Target Groups

BGSS works with women because

• Every third woman is illiterate
• 60 per cent women are anaemic
• Women are paid 40-70% less wages
• Every 4th woman who dies during childbirth in the world is an Indian

They form 22 per cent of the population but continue to be the most marginalised and poor. The organisation reaches out to Dalit families and tries to influence government policies which will help in social development of these groups.

The organisation works with children because

• Every third child born in India is underweight
• One-fifth of them die before they reach the age of five
• 4 crore children do not go to school
• 4.4 crore children work in hazardous industries

India is home to over 700 tribes, few of whom are facing extinction. The proportion of tribes living below the poverty line is much higher than the national average. The organisation helps the tribal people by building their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to assert their rights. The focus is on creating community assets, which benefit both the community and the environment.

Human development in India is marked by sharp gender disparity. The organisation seeks to end this disparity by advocating through media and public meetings and dialogue with policy makers, towards progressive changes in the laws, policies, institutions and social processes which impact on the lives of women, especially poor ones. They also campaign to tackle adverse sex ratio and for the promotion of women’s property rights.