Centre for Advocacy and Research - CFAR

Centre for Advocacy and Research - CFAR The Mission Statement - Voice for the Voiceless - is translated holistically across the many endeavors.

The Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), a non-profit organization, founded in January 1998, is committed to advancing the rights of a cross-section of marginal communities such as urban poor, the girl child and unorganized workers The Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), a non-profit organization, founded in January 1998, is committed to advancing the rights of a cross-section of margina

l communities. This includes setting up of community structures such as Single Windows across districts from over eight states to strengthen social inclusion across schemes and social development programmes such as health, social welfare and livelihood; and to do this on scale we capacitate community-based organizations to facilitate the process of social inclusion; also enable young people and children, women and transpersons who are victims and survivors of abuse and violence to shape the legal and societal response; and last but not the least strengthen access of urban poor to sanitation and related services. As a public interest research and advocacy group, CFAR helps create spaces in the community, in the key institutions and in the media for a dialogue on issues related to social development. The overarching goal is to shape inclusive policies and programmes aimed at marginalized communities from a gender and development perspective. CFAR is registered as a Public Charitable Trust, with its Head Office in Delhi and project units in districts and cities in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

From Learning to Action: Communities Driving Inclusive SanitationBuilding on its commitment to City-Wide Inclusive Sanit...
01/08/2026

From Learning to Action: Communities Driving Inclusive Sanitation

Building on its commitment to City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), CFAR focused on strengthening the capacity of community leadership in Dausa, Rajasthan and Jatni, Odisha.

In Dausa, community members stepped out of the classroom to conduct Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA)- going house to house, mapping ward-level sanitation conditions, and generating evidence for inclusive local planning.

In Jatni, Community Management Committee members learned everything about sanitation governance, waste management, and social accountability. They also learned to use Janhit Vaani, a toll-free IVRS platform that enables communities to report sanitation issues, access information, and engage with local authorities.
As Ms. Lipsa Rao from Jatni Municipality aptly observed:

"City-wide inclusive sanitation is our shared goal. It can only be achieved through close collaboration between the Municipality and communities."

Community members echoed this vision, recognizing Janhit Vaani as a practical platform for reporting sanitation issues, sharing information and mobilizing collective action.

When communities are equipped with knowledge, practical tools, and platforms to engage, they become active partners in building equitable, healthier, and more inclusive cities.



Water for Women WaterAid India Dasra Sanitation Alliance for Science and Environment Gates Foundation India UNDP in India Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs National Institute of Urban Affairs

'Rajasthan Vaani,' a phone-based IVRS platform is making local governance more responsive in Dausa.Community members no ...
23/07/2026

'Rajasthan Vaani,' a phone-based IVRS platform is making local governance more responsive in Dausa.

Community members no longer need to visit the municipal office to raise concerns about water and sanitation.

A simple phone call through the IVRS platform is enough to register feedback that feeds directly into municipal planning and decision-making.
On 21 July, 35 ward representatives from 21 wards came together to adopt the platform, bringing together sanitation workers, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. For many, it was the first time they experienced a system designed to ensure their everyday voices shape how the city is managed.

As Shamim Begum from Ward 28 shared:
"It gives women a safe, accessible platform to seek information, share concerns, and connect with suitable solutions."

For Yogesh Dindoriya, a sanitation worker with 15 years of service:
"I finally have an accessible and reliable way to make sure my feedback reaches the people who can act on it."

By the end of the orientation, nearly half the participants were confidently using the platform and planning to help others in their neighbourhoods do the same.

One phone call. Real participation. Better local governance.



Water for Women WaterAid India Dasra National Institute of Urban Affairs Centre for Science and Environment Gates Foundation India UNICEF India UNDP in India
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR

Safety. Dignity. Recognition.On the occasion of the first-ever hashtag , Khordha Municipality honoured the sanitation wo...
20/07/2026

Safety. Dignity. Recognition.

On the occasion of the first-ever hashtag , Khordha Municipality honoured the sanitation workers who keep our cities clean and our communities healthy.

The event reinforced a simple but powerful message: no sanitation worker should ever risk their life to protect public health. A total of 45 sanitation workers participated in the programme, where 45 PPE kits were distributed along with health screenings, certificates of appreciation, and awareness on the NAMASTE Scheme—reaffirming the Municipality's commitment to safer, mechanised, and dignified sanitation.

As a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) partner, CFAR supported the initiative through sessions on occupational safety, mechanised sanitation, workers' rights, and the correct use of PPE.

"Earlier, we gave no importance to PPE, what mattered was getting the job done. Today we understand that to complete a job properly, everything from skill to PPE is important." -Rohit Nayak, Sanitation Worker, Khordha Municipality



Water for Women WaterAid India Dasra Sanitation Alliance Centre for Science and Environment Gates Foundation India Sanitation and Hygiene Institute (WASH Institute) UNICEF India UNDP in India Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Most community meetings end with minutes, reports, and action points.In Chaksu, Rajasthan, one community chose to leave ...
17/07/2026

Most community meetings end with minutes, reports, and action points.

