The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is a premier national organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is dedicated to promoting research in social sciences across the country. ICSSR supports high-quality research that aims to understand and address India’s pressing socio-economic and cultural challenges. The Council offers funding opportunities, fellowships, capacity-building programs, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the research ecosystem. Through various initiatives and special calls, ICSSR encourages innovative and impactful studies that contribute to the development of knowledge and policy solutions. It also aims to bring forward diverse voices and perspectives, especially from underrepresented regions and communities. The Council operates through a network of research institutes and recognized institutions, playing a key role in shaping academic discourse and promoting socially relevant research in India. With a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, ICSSR continually supports the academic community in producing evidence-based insights that can drive national and regional development. In this special initiative, the Council emphasizes women-led research efforts, recognizing the essential role women play in shaping sustainable and inclusive growth in India.

The “Punyashloka Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Special Call for Women-Led Research on Women-Led Development” is an initiative by ICSSR aimed at empowering women researchers to lead impactful studies that focus on the contributions and leadership of women in various sectors. This grant seeks to foreground the experiences and voices of women from different regions and communities, recognizing their role in driving sustainable change. Research proposals are encouraged to explore areas such as political participation, economic development, environmental sustainability, technology, education, grassroots leadership, health, culture, and more. The core emphasis is on evidence-based research that documents women’s lived realities, leadership experiences, and their roles in addressing societal challenges. Proposals should incorporate methodologies such as participatory rural appraisal (PRA), community mapping, and narrative documentation. The grant supports studies that not only explore development through a gendered lens but also contribute to policy and practical solutions for inclusive development. The project duration is set for 12 months and offers financial support up to INR 25 Lakhs to successful applicants. This call offers a significant opportunity for women researchers to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on women-led development in India.