Promoting gender equality and preventing domestic violence through community mobilisation: a qualitative study of Nirdhar groups in rural India

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) against women remains a major public health and social concern in India. Community-based interventions have the potential to address gender inequalities and support sustainable social change at the local level. This qualitative study explored the experiences of members of community-led alliances, known as Nirdhar Groups, established by the Halo Medical Foundation across 37 villages in Maharashtra, India. Focus group discussions were conducted with Nirdhar Group members from 12 villages and analysed using thematic analysis.

Participants described Nirdhar Groups as important mechanisms for promoting gender equality and addressing DVA within their communities. Three key themes were identified: (1) empowering individuals and communities through increased awareness and education; (2) fostering community advocacy and collective action; and (3) challenging harmful social and cultural norms to support long-term community change. Participants perceived that community mobilisation, local leadership, and collective responsibility enabled action to address gender discrimination, barriers to education and healthcare, and violence against women.

These findings suggest that community-led alliances can play an important role in empowering communities, promoting gender-equitable norms, and strengthening community responses to DVA in rural India.