Nirnaya gives women and girls of India's Dalit or 'untouchable' class control over their health though workshops on nutrition and reproductive health, while reviving traditional herbal remedies.
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.
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 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.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
