Grassroot

Grassroot is a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Shillong, Meghalaya, established in 2007. It works with indigenous communities from a rights-based and gender perspective, with a focus on addressing social and economic inequalities and promoting the rights of marginalised communities. The organisation’s purpose is to empower individuals and communities to understand, exercise and defend their rights, strengthen community participation in decision-making, and improve access to livelihood opportunities and essential entitlements. Its work emphasises indigenous peoples’ rights, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Grassroot’s primary activities include community mobilisation; human rights awareness and advocacy; capacity building and skills development; youth leadership and civic engagement; and sustainable livelihood development. It supports community-based livelihood initiatives, including skills training and enterprise development, particularly for women and other groups facing economic vulnerability. The organisation also works on documenting and promoting indigenous culture, traditional practices and knowledge, including Khasi folklore and herbal medicine. More recent initiatives cover women’s participation in climate action, cultural heritage preservation, renewable energy-based livelihoods, and community awareness and research relating to zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. Grassroot works in collaboration with communities, government agencies, civil society organisations and other development partners. Through its rights-based approach, the organisation seeks to strengthen local capacities, promote social and economic empowerment, and enable indigenous and marginalised communities to participate actively in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.