Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan

Post-2001 earthquake, the rehabilitation and reconstruction work drew the attention of several CSOs who were based in Bhuj but working in rural areas. Some of their staff realised that they themselves as citizens had little control over decision-making in the city. Gradually, members of these CSOs began investing their time and skills to make demands for lacking services and their accountability.

Having implemented effective work in rural areas in the fields of governance, women’s empowerment, water management, housing and infrastructure, and environmental action, five CSOs came together to rebuild societies with strong democratic values of decentralisation, environmentalism and learn from caring for the vulnerable and deprived in the city. While Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) and SETU Abhiyan specialised in mobilising communities; Sahjeevan, Hunnarshala Foundation, and Arid Communities and Technologies (ACT) brought technical competencies. 

In 2008, a formal programme called Homes in the City (HIC) was initiated in partnership with Misereor, Germany, that provided financial support for the program to achieve its objectives. Over the years, the programme has touched the lives of many marginalised and poor communities, including rag-pickers, migrants, women, children, adolescent girls, cattle owners, vendors, sex workers, labourers, and many more.

KMVS is presently Secretariate of the HIC.