In the Muslim-dominated slum of Hyderabad, young women have a difficult time generating income due to the “purdah” system which prevents them from leaving the slum. In order to become self-sufficient, these women, between 16 and 22 years of age, will receive training in sewing and embroidery, then form a cooperative to pool their resources, and market their products effectively.
Studies conducted by RAHI amongst women college students in India have shown that incest/child sexual abuse is prevalent and impacts their lives. Due to silence on this issue, there is little information, training or services. Young women want access to information and healing resources and feel the need to be engaged in social action for prevention and intervention.
In the Addagutta slum, where residents live below the poverty line without drinking water or streetlights, mothers work on construction jobs or as domestic help, and only 34% of girls attend school, the desire to improve circumstances is intense. However, slowly, impoverished mothers have begun to support Vikasini and enrollment has grown from 15 to 41 in its first year.
UNIFEM is supporting local NGO activities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan during the 16 Days campaign, which highlight the correlation between violence against women, HIV/AIDS and trafficking in women and girls.
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.
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.
An Indian delegation of peace activists, social workers and artistes will cross the border at Wagah to participate in the 10th anniversary of from September 3 to 5. PIPFPD activists from both countries will participate in the celebrations titled 'Peace and democracy now' and Pakistani PIPFPD activists have started reaching Lahore. A PIPFPD national convention is also scheduled as part of the celebrations.
