Empowering Communities.
Creating Opportunities.
Transforming Lives.

The Story That Changed Everything

As a young girl, Madhu Birmole accompanied her mother, who worked as a domestic worker. One day, tea was served to them in a broken cup. She innocently asked, "Why are we given tea in a broken cup?" Her mother's quiet reply was, "Because we work for them." But another question followed. "If we don't go to work, who will do their work?" No one had an answer.

That unanswered question stayed with her and eventually became the beginning of a movement for dignity, labour rights and social justice.

From One Question to a Movement

Marriage did not end her dream — it strengthened it. With the encouragement of Mr. Laxman Birmole, she began meeting domestic workers, listening to their experiences and bringing women together to build a collective voice.

This effort grew into the Kashtakari Gharkamgar Sanghatana (Domestic Workers Union), where women received:

• Legal awareness
• Leadership opportunities
• Rights-based training
• Collective representation
• Confidence to participate in public movements

This marked the beginning of a larger struggle for recognition and dignity for domestic workers.

Creating Change Beyond the Community

Years of advocacy led to significant policy-level achievements. Highlights include:

• Demand for a dedicated Domestic Workers Law.
• Establishment of the Domestic Workers Welfare Board.
• Appointment of Mrs. Madhu Birmole as a Board Member.
• Recognition of domestic workers through welfare initiatives.
• Introduction of identity cards and welfare schemes.

The movement also included peaceful public campaigns and mass participation by thousands of women to advocate for workers' rights.

Birth of Jagori Foundation

While legal recognition was an important milestone, another challenge remained. Communities also needed:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Livelihood opportunities
• Leadership development
• Awareness of government schemes

To address these broader needs, Jagori Foundation Charitable Trust was established in 2009, expanding the mission from workers' rights to holistic community development.