About CEDOW
Empowering Communities, One Program at a Time
The Center for Empowerment and Development of Women (CEDOW) was first formed in December 1998. Our focus has always been on women empowerment, helping shape communities and to encourage women to be self-reliant. We are a dedicated collective of professionals, volunteers and change-makers who wish to work on the grassroots level of society and help uplift vulnerable populations. We wish to foster communities by providing them resources they need to improve their lives in the form of special training and vocational programs. We have been awarded and feted extensively for our achievements and we wish to continue transforming empathy to actionable results.
Excellence Behind Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Aluri
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Aluri is the heart and soul of CEDOW. She is a visionary – an exceptional leader who understands the importance of women-centric programs and is a tireless advocate for the social, mental and community-powered upliftment of women. It is her strategic thinking that has allowed this organization to reach new heights, with each passing year. She has fostered an environment of immense collaboration and accountability, as she believes that we need to work with different people, for their betterment.
Visionary Leadership
Decades of Experience
Exceptional Experience
People-Centered Approach
Proven Track Record
People Behind The Scenes
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Aluri
Doctor and Social Activist Managing Trustee
Sri. R. Adinarayana Rao
Retired Govt. Officer from Ministry of Petroleum Trustee
Sri. Y.D. Rama Rao
Social Work Trustee
Smt. N. Usharani
Retired Lecturer in Govt. Polytechnic College, Kakinada Trustee
Mrs. N. Bhanumathi
Social Worker Trustee
We are powered by a very hands-on, passionate team that focuses on different aspects – Healthcare, Social Work, Education and Social Activism. We work with empathy and drive to deliver high-impact solutions.
Awards & Recognitions
Winner of World Bank’s Innovative Projects Competition- India Development Marketplace (IDM) IN 2004 for Project Tiled “Adolescent Girls as Promoters of Basics in Health, Hygiene and Nutrition” where CEDOW got a grant of $20000 from the World Bank.
Profilic Author Award
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Hon. President of India - New Delhi- Valedictory function of World Bank Competition
Receiving Memento as Winner of World Bank Competition from Regional Vice President
Prestigious Palli Palem Award
Health Camps
CEDOW organizes regular health camps to ensure that quality healthcare reaches underserved communities. These camps offer free check-ups, screenings, consultations, and health education—promoting early intervention and healthier living.
- Cardiac Health Camps
- Dental Health Camps
- Dermatology Health Camps
- Eye Health Camps
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Check ups and Pregnancy care
- Bone Density Test
- Cancer Screening Camp
- Blood Test Camp
- Free Cleft Lip Surgery Camp
Training Programs
CEDOW’s training programs equip individuals—especially women and youth
with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and lead confident, self-sufficient lives.
Health Volunteer Training
Teaching adolescent girls and women about their biology, health and sexuality takes precedence for us as that will teach community to respect women and stop engaging in discriminatory behaviour, violence on women sexual abuse. We have conducted workshops, guest lectures, seminars and workshops to drive home that important point.
Vocational Training for Youth
Teaching the youth to be independent and wise about making the right choices regarding employment, so they will acquire financial independence at a young age. We teach youngsters to be confident, set goals and work towards achieving them in a systematic manner.
Women’s Entrepreneurship
Hands-on training programs for women to pick up skills related to tailoring, embroidery, typewriting, cane work, fashion design, zari work, darning, fabric painting, soft toy making and as beauticians, accountancy etc. were provided.
CEDOW Voices
Stories, Insights & Impact From the Ground
Books Launched
CEDOW proudly publishes and launches books that support our mission of education, awareness, and empowerment. These works serve as valuable tools for communities, educators, and development professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
CEDOW - The Center for Empowerment and Development of Women is a philanthropic organization founded by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Aluri in 1998. We have come a long way since then and have worked mainly on empowering women, adolescents and the youth, so that they can take better care of themselves and the community as a whole.
CEDOW activities focus on 3 main concerns- Health Empowerment of women and teens, Gender empowerment of women and Economic Empowerment of women and youth.
CEDOW was founded by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Aluri, who is a very well known gynaecologist and writer. She has over 50 years of medical experience and is an avid social worker. Education and empowerment of women has been a life long project and goal for her and CEDOW has worked tirelessly towards achieving these lofty goals.
Yes, all of our training programs are free and are aimed at improving community health and well-being.
We have had several health camps- free eye checkups, blood, cardiac health, dental, obstetrics and gynaecology and have provided free vaccinations and surgeries where needed.
Consistency is our motto- and we have done this over these years by providing scholarships to underprivileged girls in various schools. We have also continued to invest in education of young women- by giving Cash Awards and citations to the best outgoing girl student of 7 colleges at Kakinada, including Rangaraya Medical college, JNTUk, Girls Polytechnic College etc. This is in addition to the services provided in collaboration with other charitable organisations.
