Leaders in Action: NGOs Making Impact
HelpYourNGO is pleased to present Bharti Singh Chauhan, the founder of PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS), which has been transforming lives since its inception in 2013. During this conversation, we touch on her objectives, challenges, and the great work that the NGOs have been doing to assist underprivileged communities. Join us as Bharti shares her thoughts and experiences.
Tushar (HYNGO): When you founded PLS, what problem were you trying to solve? And how?
Bharti (PLS): PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation, founded in April 2013, focused on empowering marginalized and vulnerable communities in India, particularly women and girls. The key problems identified were:
1. Gender Inequality: Women and girls in marginalized communities often faced systemic gender discrimination, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
2. Educational Gaps: There was a significant lack of access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved areas, which hindered the delivery of modern, and effective education.
3. Economic Disparity: Many women and girls were trapped in cycles of poverty due to a lack of economic opportunities, skills training, and employment options.
4. Health Challenges: Poor access to healthcare and awareness, particularly concerning menstrual health and hygiene led to social stigma, school dropouts, and overall diminished well-being.
5. Disaster Management & COVID Relief Activities.
Tushar (HYNGO): What is your vision and mission?
Bharti (PLS):
Our Vision
To alleviate poverty by facilitating empowerment of women and girls from poor and marginalized communities.
Our Mission
We work toward the behavioural, social & economic transformation of girls and women by providing community based solutions in the areas of education, health & sustainable livelihood.
Tushar (HYNGO): How has PLS evolved over the years since its founding in 2013?
Bharti (PLS): Since its founding in 2013, PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) has grown from a grassroots organization working in five villages to a recognized force operating in 385 villages across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with plans to expand its impact across India. PLS has continually adapted to meet new compliance standards and align its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This development and evolution have earned national and international recognition, including the prestigious ‘We Empower UN SDG Award’ and were honoured by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in 2016, marking a milestone in PLS’s journey. Despite these achievements, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact at the grassroots level, continuing its hard work to empower communities and drive sustainable development.
Tushar (HYNGO): Is menstruation still considered a taboo topic? If not, have you pivoted your organisation’s programs and strategies?
Bharti (PLS): Yes, menstruation is still widely considered a taboo topic across India, both in urban and rural areas. Despite ongoing efforts, the stigma persists. At PraveenLata Sansthan, we remain dedicated to breaking this taboo by raising awareness through various initiatives. We conduct workshops, capacity-building sessions, and campaigns, and leverage social media to educate and engage girls, women, boys, and men. Our goal is to foster open, informed conversation around menstrual health, challenge societal norms and promote a healthier, more inclusive understanding of menstruation.
Tushar (HYNGO): As PLS grew over the years, what were the challenges you faced at each growth stage?
Bharti (PLS): As PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) grew over the years, it faced several challenges:
1. Inception Stage (2013):
- Limited Resources: Initial struggles with limited financial resources, staffing, and infrastructure, making it difficult to scale programs and reach a wider audience.
- Funding and Manpower: Difficulty securing funding and attracting dedicated volunteers or staff. Building a committed team with shared values was essential but challenging.
- Building Trust: Overcoming skepticism and establishing credibility in rural areas.
2. Expansion in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh:
- Scaling Operations: Managing logistics, maintaining program quality, and ensuring effective communication across multiple regions.
- Adapting to Local Needs: Tailoring programs to meet the unique cultural and social dynamics for diverse communities, while staying true to the organization’s core mission.
- Funding and Manpower: As operations expanded, so did the need for increased funding and manpower.
3. National and International Recognition:
- Increased Expectations: Meeting demands from diverse stakeholders while staying grassroots-focused.
- Compliance and Regulations: Navigating complex legal and regulatory requirements, including compliance with SDG goals and other national and international standards.
- Funding and Manpower: Continuous fundraising efforts and recruitment of qualified professionals to manage new projects.
4. Current Growth Stage and PAN India Expansion:
- Sustainability and Funding: Ensuring growth while securing continuous funding and resources to support expanding operations across India.
- Maintaining Focus: Balancing the expansion of operations with the need to maintain the effectiveness and impact of existing programs.
- Cultural and Regional Sensitivities: Navigating diverse cultural, linguistic, and social contexts.
- Manpower Requirement: Recruiting, training, and retaining talent to manage projects across different regions is an ongoing challenge.
Despite these challenges, PLS has continued to grow and adapt, now also holding FCRA status.
Tushar (HYNGO): What are some of the biggest challenges faced by credible grassroots NGOs like PLS which you believe the bigger NGOs do not face?
