Geneva: Sambhali trust brings Rajasthan women’s stories of change

Mar 27, 2026

An event titled “The Desert Daughters of India: Supporting Marginalised Women, including Asylum Seekers” was held at the Maison Internationale des Associations (MIA) in Geneva on Thursday evening. Organised by the Sambhali Trust, the event brought together participants to discuss community-led initiatives aimed at empowering women through traditional crafts, education, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Rajasthan, India. Held at Salle Allende, the session highlighted the challenges faced by marginalised women, including asylum seekers, while showcasing grassroots solutions that have enabled them to achieve economic independence and social dignity. Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of preserving traditional crafts as a means of livelihood, alongside expanding access to education and skill development programmes. The discussion also underlined the role of community-driven models in creating long-term impact. Sambhali Trust has been working for over 17 years to support women, children, and gender minorities through a range of initiatives focused on education, vocational training, and social inclusion. The organisation is accredited with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, further strengthening its engagement in global dialogues on human rights and sustainable development. The event concluded with an interactive session, where attendees exchanged ideas on scaling such initiatives