Hundreds of village women gathered at rallies recently conducted by Food for Life Vrindavan. The rallies were held to lobby the government to amend laws so that women farmers have equal rights to land ownership. Over 100 non-government organisations held similar rallies as part of a state-wide campaign to increase recognition of the rights of women farmers.

Between the 1^st and 5^th February, Food for Life Vrindavan held rallies in five different villages. At each rally, hundreds of women gathered and community leaders mobilized women to sign a petition  for their right to equality. On the 6^th February, a delegation of 70 village women went to the District Magistrate’s office to present the petition.

The delegation presented a petition signed by over 500 women. Similar documents were presented to District Magistrates all over the state.
Partha Sarthi, a veteran Food for Life social worker said, "It is extremely important for grass roots organisations like Food for Life Vrindavan to lobby governments for policy change. With elections just around the corner, it is a good time to bring this issue to the attention of the government so they know they cant ignore the issue of women’s rights."

Food for Life social workers were assisted in organising the rallies by two students from K.I.I.T School of Rural Management. The students have been placed with Food for Life Vrindavan to complete the practical component of their master of business (MBA) course. The students were enthusiastic helpers at the rallies and, under the guidance of Food for Life social workers, they were able to participate in this statewide effort to fight for women’s rights.