Bangarpet Block, Karnataka, April 10, 2025 — In a dedicated effort to understand rural community dynamics and gender-based challenges, Dr. Bhavani Rao, Director of AMMACHI Labs and UNESCO Chair at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, visited the villages of Ombatagulli and Karemangala in Karnataka’s Bangarpet Block.

The visit marked an important first step in identifying grassroots realities and listening to the voices of women at the local level. Dr. Rao met with leaders from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to engage in candid discussions about the perceptions and manifestations of gender-based violence in these communities.

This exploratory visit aimed to foster a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural context, laying the groundwork for community-led and gender-sensitive interventions.

“True impact begins by listening,” Dr. Rao emphasized. “These conversations are essential to designing solutions that are rooted in the lived experiences of women.”

AMMACHI Labs continues its mission of empowering women through technology, skill development, and social awareness, with a focus on co-creating pathways to safety, dignity, and economic resilience.