Gender Equality India Project #50815

Empowering Women in India at Every Stage of Life

by The Desai Foundation

Summary

The Desai Foundation's holistic approach to elevate the health and livelihood of underserved communities has led to empowerment of women and girls in rural India. Our over 25 sustainable livelihood and health projects have impacted women at every stage of their lives. We organize health/hygiene camps, livelihood programs, and community awareness sessions. These programs prepare women and girls for each life stage and encourage them to dream beyond their circumstances.

$10,000
total goal

$2,070
remaining

23
donors

0
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

Even today, women and girls in rural India do not have access to equal opportunities and basic resources. Girls in our target communities are subjected to perennial cultural stigma, social norms and economic oppression. 23% of the girls who are allowed to attend schools drop out after the onset of puberty due to unavailability of clean toilets and menstrual resources in schools. Over 50% of Indian children don't receive vaccination & are not educated on good health and hygiene practices.

Solution

We empower girls at every stage. Our health camps provide toddlers with vaccinations and medical screening. Our summer camps/Menstrual Hygiene awareness sessions educate young girls about periods, hygiene and nutrition. Our STEM courses have empowered adolescent girls to pursue their dreams in science and technology. Our livelihood projects have built confidence and empowered women to become entrepreneurs. The maternal camps have improved their and children's health status.

Long-Term Impact

Our programs empower women and girls to learn new skills, improve their economic/social conditions, and challenge cultural stigmas. We ensure that women and girls living in remote areas in India have the opportunity to lead dignified lives with access to medical resources, a school with proper toilets, menstrual products, and technology. A global pandemic and national lockdown has not stopped us, and we will continue until every woman and girl is able to dream beyond her circumstances.