Sampat Pal Devi, leader of the "Gulabi Gang" a women's rights group in Bundelkhand, India.
But some women is banding together to break the cycle and fight for women's rights. One group comes dressed in bright pink saris, and they call themselves the Gulabi Gang. Another is a team of female journalists whoo publish a rural paper, all written and distributed by women. Both projects have gained enormous respect within their communities and beyond.
They show that with inspiration, guts and intelligence, promoting women's rights can bring about positive change and support for both women and men in society.
The report was compiled in coproduction between IGNOU, New Delhi, and Deutsche Welle
Report: Anwar J.Ashraf/ Nina Haase