Women Leading the Way: Rasabeda Community Tourism Initiative (2020)

Women Leading the Way: Rasabeda Community Tourism Initiative (2020) - Image 3

Women Leading the Way: Rasabeda Community Tourism Initiative (2020) - Image 4

In 2020, GRAM Association, in partnership with IIM Ranchi, launched a unique experiment in community-driven, sustainable tourism in the picturesque village of Rasabeda, Jharkhand. At the heart of this initiative was a bold and inspiring goal: to empower rural women by giving them the platform to lead, manage, and benefit from local tourism.

This women-led initiative opened new doors for the community ,economically, socially, and culturally by turning Rasabeda’s everyday life, traditions, and landscapes into a welcoming, immersive experience for visitors.

Key Highlights

Women’s Empowerment Through Leadership
From hosting guests to managing logistics, the entire tourism initiative was designed and operated by local women — fostering economic independence, building confidence, and nurturing leadership in a rural setting.
Celebrating Culture and Identity
The project brought the village together through vibrant celebrations of International Women’s Day and World Tourism Day, showcasing the community’s rich traditions and collective spirit to visitors and dignitaries alike.
Rural Immersion for Urban Learners
Day trips and cultural exchanges were organized for students from IIM Ranchi and other visitors, offering them firsthand insights into authentic rural life, while reinforcing the value of local knowledge and hospitality.

Lasting Impact

Women’s Empowerment Through Leadership
From hosting guests to managing logistics, the entire tourism initiative was designed and operated by local women — fostering economic independence, building confidence, and nurturing leadership in a rural setting.
Celebrating Culture and Identity
The project brought the village together through vibrant celebrations of International Women’s Day and World Tourism Day, showcasing the community’s rich traditions and collective spirit to visitors and dignitaries alike.
Rural Immersion for Urban Learners
Day trips and cultural exchanges were organized for students from IIM Ranchi and other visitors, offering them firsthand insights into authentic rural life, while reinforcing the value of local knowledge and hospitality.

The unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 led to a temporary suspension of the project, prioritizing health and safety. Despite having limited prior experience in managing tourism, the positive response from both villagers and visitors offered valuable lessons and reinforced the potential of community-owned enterprises.