Development in a Globalized World

Some 200,000 crimes against women are committed in India every year - that's according to official figures. But the number of unreported cases is estimated to be much higher. Women are often simply not listened to by the authorities. Cases of domestic violence, rapes and killings are often overlooked, particularly in rural areas. This is the case for Bundelkhand, a region in northern India, one of the country's poorest.

But some women is banding together to break the cycle and fight for women's rights. One group comes dressed in bright pink saris, and they call themselves the Gulabi Gang. Another is a team of female journalists whoo publish a rural paper, all written and distributed by women. Both projects have gained enormous respect within their communities and beyond.

They show that with inspiration, guts and intelligence, promoting women's rights can bring about positive change and support for both women and men in society.

The report was compiled in coproduction between IGNOU, New Delhi, and Deutsche Welle

Report: Anwar J.Ashraf/ Nina Haase