Barli Institute, India

Barli educates and empowers young, rural women to lead the social and economic development of their communities. Based in Indore, the Institute has so far trained 8,500 young women from about 800 villages. 94% of Barli graduates contribute to the income of their families. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the top 100 education projects in developing countries, Barli educates and empowers young, rural and tribal women and girls to become leaders and agents of social change in their communities. Though most girls are illiterate when they arrive, 100% pass the national literacy exam within six months and can read and write in Hindi (not their native language). Along with literacy, the women are trained in cutting and tailoring, in healthcare, agriculture and in sustainable community development including women rights, conflict resolution, and organizing moral education for children. Every student attending the Barli Institute conducts at least 3 service projects in their home village (including children’s education, female literacy, women’s health, environmental conservation, among others) and is expected to involve at least 25 families. The overall goal of Barli Development Institute for Rural Women is to initiate and build the process of sustainable community development through the empowerment of young rural and tribal women to become agents of social change. Founded in 1985, the Institute has trained over 14,800 young women. The training programs are focused on empowerment of women by training them in skills to contribute towards the development of their own communities in the areas of literacy, vocational skills, health and hygiene, environmental conservation, organic farming and gender mainstreaming. To achieve this, the Institute has been building the capacity of its trainees in promoting equality of men and women in a way that reduces the gender gaps in society in general and education and health in particular. It facilitates their active participation in their personal and social development. The program has witnessed significant positive changes among the trainees and their communities.