Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in 12 randomly selected villages from the pool of 37 villages involved in HMF’s ‘Responsible Partnership’ project in the Tuljapur and Lohara blocks of the Dharashiv (previously Osmanabad) district. Each village had one Nirdhar group with 15 to 20 members. inclduing ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers, healthcare professionals and police representatives. Informed consent obtained from all participants prior to the FGDs.

The discussions were guided by a semi-structured questionnaire/guide that comprised of open-ended questions such as:

• How was the village-level group formed?
• What training did the group members attend?
• What does gender equality mean to the group members?
• What work does the group undertake in their communities?
• What impact has their work had on the community?
• What should be done to ensure the replication and success of such work elsewhere in Maharashtra/India?

The FGDs were conducted in Marathi (the local language), audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English for analysis. Each FGD session lasted between 90 and 120 minutes and had an attendance of 8 to 12 members. Participants included both men and women members.

Two independent qualitative researchers conducted the interviews, while two other researchers conducted the data analysis under supervision of an expert.

Analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase deductive reasoning methodology, focusing on the following themes:
(1) how groups identified problems and worked together to prioritise interventions;
(2) short-term interventions to inform and engage communities; and
(3) long term interventions which reflected an embedded transformation across communities.

Nirdhar Groups used local interventions to address priorities such as safe and equal access to education and healthcare. They offered education to address financial oppression and used community pressure and ‘Responsible Couples’ (Samajdaar jodidaar) as mechanisms for change, to instil ‘fairness, gender equality, kind and compassionate community values’ and a variety of techniques to reduce DVA. The drivers for change included role modelling, empowerment of women in communities and a focus on changing cultural practices for present and future generations.

The study reveals the profound impact of community gender equality groups such as Nirdhar Groups. They provide a platform for women to address gender issues and create practical change, such as DVA prevention services and solutions to economic disparity. They raise awareness among men and empower women, contributing to safer and more equitable environments. These groups serve as positive role models for the younger generation, and replicating this model is recommended to extend their benefits. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of integrating gender education with welfare programs to address the needs of poor and marginalized families, further promoting gender equality at both the family and community levels.