Women's Organisation in Rural Development (WORD)

Women's Organisation in Rural Development (WORD) is a Namakkal-based non-profit working at the grassroots level for the upliftment of rural women and children in Tamil Nadu. Founded in 1985 and formally registered in 1988, WORD is one of the older community development organisations in South India. It operates primarily in Namakkal district and partially in Salem and Erode districts, with a head office in Pallipalayam and a branch office in Namakkal town. WORD holds FCRA recognition from the Ministry of Home Affairs, is registered under the Income Tax Act (12AA and 80G), and is registered under CSR1 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

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WORD takes an integrated approach to community development, running programmes across women's empowerment, child rights, livelihoods, health, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability.

Key programmes include: Special Schools for Child Labourers: WORD runs dedicated learning spaces for children engaged in or at risk of child labour, providing them access to education and a pathway out of exploitative work.

Women Development Project: A broad-based programme supporting rural women across health, rights, and social empowerment through community mobilisation and awareness. Livelihood Support for Women: WORD works to strengthen economic independence among rural women through training, support groups, and income-generating activities. Economic Support for Women Affected by HIV/AIDS: A targeted programme supporting women living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in Namakkal district, a region historically known for high HIV prevalence linked to the transport corridor.

Vocational Training: WORD runs skill-building programmes in tailoring, embroidery, and beauty care across its training centres in Namakkal and Pallipalayam, equipping women with marketable skills for economic self-reliance.

Project Sakhi (Financial Literacy for Women): A programme building financial awareness and literacy among rural women, helping them engage more confidently with banking, savings, and formal financial systems.

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Program: WORD works with women and girls on menstrual health awareness and access, addressing a key barrier to girls' education and women's dignity in rural areas.

Internet Saathi Program: A digital literacy initiative supporting rural women in accessing and using the internet, run in partnership with Google and Tata Trusts.

Microscale CDM Biogas Project: An environmental sustainability initiative promoting biogas as a clean cooking energy source in rural households, reducing dependence on firewood and cutting emissions.

WORD is a strong fit for professionals who want to work in deep rural Tamil Nadu, contributing to long-standing grassroots programmes that address women's empowerment, child welfare, and community health with decades of community trust behind them.