A blog promoting 'participation as empowerment' with the perspective of making democracy work for all, every day - within families, communities, institutions, and political systems
For many women in Ahmedabad, commuting is more than just travel—it’s a daily challenge. From unsafe public transport to poor connectivity, mobility barriers restrict access to education, jobs, and independence. Read how women are pushing for safer, affordable, and inclusive transport solutions.
From history to the digital age, society has feared women’s independence. In Jharkhand, restrictive norms limit women's access to phones and the internet, reinforcing control over their visibility and freedom. This research explores how digital access remains a battleground for gender equality and the urgent need for change.
Our colleague, Rabi Raj, spoke at the ARA-TLS Knowledge Synthesis Symposium 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, emphasising the vital role of participatory research in shaping urban planning and driving climate action.
With 820M+ internet users in India, digital access is growing—but women still lag. In collaboration with Aapti Institute, PRIA's research explores how patriarchy shapes women’s trust in digital platforms. Young girls are challenging norms, demanding access, and redefining agency in the digital world. The pandemic forced a shift, but online harassment remains a barrier. It’s time to ensure safe, inclusive digital spaces for all. Let’s build trust, equity, and access for a truly connected future.
Infrastructure audits that are carried out without the involvement of citizens often lead to ineffective outcomes and wastage of resources. This is the situation in Vytilla, one of the pilot neighbourhoods under PRIA's MobiliseHER project in Kochi, where a lack of citizen participation has caused frustration among both residents and commuters in the area.
Urban mobility is more than just a functional necessity—it is a matter of equity, determining access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
Ajmer, a city steeped in history, faces persistent challenges in water management within its informal settlements.
While urbanisation is reshaping the entire world, South India is no exception. Cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi are at the forefront of India's rapid urban expansion, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and the surge in urban population.
Urban mobility systems are the backbone of cities, shaping how people access work, education, healthcare, and leisure. Yet, these systems often fail to meet the needs of a significant portion of the population—women and gender-diverse groups.
In the scorching heat of Ajmer and Delhi, a silent crisis looms over the informal settlements scattered across these cities.
As I walked through the bustling streets of the informal settlements in Ajmer, Rajasthan, notebook in hand and curiosity piqued, I felt a mix of excitement and concern.
PRIA’s MobiliseHER team traveled to Bangalore during the week of June, 10 – 14, 2024. The aim of the visit was to gain relevant insights into the civil society ecosystem in Bangalore and meet different organisations to understand the city through a lens of gender and inclusive mobility.
Working at PRIA, often leads us to various cities across the country. Each trip is an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of different communities.
Mr. Yedukrishnan V has recently joined PRIA after gaining valuable experience in the development sector. Drawing from his journey in the social sector and personal encounters in Kerala, he emphasises the importance of participatory governance and research in empowering marginalised communities.'
Ms. Meghna Sandhir, along with our team members, has been engaged in the Drivers, Limiters, and Barriers to Women's Trust in Digital Platforms Project since last year. She is blogging about her firsthand experiences from visiting our project sites in India.
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