A women’s empowerment initiative in Gujarat that promotes land ownership rights through legal support, awareness, and community action, transforming livelihoods and enabling women like Lataben to achieve economic independence.

The “Her Land, Her Rights” initiative, implemented in Gujarat through community-based Swabhoomi Kendras by the Working Group for Women and Land Ownership (WGWLO) and supported by organizations like Utthan, focuses on empowering rural women by enabling them to secure land ownership and achieve economic independence. The project addresses legal, social, and cultural barriers that prevent women from claiming land rights by providing para-legal support, conducting awareness programs on inheritance and property laws, and building women’s capacity to navigate administrative systems. It also engages in advocacy to promote gender-equitable land ownership and collaborates with local governance institutions. Operating across districts such as Bhavnagar, Dahod, Panchmahals, and Mahisagar, the initiative aims to support around 1,000 women in securing land ownership while spreading awareness across rural communities. By strengthening women’s access to land, the project improves economic security, enhances access to government schemes, and increases women’s participation in household and agricultural decision-making. The impact of the initiative is reflected in stories like that of Lataben, a 36-year-old widow who overcame societal and familial resistance to claim her rightful share of land after her husband’s death. With support from local women’s groups, she secured 1.6 acres of land and adopted sustainable farming practices, achieving higher crop yields and ensuring food security for her family. She has since helped other women secure land rights and trained over 50 women farmers, becoming a leader in her community. Through such transformative outcomes, the initiative not only promotes gender justice and economic empowerment but also contributes to sustainable rural development and climate resilience.