Bharti (PLS): Credible grassroots NGOs like PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) face unique challenges that larger NGOs often do not. One of the biggest challenges is limited funding and visibility, often relying on small donations and local fundraising which makes it difficult to scale operations or invest in long-term projects. Manpower constraints are also significant, as these NGOs often struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals due to budget limitations. Building and maintaining community trust poses another challenge, as grassroots NGOs must work closely with local populations, requiring a deep understanding of cultural nuances and a consistent presence. Navigating complex compliance and regulatory requirements with limited administrative support can be a hurdle as these organizations may lack the resources for extensive reporting, audits, and legal complexities, which can hinder their ability to secure grants and partnerships despite their strong community impact.
Tushar (HYNGO): How is PLS different from the hundreds of other NGOs working towards MHM? What is your USP?
Bharti (PLS): PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) sets itself apart in Menstrual Health Management (MHM) with a comprehensive, sustainability-focused approach that goes beyond conventional awareness campaigns and product distribution. At the core of PLS’s strategy are the 4 E’s: Education, Employment, Empowerment, and Environment. This framework ensures initiatives address immediate needs while contributing to long-term, sustainable development.
Education forms the foundation of PLS’s efforts, with extensive awareness programs to break taboos around menstruation, and fostering understanding among all genders. Employment and Empowerment are key components, as PLS trains women to produce sustainable menstrual products like the innovative Merapad, a bamboo charcoal cloth pad. Merapad is a reusable pad that not only offers a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative but also generates income for women by involving them in the manufacturing and distribution processes thereby creating economic opportunities.
The emphasis on Environment is what truly distinguishes PLS, as Merapad is designed with sustainability in mind, addressing the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products. By promoting reusable pads, PLS reduces waste and encourages environmentally conscious practices among its users. PLS’s holistic approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has earned international recognition, including a showcase at the Dubai Expo in the Indian Pavilion and endorsement by the Government of India, highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of PLS’s work. This comprehensive strategy positions PLS as a leader in MHM, with a significant impact both locally and globally.
Tushar (HYNGO): It’s been a decade since PLS got listed on the HelpYourNGO portal. Why did you decide to list with us in 2014 and how has it benefitted you thus far?
Bharti (PLS): In 2014, PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) listed with HelpYourNGO (HYNGO) to establish an online presence and gain visibility among reputable NGOs. Over the years, this relationship has grown stronger and more impactful, providing several significant benefits:
1. CSR Connections: HelpYourNGO facilitated connections with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners, which has played a crucial role in securing funding and support.
2. Transparency and Credibility: By maintaining transparent NGO profile on the HelpYourNGO website, PLS has built trust with donors and stakeholders. This transparency has helped us gain credibility and attract more support for our projects.
3. CSR Funds: HelpYourNGO’s support has helped us obtain CSR funds. These funds have been vital in driving our mission and expanding our reach.
4. Budget Drafting and MOUs: HelpYourNGO has assisted in drafting budgets and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), ensuring that our projects are well-planned and executed efficiently.
5. COVID Relief Activities: During the pandemic, HelpYourNGO provided essential funds to support relief activities. This timely assistance enabled us to respond effectively to the crisis and provide much-needed aid to affected communities.
This ongoing partnership has been invaluable in our growth and goal effectiveness, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with HelpYourNGO to further our impact and reach.
Tushar (HYNGO): Does PLS have a corpus to fall back on? If not, how would you feel if HelpYourNGO could build a Corpus for organisations like yours?
Bharti (PLS): PraveenLata Sansthan (PLS) currently does not have a corpus fund and relies heavily on CSR funding, which comes with tight budget constraints. Individual donations have also significantly declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a corpus fund provides crucial financial stability and flexibility for NGOs, it will allow PLS to plan and execute long-term projects with greater confidence and withstand funding fluctuations thereby investing in areas that require sustained effort and innovation.
Support from HelpYourNGO in building a corpus fund would be immensely beneficial which would help PLS grow stronger and more impactful by providing a financial safety net without the constant pressure of fundraising. This would enhance PLS’s capacity to focus on its mission and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Tushar (HYNGO): Bharti Singh Chauhan stands as a role model for girls and women across the country. Who is your role model and inspiration?
Bharti (PLS): My role models are my mother and mother-in-law, whose teachings have profoundly influenced me. My mother, despite being illiterate, valued education and practical skills, which enabled me to complete my studies. This early understanding of the importance of education became a cornerstone of my work. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, inspired me to dream big and contribute to the community. These personal experiences and values drove me to establish the PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation in 2013, in their honour, following their passing in 2012.
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