About Human Welfare Association
Organising and empowering the most disadvantaged sections of society since 1991.
HWA was registered in 1991 to address the needs of vulnerable Dalit, OBC, and minority communities and the most disadvantaged sections of society in Varanasi's rural areas and surrounding districts, with a focus on women and children. From those grassroots roots, our work — especially on Geographical Indications and artisan livelihoods — now reaches communities across India, alongside ongoing programmes in community development, education, health, and livelihood enhancement.
Our Vision
A peaceful, discrimination- and exploitation-free, sustainable society where there is a sense of respect, dignity, equality, self-esteem, service, and participation with women and children — with equal opportunity and the provision of social, political, economic, and cultural rights, and eco-friendly, dignified living.
Our Mission
HWA aims to organize and empower the most disadvantaged sections of society for sustainable and comprehensive development, leading to an improved quality of living.
Our work
HWA has worked at the grassroots level with international donor agencies and government ministries, implementing programmes on child rights, quality education, school sanitation and hygiene, child labour and trafficking, vocational training for girls, and women's economic empowerment. The organization is the registered proprietor of Geographical Indication (GI) registrations for Banaras Brocades and Sarees, Handmade Carpet of Bhadohi, Champa Silk Saree and Fabric, and the Handloom Mark — and is involved in advocacy on child rights, basic education, handloom, handicraft, weavers, artisans, women empowerment, and future energy.
On gender policy, both female and male social workers work without any caste, gender, religion, or area discrimination. The organization has its own CASH (Complaint Against Sexual Harassment) committee per the Supreme Court ruling. More than 55% of HWA's staff are women, with equal opportunity and equal wages across all projects.
Organizational details
- Name of Organization
- Human Welfare Association
- Address
- S.15/116-2AC, Mawaiya (behind SBI), Sarnath, Varanasi-221007
- Authorized Signatory
- Dr. Rajani Kant — Director / General Secretary
- Telephone
- 0542-2581304, Mob. 09415304759
- hwa@rediffmail.com
- Type of Organization
- Social Developmental Organization
- Registration
- Registered in 1991 under the Societies Registration Act 1860; registered under FCRA, Govt. of India, and Sections 80G & 12A of the Income Tax Department.
Donors & partners
HWA has implemented projects at the grassroots level in partnership with leading international donor agencies and government ministries.
- NOVIB — The Netherlands
- TdH Germany
- IGSSS New Delhi
- CRS — USCC, USA
- DFID — Find Your Feet, UK
- SIFPSA — USAID
- UNCTAD
- UNICEF
- Global Fund For Children — USA
- GoodWeave
- Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
- Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai
- The Hans Foundation, New Delhi
- Govt. of India — Ministries of HRD, Textile, Commerce & Labour
Recent awards & recognition
- Three young girls from HWA's education project — winners of the IBN-7 Real Hero Award 2012 (24 March 2012, Mumbai).
- Hindustan Times Special Women Award to HWA-supported SHG leader Ms. Ramman Devi (31 March 2012).
- HWA Mahila Shakti Project — Vodafone Mobile for Good, mBillionth Award South Asia 2012 (21 July 2012, New Delhi).
- Ms. Sheela Devi, Ms. Vijay Laxmi and Ms. Guduna Devi — Hindustan Times Women Award Certificate of Appreciation (2013).
Human Welfare Association: key answers
Direct answers about HWA's identity, leadership, location, legal status, and areas of work.
What is Human Welfare Association?
Human Welfare Association (HWA) is a Varanasi-based grassroots social development organization registered in 1991. It works with women, children, weavers, artisans, marginal farmers, youth, and disadvantaged communities in Uttar Pradesh and through GI programmes across India.
Where is Human Welfare Association located?
HWA is based at S.15/116-2AC, Mawaiya, behind SBI, Sarnath, Varanasi 221007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Who leads Human Welfare Association?
Dr. Rajani Kant is HWA's General Secretary and Director. He received the Padma Shri in 2019 and is widely known as the ‘GI Man of India’ for his work protecting traditional Indian products through Geographical Indications.
What issues does HWA work on?
HWA works on Geographical Indications and intellectual property rights, artisan and weaver livelihoods, women's empowerment, child rights, education, health, vocational skills, organic farming, and integrated community development.
Is HWA a registered NGO?
Yes. HWA states that it was registered in 1991 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and is also registered under FCRA and Sections 80G and 12A of the Income Tax Department.
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