Evolution of the organisation:

D. Sharifa Khanam has been active in the women’s movement in India for nearly two decades. Currently, she initiated STEPS Women’s Development Organization that has its head office in the eastern town of Pudukottai. STEPS – started by Sharifa in 1987 - works on a range of issues: it functions as a short stay space for battered women; it takes up issues of violence against women on an almost daily basis and works with both the local community and police to address individual petitions as well as those involving families and kin groups; it works on women's livelihood issues, land and employment rights.

Our mission

Our mission is to champion the empowerment of women through advocacy, education, and inclusive initiatives. We strive to provide a platform that nurtures leadership, fosters skill development, and promotes economic independence. By cultivating networks, breaking barriers, and amplifying voices, we aim to create sustainable change, eliminate discrimination, and build a future where every woman realizes her full potential.

Our vision

Creating a world where every woman stands empowered, celebrated, and equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive in all aspects of life. We envision a society that recognizes and respects the diverse strengths and contributions of women, fostering a culture of equality, inclusion, and limitless possibilities.