Since 1994 in almost all the 400 villages where the Chhattisgarh Women’s Organisation (CWO) is working there is now a grain bank to prevent starvation and moneylenders who charge high interest. The women, 60 % of whom are Tribal and 40% Dalit, collect, contribute and keep the grains in one place. They maintain records, and during an emergency any member in need can borrow and repay later.

The GWS was celebrated on 14 March when more than 4,000 CWO women members gathered in their office grounds. A crowd stretching 1.5km marched to Pithora City shouting slogans with banners and posters, and gathered outside the office of the Chief Executive Officer of Pithora. On 16 March 10 women visited Chief minister Mr. Ajit Jogi and handed over 27 demands, including an end to violence against women; equal wage for equal work; safe drinking water; health and medical facilities; remove untouchability; land rights; a bonus for Tendu leaf workers (smoking stick leaf). The print and electronic media covered the story with photographs.