.

Our approach is guided by four core principles:

1. Awareness – Educating women and tribal communities about their rights, opportunities, and potential.
2. Organization – Building collective strength through Self-Help Groups (Sangams) and federations.
3. Capacity Building – Enhancing leadership, skills, and confidence among women and youth.
4. Action for Change – Promoting collective and rights-based action for social and environmental justice.

Working Area

POWER’s foundation lies in the courage and determination of rural women from lower middle-class farming families who, despite facing deep-rooted patriarchal and feudal pressures, came together to create social change. These women—educated, aware, and compassionate—dreamed of a world where women’s dignity, equality, and human rights are respected. Their collective action and unshakable belief in women’s strength gave birth to POWER, an organization that continues to empower the marginalized with compassion and conviction.

Today, POWER operates across multiple states in India, with interventions focusing on rural women, tribal populations, and underprivileged communities. Our network includes field units, women’s Sangams, and partner groups spread across:

• Tamil Nadu – Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, and adjoining Western Ghats regions.
• Kerala – Tribal hamlets and high-range rural belts.
• Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Telungana – Bordering districts with significant tribal and agrarian populations.
• Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh – Areas with high concentration of Scheduled Tribes and forest-dependent communities.
• Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan – Rural and tribal blocks facing social exclusion and livelihood insecurity.
• North-Eastern States – Community-based initiatives focusing on tribal women’s education, livelihoods, and climate adaptation.

While our operational base remains in southern India, POWER’s programs and advocacy extend to an all-India level, influencing policy, sharing best practices, and building solidarity networks for women’s and tribal empowerment nationwide.

Target People

POWER’s interventions focus on women and girls from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly:

1. Rural Women:

o Women from small and marginal farming families.
o Landless laborers and informal sector workers.
o Widows, deserted women, and single mothers.
o Women facing gender-based violence or economic exclusion.

2. Tribal Communities:

o Tribal women and youth from forest-based and hill regions.
o Indigenous groups dependent on natural resources for survival.
o Tribal artisans, farmers, and traditional healers facing cultural and economic marginalization.

3. Adolescent Girls and Young Women:

o Those denied access to education and health services.
o Girls at risk of early marriage or trafficking.

4. Vulnerable Populations:

o Women affected by climate change, drought, migration, and poverty.
o Persons affected by HIV/AIDS and other health vulnerabilities.

By focusing on these groups, POWER aims to bridge gender, social, and economic divides while strengthening leadership and resilience among the most marginalized women and tribal communities in India.

Key Interventions and Achievements:

1. Formation of Women’s Sangams and Self-Help Groups (SHGs):

POWER has organized hundreds of SHGs in 47 villages across 18 panchayats. These groups have become powerful instruments for women’s collective voice, financial independence, and social change.

2. Women’s Leadership Development:

We train women to take leadership roles in local governance, cooperatives, and development programs. Many have contested and won Panchayat elections, becoming strong voices for women and community welfare.

3. Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods:

POWER promotes income-generating activities such as tailoring, goat rearing, herbal product making, organic farming, and micro-enterprises. Special programs link women with markets and digital literacy tools for entrepreneurship.

4. Health and Nutrition:

Through awareness camps and health outreach, we have improved maternal health, child care, nutrition, and reproductive health awareness. Programs also address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and menstrual hygiene.

5. Education and Non-Formal Learning:

POWER conducts literacy classes for women and bridge programs for school dropouts, empowering them to read, write, and access opportunities.

6. Combating Violence Against Women:

POWER supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and social abuse through counseling, legal aid, and awareness campaigns.

7. Environment and Climate Resilience:

Recognizing the link between gender and environment, we involve women and tribal communities in tree planting, watershed management, and eco-livelihoods—promoting sustainability and environmental justice.

Building Women’s Personality and Confidence

The heart of POWER’s mission lies in personality transformation—turning ordinary women into extraordinary leaders. Our work nurtures:

• Confidence: Women who once lived in fear now speak in public forums and negotiate with officials.
• Courage: They confront injustice—be it domestic violence, dowry, or unfair wages.
• Empathy: They support one another in crisis, building solidarity and collective care.
• Leadership: Many women now lead community projects, cooperatives, and local institutions.
• Self-Reliance: Through financial literacy and enterprise, women gain independence and dignity.
• Critical Awareness: They now understand the root causes of poverty, inequality, and exploitation.

This psychological and social transformation has reshaped families and communities. Husbands, elders, and local leaders now recognize women as equals and partners in progress. The younger generation, especially girls, see in them powerful role models to emulate.

Partnerships and Networks

POWER collaborates with:

• Government departments at local, state, and central levels for welfare schemes. • National and international NGOs focusing on gender equality, environment, and health. • Academic and research institutions for knowledge sharing and documentation. • Media and advocacy platforms for promoting women’s rights and environmental awareness.

These collaborations enable POWER to integrate local wisdom with broader networks for collective growth and impact.

Challenges and Resilience

The path to empowerment is never smooth. POWER has faced opposition from patriarchal institutions, political resistance, resource limitations, and cultural barriers. Yet, each challenge has strengthened our commitment. The resilience of women—facing threats, violence, and exclusion—has transformed POWER into a movement rooted in courage, compassion, and justice.

The Road Ahead

POWER envisions expanding its outreach across India, focusing on:

• Strengthening women and tribal cooperatives.
• Promoting climate-resilient livelihoods.
• Enhancing leadership and digital literacy among rural women and youth.
• Building alliances for gender justice and environmental sustainability.

We continue to believe that when women rise, the nation rises. Empowered women create empowered families, empowered communities, and a more equitable world.

The story of POWER is a story of transformation—from silence to strength, from dependence to dignity, from exclusion to empowerment. From a small rural initiative in Theni District to a national network for women and tribal empowerment, POWER stands today as a beacon of change.

We are committed to continuing our journey—to ensure that every woman, every girl, and every tribal family in India lives with equality, opportunity, and hope.