In Chaksu, Rajasthan, one community chose to leave behind something far more powerful—a Vision Map painted on a public wall.

The journey began with a microplanning exercise, followed by a Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) across five vulnerable wards (24, 15, 14, 22, and 19) of Chaksu. Residents, newly formed Community Management Committee (CMC) members, youth, and elders walked through their neighbourhoods together, mapping water and sanitation infrastructure, drainage systems, public spaces, existing resources, and local challenges to build a shared understanding of their communities.

But instead of stopping at identifying problems, they asked a different question:

"What should our neighbourhood look like?"

Together, they created a Vision Map and painted it on a public wall—turning a blank space into a living planning document for everyone and around a shared vision.

Today, the wall shows:
-Existing community resources
-Critical service gaps
-Shared priorities for improvement

More importantly, it gives the community a common platform to engage with the Urban Local Bodies, including Municipality, PHED, government departments, and frontline stakeholders using evidence they created together.

One community member summed it up perfectly:

"Till now we focused only on the problems in our mohalla. Through the transect walk and PRA, we learned to see our entire ward together—its strengths as well as its challenges." – Anita Sharma, CMC Member.

Sometimes, the most powerful planning document isn't a report sitting on a shelf.

It's a wall that speaks for an entire community.



Centre for Science and Environment | Dasra | Water for Women | Gates Foundation India | Aid India Institute | eGovernments Foundation Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR

Together, families and Anganwadi Centres are building strong foundations for every child's future."What is the best toy ...
14/07/2026

Together, families and Anganwadi Centres are building strong foundations for every child's future.

"What is the best toy you can give your child?" As parents at the Khichdipur Samarth Hub began sharing their answers, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

The answer was simple: your time, your words, and your encouragement.

To strengthen parent engagement in Early Childhood Care and Education an interactive awareness session with parents, showing how everyday moments—talking to a child, telling stories, singing songs, playing together, and appreciating their efforts—become powerful opportunities for learning.

Through videos, discussions, and shared experiences, parents discovered that they don't need expensive toys or special materials to support their child's development. A caring conversation, a playful activity, or a few minutes of undivided attention can help build confidence, curiosity, communication, and a lifelong love for learning.

As the session ended, parents left with a simple but powerful message: Every conversation is a learning opportunity, and every parent is a child's first teacher.

“Children learn best when they are cared for, encouraged, and given opportunities to explore. By understanding the importance of early childhood development, parents become a child's first and trongest partners in learning." –Seema, Anganwadi worker



Rashmi Singh | WCD East District Delhi | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi | Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India | Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR | Oberoi WCD Delhi Official

"Where do we keep our books?" "Where is food cooked?" "Which room do you sleep in?"Tiny hands shot up. Little voices eag...
14/07/2026

"Where do we keep our books?" "Where is food cooked?" "Which room do you sleep in?"

Tiny hands shot up. Little voices eagerly filled the room. One by one, the children began talking about their own homes.

At the Anganwadi Hub Centre, children joined little Siya as she returned home after finishing her work.

Through Siya's story, Anganwadi Workers Poonam and Seema took children on a journey through different parts of her house, helping them discover the purpose of each room, where everyday objects belong, and why cleanliness and organization are important.

Using picture cards, storytelling, and lively conversations, the children identified objects found in different rooms, discussed where they are kept, and shared how things are organized in their own homes. As they listened, imagined, and participated, they were building language and communication skills, observation, confidence, and an understanding of the world around them.

In ECCE, every story is more than a story—it is an opportunity to spark curiosity, strengthen communication, and connect learning with children's everyday experiences.

Because through Siya's story, children discovered their own.



Rashmi Singh | WCD East District Delhi | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi | Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India | Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR | Oberoi

Balancing WalkA Straight Line, A Big Achievement, A Milestone for LifeSixteen little feet stood eagerly at the starting ...
10/07/2026

Balancing Walk

A Straight Line, A Big Achievement, A Milestone for Life
Sixteen little feet stood eagerly at the starting line at Anganwadi Centre No. 122. Their challenge seemed simple—walk carefully along a straight line without losing balance.

Some children stepped forward confidently. Others paused, wobbled, and tried again. But no one gave up.

Standing beside them was Seema, Anganwadi Worker, Khichdipur Village Hub, encouraging every child with a smile. Around them, their friends waited patiently, clapped after every attempt, and cheered each other on.

With every careful step, the children were doing much more than walking. The children were asked to walk slowly on a straight line while keeping their balance. They listened carefully to the instructions, waited patiently for their turn, and participated with great enthusiasm. Some children balanced easily, while others needed a few more attempts. With constant encouragement from their teacher and support from their friends, every child completed the activity with a smile.

The other children watched their friends, clapped for them, and encouraged them.

By the end of the activity, every child had crossed the line, bearing with ear to ear smiles.

