SUTRA: From the courage of one woman to the strength of many
About SUTRA – Society for Social Upliftment Through Rural Action
Established with the inspiration and support of the Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC), Tilonia, SUTRA (Society for Social Upliftment Through Rural Action) has been a catalyst for grassroots transformation in Himachal Pradesh since 1977 and was formally registered as a society in 1985.
What began as a service-oriented initiative evolved organically into a movement for systemic and social change, shaped by the realities and voices of the rural communities it served. SUTRA responded to deep-rooted issues such as alcoholism, domestic and social violence, land encroachment, child marriage, deteriorating health services, gender disparities in education, and the alarming decline in the sex ratio. Central to its response was the mobilization and empowerment of women’s collectives, supported through sustained training and leadership-building programs.
At the heart of SUTRA’s vision is the pursuit of Gender-Just Governance — a democratic framework where women's voices are integral to decision-making and development. The organization actively collaborates with national and international bodies, addressing critical concerns around decentralized governance, reproductive health, the rights of single women, and inclusive, gender-just development.
Through a decentralized network of grassroots organizations, SUTRA works directly with Mahila Mandals and elected women representatives across seven districts of Himachal Pradesh. It also engages in policy dialogue and advocacy at both state and national levels, amplifying the lived experiences of rural women in institutional and legislative spaces.
SUTRA is registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, and is authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to receive foreign contributions in accordance with prevailing laws.
