Rural Indian Women Organize Violence Prevention

Though women throughout Medak have formed local watchdog groups, as day laborers making less than $1/day, they can't afford to take time off work to lobby effectively for their safety. Thus far, they have only been able to take reactive measures when violence occurs, such as taking victims to the hospital, tracking down the culprits, and turning them in to the authorities. Funding a proactive lobbying campaign will raise awareness, provide protection, and reduce violent attacks.

G.Vijaya, a local woman from the "untouchable" caste, will organize the effort to print and mail letters, travel to meet with local officials, and hold awareness meetings for locals, in a push for tougher laws and improved protection. This two-year lobbying campaign, which costs $6,600, will reach community members, local government officials, local police, and the district magistrate. Over 1100 women from 30 villages have banded together to advocate for women's right to safety.

To learn more and/or contribute to this project, please click HERE, or contact Sangeetha Pearl, Communications Officer, Nirnaya, #11 Deepti Apts., S.P. Road, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500 026, India, Tel: 91-40-27804361.