Reflecting on the activity, Seema shared, "When children participate in activities like these, they strengthen their balance, focus, and confidence. They also learn patience and that it's okay to keep trying until they succeed."

At our Samarth Centres, every game is thoughtfully designed to help children learn through play—because every small step today helps build stronger minds, healthier bodies, and brighter tomorrow.

Key Message:

Learning begins with play every child deserves the chance to play and learn.

Simple play-based activities are powerful learning experiences. They support both physical and mental development by improving motor skills, focus, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Every small step taken through play helps children become healthier, more confident, and ready to learn new things.



Rashmi Singh | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi | Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India | WCD East District Delhi
| WCD Delhi Official| Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR

Learning Through Play: Building Strong Foundations at Anganwadi Centres Every play activity is an opportunity to learn.A...
10/07/2026

Learning Through Play: Building Strong Foundations at Anganwadi Centres

Every play activity is an opportunity to learn.

At an Anganwadi Centre, Poonam, Anganwadi worker transformed a simple classroom exercise into an exciting learning experience by helping children create triangles and squares using colourful pipes.

As they explored shapes through hands-on play, children strengthened their understanding of basic mathematical concepts while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence.

The activity encouraged children to listen, observe, take turns, and work together—building not only cognitive skills but also patience, communication, and teamwork in a joyful and inclusive environment.

"Children learn best when learning is fun. Simple activities like this help them understand new concepts through play," Poonam, Anganwadi worker, Khichdipur Samarth Hub

At Anganwadi Centres, play-based learning is helping every child explore, imagine, and grow—laying a strong foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning.

Play today. Learn for life.



Rashmi Singh | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi | WCD Delhi Official | Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India | Centre for Advocacy & Research - CFAR

"Why should our children's education stop at Class 8?"That question was asked by parents in Veerabhadra Nagar, Bengaluru...
10/07/2026

"Why should our children's education stop at Class 8?"

That question was asked by parents in Veerabhadra Nagar, Bengaluru, for years.

Not because their children lacked ambition.

Not because families did not value education.

But because the local government school ended at Class 8.

For nearly 420 children, most from families of construction workers, domestic workers, garment workers, sanitation workers, and daily wage labourers, continuing education meant travelling 6 to 8 km to the nearest high school. For many families, the additional cost and safety concerns made that journey difficult, especially for adolescent girls.

As a result, dozens of children either dropped out or were at risk of dropping out. Dreams of becoming teachers, nurses, police officers, and other professionals often faded before children had the chance to pursue them.

When CFAR's Community Organisers, through the Janadhikara programme, engaged with the community in 2022, they found that this was not an individual problem—it was a systemic barrier affecting an entire generation of children.

Together, parents, students, community leaders, and School Development and Monitoring Committee members turned their concern into collective action.

They submitted petitions, gathered 185 signatures, met repeatedly with education officials and elected representatives, and persisted through four years of advocacy and follow-up.

This year, that persistence paid off.

The Education Department approved Class 9 at Government School, Veerabhadra Nagar.

Today, 39 students are enrolled in the first batch.

Over the next five years, an estimated 250 children are expected to benefit from access to secondary education closer to home.

This is more than the introduction of a new class.

It is proof that when communities come together, raise their voices, and stay engaged, public systems can respond.

Because no child's dreams should end where a school building does.



SchoolEducation karnataka EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (KEA) karnataka

Small acts of courage, big ripples of change.Today, in Roopangarh, we celebrated one such story.Ms. Saraswati Maurya, a ...
09/07/2026

Small acts of courage, big ripples of change.

Today, in Roopangarh, we celebrated one such story.

Ms. Saraswati Maurya, a Gram Sakhi who has spent countless hours walking with rural women through their toughest moments — building awareness on safety, empowerment, and legal rights — was felicitated by Mr. Harsh Vardhan Agarwalla, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Ajmer, at the Mahila Samvad evam Samman Samaroh under the Mahila Suraksha Sankalp Abhiyan 2026.

She received a Certificate of Appreciation and a memento — but more than that, she received recognition for the quiet, persistent work that rarely makes headlines yet changes lives at the grassroots.

Among 18 individuals honoured, including Suraksha Sakhis, doctors, advocates, teachers, NGO representatives, and community leaders, Saraswati's recognition is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people taking extraordinary responsibility within their communities.

At CFAR, we believe that sustainable change is built by strengthening local leadership. When community women are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and institutional support, they become powerful agents of change, bridging the gap between public systems and the people who need them the most.

This is what real change looks like: not top-down mandates, but frontline women like Sarswati, backed by a police force willing to stand beside them, building a safer Rajasthan.

Safety isn't built through policy alone. It's built through people like Sarswati ji, who show up when no one's watching.



Women and Child Development Department, Rajasthan Rajasthan Police Ajmer Police Rajasthan District Collector & Magistrate, Ajmer Ajmer

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