Vikalp began as a happy coincidence between friends dedicated to gender equality. In 2003 Usha, Yogesh and others met while working for another non-profit organization in Rajasthan. The diverse group of friends was deeply committed to gender equality with the tools of their academic knowledge & years of experience. Usha herself, encountered the determination and stopped her own child marriage after difficult childhood confrontation with gender-based violence.

One day, at a street play to raise funds for drought survivors in Barmer they spoke with the girls who were performing and heard their message loud and clear: “it’s great that you’re here but we need your constant presence.” They couldn’t ignore this message and what followed were many days of discussion about the struggles of girls and youth – during this time the name Vikalp, meaning alternative, came into being.

The group of social workers started working with girls in Barmer in their respective sphere. Since then time supporting girls to raise voice against gender discrimination. They used to meet every evening to discuss how they could engage different stakeholders in the community and raise awareness against unlawful and awful practices like female infanticide, child marriage/ child bride practices, Women under fore-walls and other domestic violence. They were working directly with communities and organizing skill enhancement trainings for other organizations to fundraise.

Gradually, people started to notice their work and eventually in 2004 they decided it was time to formally register and fund the organization. Receiving official grants from Room to Read and Oxfam soon after meant they could expand their work to 12 districts across Rajasthan. The team grew substantially and it wasn’t long before Vikalp had a network of hundreds of volunteers and were supporting many girls and women across Rajasthan & globe.

Over the years the network, locations and staff have evolved to meet the needs of community but Vikalp has always stayed true to its roots and dedication to empowering women and girls. Today, Vikalp works with youth to support and empower thousands of women and girls against discrimination and violence by creating violence free lives for everyone or say gender justice.