Auroville's monthly news magazine since 1988

Village women empowerment

Small wins, big dreams

Women's day - AVAG

Auroville Village Action’s Women’s Day inspires inclusion Imagine a scene bursting with vibrant energy, a gathering of over 500 women and 50 children, all united by a common goal.

40 Years of Auroville’s Village Action

Pongal celebration at the AVAG office

In 2023, Auroville’s Village Action Group (AVAG) celebrated 40 years. In this issue of Auroville Today we publish excerpts of the December 2023 newsletter of AVAG, highlighting the transformation AVAG has achieved in the life of women from the surrounding villages.

Empowering women, transforming communities: AVAG's loan initiative

AVAG's director Moris addressing a women groups’ meeting

Flour power

Baked goods

The aroma of freshly baked cakes and the joyous chatter of women learning new skills recently filled the air at AVAG. Over three days, 70 local women from nearby villages participated in an intensive training programme in making millet-based cakes and cookies, organized by Gelato Factory in collaboration with AVAG, the Auroville unit Gastronomica, and COWE (Centre of Women Entrepreneurship).

Rewriting stereotypes

Long jump

A unique race unfolds in Auroville's bioregion. Forget stopwatches and podiums; these victories are measured in triumphant smiles, forged on dusty tracks and etched in defiance of age and societal norms.

Tsunamika, the voice of the oceans

The Tsunamika Ocean exhibit at the Visitors Center

Tsunamika, the colourful cloth doll representing post-tsunami renewal, returns in a new avatar. She has now grown into the voice of the oceans, urging us to protect our seas and, ultimately, ourselves.

A 4000 ladies’ special

Performers at the Women’s Solidarity Festival

Six years ago, Auroville Village Action (AVAG) organized its first Women’s Solidarity Festival. Thousands of women from AVAG’s Women’s Self-Help Groups came together in an event that was described as unique, path-breaking and intensely motivating for all participants.