Women-led · Community development · Non profit organization
Communities already hold the strength to change their own lives.
At DHARA, we believe that genuine community transformation requires a powerful combination of visionary strategy and rigorous execution. To ensure our programs deliver deep, lasting, and measurable change, we integrate two gold-standard international development methodologies: Theory of Change and the Logical Framework Approach.
Together, these frameworks guarantee that every initiative we undertake is rooted in local reality, strategically designed, and fully accountable to both our communities and global partners.
Who we are
Twenty-five years of walking alongside communities
Development of Health & Agriculture Rehabilitation Advancement (DHARA) is a women-headed, community-based non-governmental organization committed to promoting the principle of “women-led women’s development.” Established on 10 October 2001 by a group of educated, motivated, and like-minded female social workers, DHARA was formed to respond to the persistent vulnerabilities faced by disadvantaged women, youth and children, particularly in climate-vulnerable and resource-poor communities.
DHARA works to empower women & youth as change agents within their families and communities by strengthening their social, economic, and leadership capacities. The organization believes that sustainable development is not possible without meaningful participation and leadership of women at all levels of community decision-making.
What we do
Inclusive Scope of Action
Mother & Child Healthcare
DHARA delivers holistic primary healthcare through a combination of grassroots outreach and clinical services at its 10-Bed Community Hospital. Led by dedicated Community Health Volunteers, our initiative provides complete antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition counseling, routine immunization linkage, and adolescent health awareness. We actively promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through confidential family planning, reproductive hygiene education, and STI prevention, while our 10-bed facility ensures accessible inpatient, outpatient, and emergency maternal care for vulnerable families.
Agriculture & Sustainable Livelihoods
DHARA empowers vulnerable smallholder farmers and landless households through degraded land rehabilitation, climate-resilient cropping, homestead gardening, and sustainable market linkages. Expanding beyond agricultural resilience, DHARA actively supports climate-resilient housing and slum development initiatives, upgrading informal urban settlements with safer infrastructure, improved sanitation, and disaster-prepared dwelling solutions to ensure long-term community security and sustainable livelihoods.
Women & Youth Empowerment
DHARA fosters grassroots leadership and gender equality by strengthening women’s groups and youth forums, equipping them with rights awareness, life skills, and active pathways into local decision-making. We proactively combat child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV) through community-led protection networks, legal literacy, and advocacy systems, empowering women and young people to protect their rights and lead positive social change within their communities.
Inclusive Livelihoods
DHARA drives sustainable economic self-reliance by pairing income-generating skills training with the Community Life Competence Process (CLCP). By combining practical vocational training with community-led reflection and planning, we ensure that new income streams are rooted in locally owned confidence, self-driven action plans, and lasting financial independence for marginalized households.
On the ground
Featured projects
Active
Integrated Housing For Poor Community
DHARA implemented the “Integrated Housing for Poor Communities” project to improve living conditions, hygiene, and community resilience among vulnerable families..
Active
Support Service for Disable Child, Youth and Their Families to improve Life & Livelihoods
DHARA’s “Support Service for Disabled Children, Youth, and Their Families” project directly empowers 125 individuals and their families to enhance their quality of life, dignity, and economic independence.
Ongoing
Ensure Child Rights & Development Through Education
DHARA implemented a initiative aimed at guaranteeing child rights and expanding learning opportunities for marginalized children aged 6 to 14. Through 10 community-based NFE centers
Our reach
What community ownership adds up to
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