April – June 2024 : LEE in Community is a women-led platform of The Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE) where local problems are discussed and solved together. In Indupur, CWEGE trained facilitator Harjinder organised a LEE session focused on the persistent water scarcity faced by residents. With 15 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) represented, women shared their everyday struggles and together drafted a formal petition demanding a reliable water supply. The letter was submitted directly to the Sarpanch, who promptly contacted the Water Board. Within the same day, he issued instructions to ensure water would now be supplied twice daily.

In Kanti village, LEE in Community sessions brought together SHG women, local governance, and government experts to tackle two pressing issues: water wastage and lack of employment opportunities. In the first session, 20 women participated in a discussion on water conservation, where Mr. Eshwar from the Groundwater Department (Panchkula) demonstrated simple ways to reduce wastage under the theme “Jal Hai Toh Kal Hai.” Women learned how small steps like shutting taps properly and creating soak pits could help recharge groundwater locally.

In a follow-up session, 32 SHG members voiced concerns about not receiving MGNREGA work despite being registered. With the support of CWEGE’s Community Organiser (CO) and Facilitators, they presented their grievances directly to Sarpanch Shri Devi Singh Devu. He assured the women that work would start the very next day and requested a list of interested participants. 

Through every LEE in the Community session CWEGE continues to strengthen grassroots leadership and local governance partnerships. These efforts are not just solving immediate problems, they are cultivating a culture of shared responsibility and empowered, locally led decision-making. 

Recognizing that inclusive development must involve everyone, our trained CO are also making active efforts to bridge the gender gap in participation. While men’s involvement in these forums has traditionally been limited, COs are engaging with them to understand the barriers and are planning future sessions to promote more inclusive, gender-balanced sessions. In doing so, LEE in the Community becomes not only a platform for problem-solving but also a step toward more equitable and participatory rural governance.