The women members of the dairy co-operatives in the India Development Service had never imagined that they would be able to work together, market their milk and eliminate the middle-trader. This was made possible due to the painstaking organizing activities of the rural development practitioners in IDS and the training programmes the women members of the co-operatives went through. Their image was changed from one of inevitable destiny to confidence in their ability to manage their affairs to improve their socio-economic conditions.