In the development realm, where challenges often overshadow recognition, the Junoon Awards are a tribute to passion-driven impact and to inspire innovations and collaborations in the development sector. Derived from the Hindi word for “passion,” these awards celebrate the courage, innovation, and resilience of organizations that dare to push boundaries for the greater good.
More than just an accolade, the Junoon Awards recognize those who turn challenges into opportunities and redefine the possibilities of change, ensuring that these unsung heroes of the development sector receive the recognition they deserve. The inaugural Junoon Awards in 2023 celebrated resilience during the pandemic, recognizing individuals and organizations with remarkable perseverance and innovation. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, these changemakers adapted, found new ways to continue their work, and made a lasting impact. Their efforts stood as a testament to human strength and ingenuity, making the awards a tribute to determination and progress in the face of adversity.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the Junoon Awards 2024 embraced the theme “Empowering through Innovations,” celebrating organizations that challenged conventional models with bold, creative solutions. This year’s awardees showcased how fresh perspectives can drive meaningful social impact.
Among them, the Cohesion Foundation has been recognized for its innovative approach to empowering communities through education, livelihood, and social equity initiatives. With a strong focus on gender rights, financial literacy, and sustainable development, the Cohesion Foundation integrates grassroots action with strategic advocacy. By fostering local leadership and community-driven solutions, the foundation exemplifies how collaboration and creativity can drive meaningful social change.
Cohesion Foundation has been at the forefront of community-driven development, working to uplift marginalized groups through sustainable and inclusive models. One of its most impactful initiatives is the introduction of group farming for small and marginal tribal women farmers in Navsari district, South Gujarat. Since 2019, this innovative model has provided women with economic opportunities, social recognition, and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring long-term empowerment and resilience.
This initiative’s heart is group farming, which goes beyond agriculture to foster emotional and social empowerment. Women who once worked in isolation now find solidarity, leadership opportunities, and a revived sense of tribal traditions. These collectives serve as safe spaces where they share challenges, support one another, and develop decision-making skills transforming farming into a tool for empowerment.
Cohesion’s model also strengthens economic independence. By leasing land collectively, rotating responsibilities, and holding weekly planning meetings, women ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices. Initially focused on household food security, the initiative has now expanded to include income generation, with surplus produce being sold in local markets.
Sustainability is a key focus. Women rely on community seed banks, bio-pesticides, vermicomposting, and organic manure production, significantly reducing costs and increasing self-sufficiency. Many save ₹2500 per season on essential crops like turmeric, while surplus sales provide additional income. The proximity of farms to their homes also reduces travel expenses and reinforces their recognition as farmers in their communities.
Beyond farming, this initiative is dismantling gender barriers. Traditionally, women in these regions have been excluded from land ownership and agricultural decision-making. Through Cohesion’s bottom-up approach, women are now asserting their rights as farmers, accessing government schemes, and influencing policy changes that support women-led agricultural development.
The establishment of a women farmers’ federation has further strengthened this movement. Cross-exposure visits are inspiring more women to adopt group farming, particularly single and widowed women, who find both financial and emotional support in these collectives. By integrating them into government programs and institutional frameworks, Cohesion is scaling its impact and creating a replicable model for sustainable rural development.
Through its community-first approach, the Cohesion Foundation is not just transforming farming practices, it is reshaping rural economies, promoting gender equality, and fostering long-term resilience among tribal women farmers. This initiative stands as a powerful example of how collective action can drive meaningful and lasting change.
