Social Action for Knowledge Building and Awareness Raising (SAKAR) was founded by Ms. Nitika Pant and Ms. Shilpi Agarwal, who, after extensive deliberation and drawing from their experiences in resource agencies, decided to move from theory to practical implementation. Their journey was significantly influenced by a pivotal conversation with Dr. Rajesh Tandon, President of Participatory Research in Asia, who encouraged them to persevere despite the challenges. This motivation led to the formal registration of SAKAR with a seven-member board and marked the beginning of their impactful work.

SAKAR strategically chose Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh as its operational base due to the presence of numerous partner organizations in the region. Despite the existence of over 3000 registered organizations in Bareilly, there was a glaring lack of initiatives addressing violence against women and girls. Recognizing this gap, SAKAR's work began with a workshop in January 2006, which laid the groundwork for their future endeavors. They focused on forming women's groups, raising awareness about the importance of collectivization, and establishing Self-Help Groups. This initial work expanded with support from organizations like the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, leading to the creation of literacy centers for women and girls.

SAKAR's focus on marginalized groups, particularly Dalit and minority women and girls, deepened as they addressed challenges related to mobility, violence, education, and health. With further support from Action Aid and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, SAKAR expanded its area of influence to ten villages, providing

remedial classes for children and fostering functional literacy and leadership among women. The establishment of the community-based organization Mahila Shakti Sangathan became a cornerstone of their work, empowering women to address issues like domestic violence and early or forced marriages. Over time, this organization grew in strength, with its members actively participating in panchayat elections and becoming a significant force in the community.

Simultaneously, SAKAR began engaging with adolescent girls on issues related to sexual and reproductive health, sports, mobility, and education. Despite initial resistance, sports like football gained acceptance among the girls, symbolizing their growing empowerment. By 2024, SAKAR's work had expanded to 40 villages, impacting around 10,000 women and 5,000 girls, with the Mahila Shakti Sangathan comprising approximately 2,500 women.

SAKAR envisions a society rooted in knowledge, awareness, justice, and gender equity. As a non-profit civil society organization registered in November 2005, SAKAR strives to make the lives of marginalized groups, especially women and children, more meaningful by empowering them to engage in the change process. The organization focuses on developing women's leadership, promoting their socio-political and economic rights, and creating networks that include Muslim and Dalit women.

Guided by the core values of democracy, equity, liberty, transparency, accountability, and justice, SAKAR is committed to fostering an environment where women and girls can thrive, free from gender-based discrimination and violence. Through its initiatives, SAKAR aims to nurture self-esteem, confidence, and leadership potential in women and girls, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.

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