Interview with Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director at ActionAid Association

An exclusive interview with Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director at ActionAid Association, the global agency, which supports social and ecological justice

We are honored to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Sandeep Chachra, the Executive Director at ActionAid Association. This globally renowned agency has been at the forefront of supporting social and ecological justice in 40 countries, making a significant impact on some of the world’s most pressing issues.

With a rich history of active engagement in India since 1972, Mr. Chachra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in addressing the needs of the country’s most marginalized communities. In this interview, we delve into his insights, experiences, and the pivotal role ActionAid Association plays in creating a more just and equitable world.

Sandeep is active at several international fora, connecting with people’s movements and knowledge-building efforts across the world. He is an active part of a collective for developing the global platform on Economic Literacy and Budget Accountability for Governance (ELBAG), and the South-South People’s Solidarity Forum.

He has been involved with the work of peasant movements in Asia and Africa, and has been a keen supporter of developing social movement platforms. He is an active member of International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) and the World Forum of Alternatives Council, and has initiated and supported several transcontinental networks, campaigns and initiatives.

In October 2016, Sandeep was elected as co-Chair of the World Urban Campaign, a global advocacy and partnership platform to raise awareness about positive urban change coordinated by UN-Habitat and driven by 180 partners and networks from around the world.

Sandeep has also volunteered time as the National Advisor on Homelessness and Urban Poverty to the Supreme Court Commissioners of India on the Right to Food case, and is a member of UN-Habitat 3 Policy Committee on Economic Development.

Can you start by giving us an overview of the mission and core values of ActionAid Association, and how it aligns with the broader global mission of ActionAid?

Sandeep Chachra: Our mission is to work with the most marginalised and excluded communities to eradicate poverty, patriarchy and injustice and make our country more equitable and prosperous for all. We thus want to create a world where all people, regardless of their gender, identity or background, can exercise their rights, meet their basic needs and have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

Our core values include social justice, solidarity with vulnerable communities, equality – particularly gender equality and social inclusion, elimination of discrimination, mutual respect for the dignity and rights of all, participatory activities in which excluded communities are engaged in decision-making processes, community empowerment, as well as transparency and accountability.  

In alignment with the broader global mission of ActionAid, AAA works towards achieving social, ecological and economic justice on a local, national, and international scale. We collaborate with other affiliates and partners worldwide to address issues such as poverty, inequality, gender-based violence, climate change and human rights violations.

Working together, we promote systemic changes that will benefit all of humanity and all life in this increasingly fragile world.

As an organization that supports social and ecological justice in multiple countries, can you share some key initiatives or projects that ActionAid Association is currently involved in to achieve these goals?

Sandeep Chachra: ActionAid Association is involved in various initiatives and projects to achieve social and ecological justice in India. We have a strong emphasis on empowering women and girls. We run programs that focus on women’s rights, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

These initiatives include training women in vocational skills, supporting women’s collectives and addressing the unique needs of single women – a category that includes never married women, widows and divorced and separated women.

We also work to enhance the livelihoods of marginalised communities. For farmers and landless rural labour we promoting sustainable and organic farming practices, providing training on improved agricultural techniques and helping farmers access fair markets for their produce.

For example, under the Work4Progress project supported by la Caixa Fundacion, we supported the creation of BASANT Women Farmer’s Producer Organisation (FPO) aimed at the economic and social empowerment of women in agriculture and from rural communities of the Bundelkhand region.

Through collective farming, diverse agricultural activities, provision of access to resources and financial inclusion, the program has played a transformative role in improving and sustaining the livelihoods of marginalised women.

ActionAid Association recognises that informal workers, including street vendors, daily wage labourers, domestic workers, construction workers, agricultural labourers amongst others are a critical part of the economy and society. We work to ensure that unorganised labourers receive their due recognition and rights.

This includes pushing for land reforms, promoting social protection schemes and enhancing the skills and knowledge of informal workers. We help informal workers by facilitating their access to rights and welfare entitlements, setting up collectives so they can better assert their rights and provide training to better their livelihood opportunities.

ActionAid Association also works to protect and promote child rights. We are committed to improving access to quality education, especially for children from vulnerable communities. Our Back to School programme and Say No to Child Marriage campaign ensures that children are enrolled in schools and receive a quality education.

This includes setting up alternative learning centres for out-of-school and drop-out children as well as provision of innovative STEM-based education.

AAA is also promoting eco-friendly practices, protecting forests and advocating for the rights of tribal and indigenous communities, particularly the recognition of their land and property ownership rights. Relatedly, we also are actively involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts by working with vulnerable communities to build resilience to climate change and promote ecological justice.

Additionally, we actively respond to emergencies and disasters, providing immediate relief and long-term support to affected communities so that they may focus on rebuilding their lives and infrastructure as part of disaster relief and rehabilitation.

