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.
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