India‘s population has recently surpassed the one billion mark out of which the enormous bulk are considered to be very poor. The situation in Northern India, the most populated, largest and most poverty-stricken region of the country is worsening. In the past years, the number of women living in poverty has increased disproportionately to the number of men living in poverty due to womens’ limited access to power, education, training and economic resources, the rigidity of socially ascribed roles, and importantly, the absence of grassroots women- and farmer-owned and managed organizations. Furthermore, children, particularly girls, are often victims of abuse and are made to work to support themselves and their families.