Synopsis The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the constitution of India. Our laws, development policies, plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. In recent years, the empowerment of women has been recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women. Amendment to the Constitution of India has provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of Panchayats and Municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision making at local levels. India as a country is committed to elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. With the construction of the Maithan Dam on the Barakar river, available land and forest were adversely affected in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. This created problem of livelihood for the local people. The Badlao Foundation organized these people to help them achieve self-reliance and gender justice. The Badlao Foundation realized that as long as there was gender discrimination in the society, there was little chance of creating effective people’s organizations. The Foundation focused on creating a separates space for women to come together and make efforts to solve their issues and needs. The book is useful for social scientists and the NGO’s working in rural areas in planning and development of strategies to achieve their goals. The book will also help the governments in dealing with the much hyped issue of women empowerment.