Instances of floods in 2023 in northern India and, more recently, in Sikkim, are some examples of situations in which we have responded through our commitment to emergency response.

As part of our first level intervention to these crisis, we collaborate and coordinate with local authorities to provide critical aid and immediate support in the form of food, shelter, medical care, hygiene provisions and other non-food items for affected communities, including sanitation kits tailored for women.

Our timely and comprehensive support helps affected communities overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters.

How does ActionAid Association collaborate with local communities and partners to address issues related to social justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability?

Sandeep Chachra: ActionAid Association’s community collaborations are multifaceted. We seek to address issues related to social justice, gender equality and sustainability. Foremost, we place local communities at the centre of our initiatives by working closely with community members to understand their unique challenges, needs and aspirations.

This participatory approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and driven by the priorities of communities. We also invest in building the capacity of local communities and partner organisations by providing trainings and resources to inspire people to take leadership roles and drive change. Gender equality is a key focus of our work.

We collaborate with women’s groups and organisations to advance women’s rights, economic empowerment and leadership through capacity building programs that challenge traditional gender norms and promote women’s participation in decision-making processes.

We also recognise the importance of environmental sustainability by partnering with communities to implement sustainable agricultural practices, promote natural resource management and address climate change-related challenges. This includes initiatives deals with organic farming, afforestation and water conservation.

Social justice and gender equality are central themes in ActionAid’s work. Can you share some successful strategies or programs that have empowered marginalized communities, especially women, in the areas you operate?

Sandeep Chachra: Our commitment to social justice and gender equality in unwavering. One successful strategy we have adopted is the promotion of women’s collectives and self-help groups. These platforms empower women to advocate for their rights, access resources and engage in income-generating activities.

We also focus on education, particularly for girls. We’ve initiated efforts to improve access to quality education, reduce dropout rates of girls and address gender-based discrimination in schools. We have also been instrumental in pushing for legislation and policies that promote land rights for women, addressing issues of landlessness and poverty.

Our campaigns against gender-based violence and our bystander training initiatives aim to change social norms and create safer environments for women and girls.

Additionally, we also created workers’ collectives to ensure access to entitlements, wages and protections, with a specific focus on women. These collectives have been instrumental in ensuring that domestic workers, construction workers, brick kiln workers and other informal labourers gain rightful access to various entitlements, fair wages and protections in their workplaces.

Domestic workers, often among the most vulnerable, face challenges such as low wages, lack of job security and even exploitation. The workers’ collectives have provided a platform for domestic workers to come together and voices their concerns and their rights.

Construction workers have also benefits as workers’ collectives help in facilitating access to social security benefits, healthcare and better safety measures on construction sites.

Our strategies in essence revolve around grassroots mobilisation, education, policy advocacy and challenging harmful norms. These approaches have successfully empowered marginalised communities, with a particular focus on enhancing the condition and agency of women.

Climate change is a pressing global issue. How does the ActionAid Association work towards ecological justice and sustainable environmental practices within the communities it serves?

Sandeep Chachra: Along with a growing community of people and organisations, ActionAid Association recognizes that the greatest impact of climate change is on vulnerable communities who are least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions that have caused this crisis.

Climate justice involves ensuring common but differentiated responsibilities – at a global scale between countries and within a country between classes. We are committed to working towards promoting ecological justice by promoting a loss and damage framework that will protect vulnerable communities and groups from the impact of climate change.

We also focus on building resilience within the communities we serve by promoting sustainable environmental practices, that would benefit the communities and mitigate the impact of climate change.

We firmly believe that those most affected by climate change should be at the forefront of climate solutions. Therefore, we empower these communities with knowledge, resources and skills to understand and combat climate change’s impact.

Through capacity-building programs, we equip communities to make informed decisions about their environment. Our approach is also rooted in community-led adaptation strategies. Communities are best placed to identify and implement solutions that work for their unique circumstances.

By providing them with tools and resources they need, we support these communities in developing resilience and adaptive practices.

As climate change often disrupts traditional farming practices, we also introduce and promote sustainable agricultural techniques and natural resource management to help communities adapt to changing climatic conditions while protecting their ecosystems.

Additionally, we recognise the importance of influencing policy at the local, national, and global levels to address climate change comprehensively. We promote for policies that prioritise ecological justice and sustainable practices.

This includes raising the voices of marginalised communities in global climate change negotiations, such as through advocating for a Loss and Damage Fund at COP27.

Understanding the local impacts of climate change is crucial for informed decision-making. We engage in research to better comprehend the specific vulnerabilities faced by communities. This knowledge is then shared with communities and other stakeholders to inform action plans. Our most recent research is titled Lost to the Sea and concerns a study on sea intrusion and displacement in coastal Odisha.   

As climate change often increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, we also work with communities to develop and implement disaster risk reduction strategies to minimise the impact of climate-related disasters. We also support communities in diversifying their livelihoods, ensuring that they are not solely dependent on climate sensitive activities.

