About Us

For the past three decades, ISAR has been actively engaged in social development, focusing on women and children, gender issues through a rights-based and empowerment approach, gender sensitization, and environmental issues. 

 

Our Story

Established in 1990, the Institute for Social Action and Research (ISAR) is a Gujarat-based non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to fostering social progress. ISAR’s roots trace back to the unfortunate period of the 1990 Communal riots in Ahmedabad, where ISAR initially focused on rehabilitation efforts. At the core of ISAR’s philosophy lies non-violence, and the belief that fostering a culture of scientific inquiry—particularly among women and children—can catalyze the transformation of inappropriate and unlawful societal norms into more progressive ones. ISAR is registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act of 1950 with Trust Registration No. E/8635/Ahmedabad/23/11/1991. Additionally, ISAR is authorized to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, holding Registration No. CSR00003862.

Our Objectives

  • Empower women from marginalized backgrounds, both socially and economically, by providing education, skills training, livelihood opportunities and support, legal awareness, and advocating for gender equality and the eradication of discrimination
  • Foster a mindset of self-reliance and financial independence among women
  • Enhance the educational development of women and children by exposing them to a diverse range of informative literature that fosters a scientific mindset and promotes a love for reading
  • Promote the creation and accessibility of scientific literature in the Gujarati language, ensuring that knowledge is available to all members of the community
  • Cultivate awareness of environmental and health issues among women and children, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment and personal well-being

Rural Area Initiatives

  • Counseling Centre for Women in Distress, providing emotional support and guidance
  • Legal Aid Centre for Women, offering legal assistance and advocacy
  • Short-term shelter home called “Maru Ghar” to offer refuge and support for women facing crises
  • Social awareness workshops tailored to address issues pertinent to rural women’s well-being
  • Suresh Rasiklal Thakore (SRT) Learning Centre, focusing on education for adolescents who are not enrolled in school
  • Gender Sensitization training and workshops to promote understanding and respect
  • Life Skills Education training to equip individuals with practical skills for personal and professional growth
  • Public Library to promote literacy and access to knowledge within rural communities

Past Urban Area Initiatives

  • Women and Children Library to encourage reading and learning among urban residents
  • Women Micro-Credit Service to support female entrepreneurs in accessing financial resources
  • Children’s Savings Bank to instill financial literacy and encourage saving habits from a young age
  • Women Entrepreneurship Development Cell to facilitate the growth of female-led businesses
  • Counseling Centre for Women in Distress, offering support and guidance in urban settings
  • Legal Aid Centre for Women, providing legal assistance and advocacy
  • Gender Sensitization training and workshops to foster awareness and understanding of gender issues.
  • Training programs aimed at cultivating a scientific temperament and promoting critical thinking skills

Photo Credits: Meena Kadri