Support Well-Being of Women in South Rajasthan

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for your generous support of Seva Mandir's Women Resource Centres. Because of your kindness, women in the remote tribal villages of South Rajasthan have a safe place where they can seek help, receive guidance, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

One such woman is Surta, from a rural village of southern Rajasthan.

For nearly nine years, Surta lived happily with her husband, Mahendra, and their four daughters. However, influenced by social pressure over not having a son, Mahendra began verbally and physically abusing her. Unable to bear the violence any longer, Surta approached Seva Mandir's Women Resource Centre (WRC) for help.

Soon after, Mahendra took their daughters from Surta's parental home, leaving her deeply distressed. The WRC leaders immediately intervened, counselling Mahendra and explaining how violence and family separation would affect both the children and the family's future. During the discussions, it also emerged that Mahendra's alcohol addiction often led to his violent behaviour. The team worked patiently with him, encouraging him to give up alcohol and rebuild trust within his family.

Although Surta had initially refused to return, continued counselling helped both spouses participate in joint discussions. In the presence of respected community elders and women leaders, they signed a written agreement in which Mahendra committed to giving up violence and alcohol, while the community pledged to hold him accountable if abuse continued. With the support of the Women Resource Centre, the family was reunited.

Your generosity makes stories like Surta's possible. By supporting trusted local women leaders, counselling, and community action, you are helping women find safety, hope, and the confidence to build lives free from violence. Thank you for standing with women and families across rural Rajasthan.

With gratitude,

Team Seva Mandir

Links:

• Seva Mandir's Website
• Seva Mandir Facebook Page
• Friends of Seva Mandir US