Dalit Women and Girls Receive Health Education

For South Indian women and girls of the Dalit and tribal castes, poverty, and the medical establishment's disregard make health care inaccessible. Without the knowledge to prevent disease through proper nutrition, safe sex precautions, and overall body literacy they are at constant risk for severe illness. Government programs for women in these castes revolve around sterilization and do not provide the education women need to maintain good health. Through this training project, 25 women will become workshop leaders.

After completing health training, these new leaders will conduct one-day workshops for 2500 in small communities throughout South India. This three-year project, which costs $44,550, will provide health awareness for marginalized women whose health has not been addressed. Separate seminars will be held for men and boys to encourage local acceptance of the workshops. Becoming body-literate will enable women without health care to take necessary precautions, attend to minor ailments with herbal and alternative remedies, and recognize serious problems, thereby empowering themselves and ensuring their security.

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