Maharashtra, a state in west-central India, faced its worst drought in more than 40 years last year. While nothing can ultimately wring water from desiccated land, Swayam Shikshan Prayog ensured that more than 72,000 women were empowered to effectively navigate the conditions. For years, the organization has promoted sustainable agriculture, enabling women to obtain land and engage in a form of mixed-crop, organic farming that uses little water. For many women, it gave them economic independence and allowed them to build cooperatives with like minded women.