The collaboration between Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) and Dhwani Foundation marks a significant step in enhancing research capacities at the grassroots level, empowering federations to drive impactful, research-driven advocacy and development.

Building Research Capacities

Through this partnership, GRAAM provides mentorship and hands-on research guidance to grassroots federations, supporting them in defining clear research objectives and questions, designing research tools, and refining methodologies. The approach is tailored to address diverse challenges, enabling federations to adapt research methodologies effectively and develop robust tools for data collection and analysis. This capacity-building initiative focuses on stakeholder identification, customized tool development for surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion (FGD) guides, alongside sessions on research ethics and data analysis.

Capacity-Building Initiatives in Action

Federations participating in this initiative have undertaken diverse research topics reflecting socio-economic and development challenges. Key studies include:

• Arunthathiyar Social Justice Federation (ASJF): Assessing the education status of Arunthathiyar children in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
• Federation for Dalit Women Empowerment (FedWe): Evaluating the implementation of the PoA Act addressing caste-based atrocities against Dalit women in Tamil Nadu.
• Indian Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+): Exploring cancer awareness and barriers for people living with HIV in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.
• Thozhi: Examining the effectiveness of ICC committees on workplace sexual harassment in Thiruppathur, Tamil Nadu.
• United Voluntary Action for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (UVARD): Investigating education access for female children with intellectual disabilities in Medchal, Telangana.
• Women’s Livelihood Federation (WLF): Understanding the socio-economic profile and needs of women NGO leaders in Erode, Tamil Nadu.

Impact and Transformation

The collaboration has strengthened grassroots advocacy by laying the groundwork for actionable insights and promoting evidence-based advocacy. Each federation now possesses tailored status reports that build bridges between grassroots challenges and policy solutions, enhancing their capacity to address pressing community needs.

Driving Sustainable Development

With GRAAM’s mentorship and Dhwani Foundation’s support, grassroots federations are equipped to lead meaningful change through research-driven solutions. This partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can empower communities, transform advocacy, and promote sustainable development across South India.