By Fr Bento D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra: The Women Empowerment and Leadership for Effective Administration and Development (WELEAD) project, implemented by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) and supported by Don Bosco Mondo (DBM) and BMZ, hosted an important monitoring visit from November 24–26. Ms Susanne Arzt, Project Manager at Don Bosco Mondo, along with Mr Stephen, National Coordinator, travelled across the Salesian Province of Mumbai’s Ahilyanagar district to assess the project’s progress and engage with women leaders who are transforming their communities.

The visit commenced with field interactions in three project villages—Bherdapur, Bhokar, and Khokar—where the delegation observed grassroots leadership in action. At each village, the women leaders of the Gram Panchayats extended a warm traditional Maharashtrian welcome, offering teeka and ceremonial shawls. During these interactions, the visitors spent considerable time listening to the women’s personal stories. The participants spoke openly about navigating cultural and patriarchal barriers, while also highlighting how leadership roles have brought confidence, dignity, and newfound respect within their families and communities.

A central event of the visit was a large women’s gathering at the Bhokar Asha Ankur Civil Society Organisation (CSO), which brought together nearly 90 women from three CSO’s, all WELEAD project villages. The gathering brimmed with solidarity and self-assurance as several women confidently shared their experiences on stage.  “I never had the courage to come forward, but through the trainings I now feel confident to speak before so many people,” said Prerna Dive. A woman Sarpanch Ms Sheetal Pagare reiterated the value of the initiative, noting that in a heavily patriarchal society, the opportunity “for us as women to get to lead is a very big thing for us.” Addressing the gathering, Ms Susanne Arzt congratulated the women for their remarkable progress and encouraged them to continue inspiring peer leaders. She also offered guidance on strengthening their leadership abilities and expanding their outreach.

On the second day, the focus shifted to the six implementing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). During a review meeting held at BGVK, CSO representatives shared field experiences, highlighting both achievements and challenges in working with women and men across the communities. The session concluded with collaborative problem-solving facilitated by Ms Arzt and Mr Stephen.

The visit wrapped up with a meeting with BGVK staff, including Director Fr George, Coordinator Ms Geeta, Finance Manager Clarence, and Field Coordinator Yogesh Mirpagar, ensuring alignment on operational, financial, and strategic aspects of the project.

The monitoring visit underscored the strong partnership between Don Bosco Mondo, BMZ and BGVK, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership in rural Ahilyanagar, Aurangabad and Nandurbar. WELEAD continues to serve as a transformative platform, breaking cultural barriers and empowering women to lead with confidence and purpose.

Watch the short video covering the visit:
https://youtu.be/N6gfyNBazQ8?si=dpKhDbaR0BylcmN4