SheLit News Desk | June 30, 2025
In the heart of Haryana’s villages, a quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape of women’s empowerment and justice—Lado Panchayat, an all-women grassroots initiative, is giving rural women a powerful platform to raise their voices, challenge patriarchal norms, and demand their rightful place in society.
What is Lado Panchayat?
Launched in 2019, Lado Panchayat is an informal, women-led assembly where rural women come together to discuss and resolve issues ranging from child marriage, domestic violence, dowry demands, to sexual harassment and education rights. The word ‘Lado’, a term of endearment for girls, reflects the initiative’s core belief—daughters are not burdens, but change-makers.
These gatherings, often held under a tree or in a community hall, serve as a safe space for women to share grievances, seek advice, and collectively find solutions—something rarely seen in male-dominated village governance structures.
A Response to Deep-Rooted Challenges
Haryana, despite its progress, continues to struggle with gender-based issues like skewed sex ratios, early marriages, and restrictions on girls’ mobility. Lado Panchayat emerged as a grassroots response, empowering women to stand united against regressive customs and systemic discrimination.
“Earlier, we couldn’t even speak up against injustice at home or in the community. Now, through Lado Panchayat, we not only speak but act,” says Sunita Devi, a member from Jind district.
Impact on the Ground
Since its inception:
✅ Over 500+ Lado Panchayats have been held across various districts of Haryana.
✅ Cases of early child marriage prevention and gender violence redressal have been reported.
✅ Awareness drives on girls’ education, health, and legal rights have reached hundreds of households.
✅ Women have been encouraged to participate in formal Panchayat elections and village committees.
Social activists highlight that the initiative complements formal governance by bridging gaps in access to justice, particularly for women who often lack representation in village decision-making bodies.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the movement has gained ground, it faces challenges like:
- Resistance from conservative sections of society.
- Lack of formal legal recognition or institutional support.
- Limited resources and outreach in remote villages.
Yet, the spirit of the women involved remains unshaken. Organisations working with Lado Panchayats are now advocating for government support, capacity-building programs, and legal backing to institutionalise their role in village governance.
In a country where rural women often remain invisible in decision-making, initiatives like Lado Panchayat are rewriting the narrative. It is not merely about grievance redressal—it is about reclaiming dignity, fostering sisterhood, and creating a ripple effect of change that challenges centuries-old mindsets.
SheLit applauds the women of Lado Panchayat—because when women lead, entire communities rise.
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