TBS- W3C Labs

Introduction

In the face of escalating water scarcity and climate change, rural communities are increasingly vulnerable, with women disproportionately impacted as they often serve as the primary water gatherers, custodians of traditional knowledge, and local leaders. Women, girls and children are also more affected when there are water-related disasters such as drought and flood and with distress migration. Their health is affected in so many ways, that range from personal hygiene to physiological and psychological, affecting their pregnancy and the health of the newborn.  

Despite their pivotal role, limited research exists on the effects of nature-based solutions for women, particularly in relation to climate resilience, health, and well-being, bridging gender and inequality gaps and realisation of several SDGs. Recognizing this gap, the TBS-Water, Women, Wellbeing, and Climate Labs (TBS-W3C Labs) has been established under Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) to connect water management, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience through an integrated platform. Well-being is a combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, financial and social health factors.

A Platform for ColLABorative Learning

The TBS- W3C Labs is a space where communities, researchers, students, and stakeholders come together to learn from each other. It’s a platform where grassroots knowledge meets academic research, where communities from rural areas can share their lived experiences with experts and policymakers. By calling it a Lab, we emphasize the co-creation of knowledge, where,

1. Solutions are not imposed from the top but developed collaboratively, with communities playing a central role.
2. Evidence is generated from the ground to inform research, policy, and practice.

Leveraging TBS’s 50-year legacy in decentralized water conservation and community-led development, which offers valuable insights into the myriad effects on women, the W3C Labs will integrate local knowledge and wisdom with modern practices, empowering women to become leaders in climate adaptation. This Lab will prioritize research, training, and community-driven programs that incorporate sustainable water management with gender-sensitive, climate-resilient strategies, addressing the specific needs of rural communities. The lab will explore well acknowledged well-being frameworks to assess community well-being, especially of women.  

Vision and Mission

Vision: To promote women’s health, advance gender equality, and improve community well-being through research and policy on climate-resilient, socially inclusive approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Mission: To center women in climate adaptation by fostering resilient communities through research, advocacy, and the implementation of inclusive, decentralized, and nature-based water and climate solutions that address the unique challenges women face due to water abundance, scarcity, and pollution.

Objectives

Research and Impact Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive studies on women’s roles, experiences, and contributions to grassroots water and climate initiatives.
• Evaluate climate adaptation practices, water conservation solutions, and their impacts on women’s health and socio-economic well-being.
• Collaborate with academic institutions for scientific and systematic researches, developing replicable models based on documented successful practices.

Dialogue for Policy Shaping

• Generate evidence-based insights and advocate for gender-sensitive, community-driven policies on water management and climate resilience.
• Serve as a bridge between communities and policymakers, ensuring that local perspectives inform national and international climate frameworks.
• Engage with the medical fraternity to better understand and to propagate the impact of water security on the health of women, girls and children.
• Engage with stakeholders working on gender issues to mainstream water in their work 

Key Activities

Research and Impact Documentation

• Develop case studies, reports, and mass media publications showcasing successful models of water management and climate resilience spearheaded by women.
• Share findings through policy briefs and case studies to promote scalable, community-centered solutions and advocate for broader policy adoption.
• Facilitate internships, fellowships, and field opportunities, providing students hands-on experience aligned with WWC Centre’s mission.
• The partnership will involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including, all collaborating to drive joint research, knowledge exchange, and policy discussions on water, climate, and women’s empowerment. 

Platforms for Dialogue and Advocacy

• Collaborate with diverse range of stakeholders to raise awareness on water, women, and climate issues, amplifying the W3C Labs impact.
• Organize conferences, workshops, and dialogues to share W3C Labs research, promoting inclusive and sustainable policies.
• Develop training programs and workshops on sustainable water management and community mobilization, with a focus on women and youth.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The WWC Centre will build alliances with but not limited to: 

• Academic Institutions: To strengthen research, engage students, share knowledge, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
• NGOs, CSOs, and Grassroots Organizations: Working in women’s empowerment, water management, and climate resilience to leverage expertise, foster community engagement, and expand impact.
• Government Bodies and Agencies: Including local panchayats, district authorities, state departments, and national ministries, to align with policies, secure support, and facilitate scaling up of community-driven initiatives.
• Private Sector Partners: Engaging in CSR collaborations, funding, resource-sharing, and technical expertise to broaden the scope and reach of WWC Centre activities.
• International Organizations: Such as UN agencies, development banks, and global climate networks, to integrate best practices, secure international funding, and drive global dialogue.
• Community-Based Organizations and Self-Help Groups: To ensure localized, culturally appropriate solutions that empower women, farmers, and marginalized communities.
• Networks of People and Communities: Engaging with networks such as tribal communities, women’s collectives, farmers’ unions, and other social movements to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and drive inclusive action.
• Research and Policy Think Tanks: For knowledge exchange, strategic planning, and influencing water, gender, and climate policies.
• Donors and Philanthropic Foundations: To secure sustainable funding, support innovation, and ensure the long-term viability of projects.
• Media and Communication Networks: For raising awareness, sharing success stories, and driving public engagement on water, women, and climate issues, using both traditional and digital platforms.

By creating a nexus between water, women, health and climate adaptation, the W3C Labs aims to establish a resilient, gender-equitable future where communities are empowered to thrive amidst water and climate challenges. This initiative will not only highlight the strength of women as agents of change but also support policy frameworks that prioritize sustainable solutions grounded in traditional knowledge and community-led actions.