Sanjoy Ghose Grassroots Leadership Awards 2024

Sanjoy Ghose Grassroots Leadership Awards 2024

Charkha Development Communication Network

Far from the limelight, young girls are redefining leadership at the grassroots level. These girls, often from marginalized sections of our society, are working in some of the most remote areas of the country, mobilizing communities, raising awareness about rights, and amplifying voices that have long been silenced. With support from not-for-profit organizations, they are organizing and leading collectives aimed at envisioning and crafting a brighter future for young people specially their fellow women in these villages—whose needs and challenges have historically been marginalized by those in positions of power.

These young leaders employ diverse development communication tools to engage communities, drawing from their own lived experiences to understand and address the needs at hand. They have achieved this by challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal norms—confronting families that do not recognize their potential as change-makers, pushing back against societal pressures that discourage women from stepping out of traditional roles, and navigating the male-dominated spaces where men are often privileged for fieldwork.

This year, Charkha is celebrating its 30th anniversary by honoring grassroots leaders, inspired by the vision of our founder, Sanjoy Ghose, who worked to strengthen leadership in rural areas.

We will present three awards this year, selected by an independent panel of experts. Each award will consist of a citation and a cash prize of INR 25,000.

Who Can Apply?

- Young women, queer, trans, non-binary and other gender minorities aged 18-35

- People living in rural areas ( residence must be under a Gram Panchayat).

- Those leading initiatives in urban informal settlements can also apply. 

- Must be currently associated with a grassroots not-for-profit organization as an employee, volunteer and/or adolescent girl leader.

- Have at least 2 years of experience in social and economic development within their communities.

- No specific education qualifications  applicable

Who Cannot Apply?

- People associated/employed with political, religious, government, or media organizations

- People in senior management and leadership positions

- Employees of Charkha

What to Share with Us:

1. Tell us about your journey
   1. How did you start in social work and what were the challenges you faced? (400 words)
   2. What were your early years like? How has the situation changed for you over the years? (400 words)
   3. What issues have you worked on? What have been your successes and failures? (400 words)
   4. Any other aspect of your journey you would like to share with us. (100 words)
2. Share your thoughts on what changes are needed in the NGOs to support the work of grassroots leaders like you. (200 words)

What to send along:

- An experience letter from your organization

- Attach a simple biodata with your contact information. It should have your name, phone number, email ID, residential address, office details and experience.

How to Apply:

Choose one of the below options to apply:

1. Written application Via Email:
   1. Write your story in Hindi, English, or Urdu
   2. Send all the required documents as PDFs in one email to awards@charkha.org.
   3. Use "Leadership Awards 2024" as the subject of your email.
      
      
2. Written application Via Google Form:
   You can submit your application directly by writing in this Google Form. - Link
   
   
3. Video Via Google Drive:
   If you prefer, you can also make a video (3-5 minutes long) and share the Google Drive link with us, telling your story in your own way. Upload the video, your bio-data and your experience/recommendation letter to one Google Drive folder. Then, share the folder link with awards@charkha.org.
   
   
4.  If you have any other ideas to share your story, please feel free to get in touch with us.

The last date to apply is September 30th, 2024

For more information, call +91 95085 33736 between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.