The Beginning
In 2006, a group of passionate professionals, predominantly women, came together with a shared vision: to create a world where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, equal opportunities, and sustainability. This vision gave birth to the Development Consortium (DC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and driving positive change across India. Our founder and CEO, Anamika Srivastava, has been the guiding force behind this journey, leading with unwavering commitment and a belief in the power of collective action.
Our Journey
We began by supporting global programs that ran effective and unique initiatives in India, such as Stir Education and Love Matters. Over time, we gained valuable experience and localized these programs. We also launched new initiatives based on our learnings, such as TeenBook, Abhyday, and Sampushti, with a central focus on behavior change.
In the early days, we faced numerous challenges. As a small team with big dreams, we worked tirelessly to build trust within communities and among stakeholders. Our initial projects aimed to address immediate needs, such as providing access to education and healthcare in underserved areas. For example, Love Matters India focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), providing crucial information and support.
However, we quickly realized that true, lasting change required more than just meeting immediate needs; it necessitated a shift in mindsets and behaviors. We learned that influencing behavior change is crucial for the success of any impactful program. Many of our initiatives encountered resistance due to deeply rooted cultural traditions and taboos. For instance, Love Matters India faced challenges in addressing SRHR topics, which are often considered taboo in many communities.
This experience taught us the importance of engaging communities from within. By using trusted local peers to challenge norms and promote positive change, we were able to make a more significant impact. This approach has been central to our success and continues to guide our efforts in driving meaningful and lasting change.
Where We Are Today
Today, DC stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in India’s vibrant development sector. DC is an FCRA registered NGO and holds valid certificates under Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act. Our work spans various domains, including health, education, gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusivity. Our reach has expanded into new territories, and our impact has touched the lives of countless individuals in need.
The statistics tell a compelling story, with DC reaching over 14 states in different capacities and benefitting 14 million people offline and 11 million online via our diverse initiatives. Each number represents a life changed, a future brightened, and a community strengthened.