PSA is a four decade old network. We believe that real social change takes time to build and achieve and it is important to build capacities of communities for this. We work with traditional and small-scale fishworkers, adivasis (Scheduled Tribes) and other traditional forest workers, women fishworkers, engaged in fish vending and other traditional livelihood activities in coastal areas, historically oppressed communities, minorities and vulnerable sections within these, Dalit and landless communities, bamboo workers, migrant workers (with a special focus on children, adolescent girls), handloom weavers, domestic workers, many from indigenous communities employed in cities, and green recyclers (communities of rag pickers in urban areas). We focus on women’s rights and the need for education in society as a whole, along with engaging with the youth.
The focus areas of PSA have been on natural resource based communities largely in the context of education and awareness of communities specifically with regards to implementation of laws and policies meant for the poor and marginalized.
Our work focuses on research assistance, think-tank facilitation, media support, emergency support, etc. This is apart from the network facilitation PSA offers to multiple groups, partner organisations.
The functioning of the organisation is centrally handled by the secretariat that includes ideation for programmes with groups and the coordination of the programmatic initiatives. A working collective operates with the General Secretary of PSA from Delhi.
Please find below a brief overview of PSA’s work:-