Working alongside communities for lasting change.
Since 1982, People’s Action for People in Need (PAPN) has worked with rural and hilly communities in Himachal Pradesh to advance dignity, equality and inclusive development.
Featured Projects
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Untouchability in Rural Himachal Pradesh
Untouchability, although illegal in India, continues to affect communities in rural areas, causing harm and social exclusion among Dalit communities. In remote villages, practices such as Khumli Pratha and other forms of discrimination often remain unnoticed by the media, policymakers and researchers.
This project seeks to bring these hidden injustices into focus, empower affected communities and promote awareness among key stakeholders to support positive social change.
Mountain Girls Striving for Change
Implemented by People’s Action for People in Need (PAPN), with support from the Ajim Premji Foundation, this initiative focuses on strengthening the rights, wellbeing and empowerment of adolescent girls aged 11 to 18 years in rural Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh.
The project addresses key areas including education, health and nutrition, gender equality, social norms, leadership and empowerment, digital access, and protection and safety. Through adolescent groups, peer leadership, health education, career guidance, skills exposure, digital safety awareness and engagement with families and community institutions, the initiative seeks to help girls build confidence, make informed choices and participate more actively in their families and communities.
The 2026 baseline study covered 684 adolescent girls across 14 Gram Panchayats in Sirmour district.