By creating alternative sources of income and livelihoods, we can enhance the resilience of communities in the face of climate change.

Furthermore, we recognise the distinct vulnerabilities faced by women in climate change contexts. Therefore, our programs promote gender-inclusive practices to ensure that women’s voices and needs are integral to our efforts.

Philanthropy and support from donors play a vital role in the work of organizations like ActionAid Association. Can you tell us about your fundraising efforts and how individuals and organizations can get involved and support your mission?

Sandeep Chachra: At ActionAid Association, philanthropy and support from donors are instrumental in enabling us to carry out our critical work with vulnerable communities. Foremost, our fundraising efforts has primarily involved partnerships with international and national funders who share a vision for positive change, to support our various initiatives.

To address pressing issues like ending child marriage, promoting STEM education and enhancing women’s livelihoods, we run dedicated online campaigns. These campaigns provide a platform for individuals and organisations to contribute to specific causes close to their heart.

Donors can support these campaigns by making direct contributions through our website and/or dedicated platforms. We also offer opportunities for individuals and organisations to become regular donors, which becomes a stable source of support for our long-term projects and initiatives.

We welcome collaborations with corporates that align with our values and mission. These can take various forms including financial contributions, employee engagement programs and cause-related marketing initiatives on the issues we work on.

In addition to financial support, we encourage individuals to get involved by volunteering their time, skills and expertise. Donors and supporters can also help us by raising awareness about our mission, such as by sharing our work and initiatives with a wider audience.

What are the organization’s strategic priorities and goals for the coming years, and how do you envision ActionAid Association’s role in advancing social and ecological justice globally?

Sandeep Chachra: ActionAid Asscoiation envisions a world where social and ecological justice are not just ideals but tangible realities for all. To achieve this, we have set forth strategic priorities and goals that guide our work for the coming years.

Our role in advancing social and ecological justice globally is deeply rooted in our commitment to empowering marginalised communities, fostering gender equality, and addressing environmental challenges.

Our foremost goal is to empower and uplift marginalised communities, particularly women and children, to sure that they have a voice and choice, and can steer the direction of their lives. Our focus is on community-led initiatives that drive change.

Relatedly, we work towards dismantling patriarchal systems as key to achieving social justice so that women and girls can enjoy lives free from discrimination, violence and inequality. We aim to create safe spaces for women to lead and shape their futures.

We are also dedicated to addressing the pressing environmental concerns of our time, including climate change, deforestation and resource depletion. We envision a sustainable and ecologically just world where communities are resilient in the face of climate change.

Additionally, we recognise the importance of influencing policy and decision-making processes at all levels, from local to global. We, therefore, promote policies that prioritize social and ecological justice. Our vision is that policies reflect the needs and voices of marginalised communities.

Finally, we foster global solidarity by collaborating with like-minded organisations, civil society, governments and donors to amplify our impact in hopes that our collective efforts lead to lasting change.

Our approach is rooted in respect for human rights and social justice and ecological justice. We aim to be a bridge between communities, governments, and the global community, facilitating dialogue and cooperation. We believe that such an approach empowers communities and fosters change and sustainable practices.

What is your success tips for social entrepreneurs

Sandeep Chachra: Some success tips for social entrepreneurs that I can share to make meaningful impact would be to, foremost, have an unwavering commitment to a mission that will sustain you through challenges, while also understanding the issues you are addressing as knowledge can be a valuable asset in driving effecting change (such as through research and community engagement).

Even more important is recognising that social entrepreneurship is about people and it is pertinent to involve the communities we serve in the decision-making processes as their ownership of initiatives is crucial for success.

Also, remember to think long-term in creating initiatives as sustainable models can thrive beyond initial funding and allows an embracing of innovation to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving challenges.

Our own experience has shown that it is essential to collaborate with like-minded organisations as building partnerships can expand reach and amplify impact. At the same time, stay open to learning.

Social entrepreneurship is a challenging but deeply rewarding path. By combining passion with strategic thinking, community engagement and a commitment to creating lasting change, a significant impact can be made in the world and the communities you serve.

We at ActionAid Association support and salute the efforts of social entrepreneurs and remain committed to working alongside those who share our vision of a more just and equitable world.

As we conclude this insightful interview with Mr. Sandeep Chachra, the Executive Director of ActionAid Association, we are reminded of the organization’s unwavering commitment to social and ecological justice.

For over four decades, ActionAid Association has been working relentlessly to empower India’s marginalized communities, advocating for their rights and creating pathways to a better future.

Mr. Chachra’s dedication and leadership reflect the heart and soul of this esteemed organization, and we are grateful for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their impactful work and vision.

As ActionAid Association continues to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals, Mr. Chachra’s insights serve as an inspiration for us all, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a more just and equitable world.

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