About WPC > Genesis

WPC was born out of the realization that despite substantial grassroots efforts, women’s organizations and groups in India lacked the co-ordination necessary to translate those efforts into legislative and policy outcomes necessary for true progress.

Although parliamentarians were interested in addressing women’s concerns, the information being supplied to them by grassroots organizations was vast and incoherent. A national level advocate was needed to bridge the gap between grassroots activism and policy outcomes. WPC arose as a unified voice for women’s organizations. It effectively and systematically lobbies women’s issues to the Indian parliament and government.

On June 5, 2004, a group of likeminded NGOs and development professionals came together to engage in a dialogue on the possibility of establishing a national level umbrella organization for women. Out of this dialogue emerged an endorsement on behalf of those present for the creation of WomenPowerConnect.

Subsequently, a working group formed for the purpose of realizing the organization held regional consultative meetings in Jharkhand, Goa, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Karnataka and Chandigarh to obtain input on the concept. In each region, the concept of WPC was unanimously endorsed, suggestions were made for the organization’s structure and priority issues at the national, regional and local level were identified. Based on recommendations, a structure was agreed upon that included a head office in New Delhi to serve as a base of operations and regional, satellite centers across India for strengthening the organizations networking power.

WomenPowerConnect was registered as an independent body on February 22, 2005 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, vide registration number 51796 of 2005.