The Centre for Women’s Development Studies (CWDS) is a pioneering institution committed to promoting gender justice and advancing women’s rights through research, advocacy, and capacity-building. Established with the aim of integrating feminist perspectives into development and policy discourse, CWDS has been a crucial force in shaping the academic and activist landscape of women’s studies in India. The Centre undertakes both macro and micro-level research projects, drawing from diverse disciplines to explore issues such as rural livelihoods, health, education, work, and political participation. CWDS is also known for its collaborative approach, partnering with academic institutions, grassroots organizations, and policy bodies to amplify the voices of marginalized women. With a strong emphasis on field-based inquiry and participatory research methods, CWDS continues to generate evidence-based insights to inform policy reforms and social transformation. The Vina Mazumdar Memorial Fund (VMMF), established in memory of Dr. Vina Mazumdar—a pioneer in women’s studies in India and founding member of CWDS—supports the next generation of feminist scholars through research fellowships that uphold her legacy of critical inquiry and social engagement.

The Vina Mazumdar Memorial Fund – Short-term Research Grants 2025–2026 aims to support original research on the theme “Reading the Changes in Rural Women’s Employment.” This initiative seeks to encourage young scholars to examine the evolving roles of women in rural workspaces, particularly in the agricultural sector. The grant supports a wide range of research approaches including micro-studies, macro-data analysis, village-level fieldwork, and oral histories. Key areas of interest include the rise of women’s employment in agriculture, shifts in household gender dynamics, women’s responses to changing cropping patterns and technologies, climate change impacts, caste and community influences, and access to non-farm jobs. Additionally, scholars are encouraged to assess how policy frameworks and women’s collectives are shaping these transitions. This short-term grant offers scholars a platform to critically assess the intersections of gender, work, caste, class, and social change, contributing to a deeper understanding of rural realities and gendered transformations in contemporary India. Up to Rs. 1 Lakh will be awarded per grant, with 30% designated for travel and fieldwork expenses.