Empower Women in India

The Problem

The facts are these: 44.5% of Indian girls are married before the age of 18, with around 100 million women and girls estimated to be victims of human trafficking. 48% of the population in India are women, of which over 70% of them are victims of domestic violence. Gender inequality is sadly part and parcel of everyday life, especially among the poor. Out of 136 countries, India is ranked at 101 for women’s empowerment based on social, economic and political parameters. A crime against a woman is committed every three minutes, and, tragically, rape is exceedingly common, with one occurring every 29 minutes.

The Goal

With so much to contend with, projects that help promote empowerment are vital for the survival of these women, many of whom are suffering in silence. By granting them access to healthcare, education and income generating skills, which will enable them to support themselves and their children, you are not only saving a life but changing the way a whole generation of women will live. The women’s empowerment program will place you in local girls schools, community centres or local charities, to assist with English language classes and life coaching, as well as to conduct health workshops and soft skill development such as computer training. Volunteers will be working independently or in groups, in both group sessions as well as one to one. Project staff will be present at all times, and will supply resources and guidelines on what to do.

Your Role

A typical day on the women’s empowerment project will consist of a traditional breakfast provided on the project site, followed by a day spent within your chosen community with women of all ages. Local transport will be available to pick you up and drop you off at the project every day. Work within the project can vary widely, from teaching English in a classroom to educating them about women’s health. Lunch is taken within the project, during which the project manager may liase with you to give you advice or guidance. The afternoons can be spent doing sports or teaching the women to use a computer with confidence. The day will finish around 5pm. Weekends will be yours to do as you will; take the opportunity to explore the endless activities and sightseeing options which culture- and history-rich India has to offer.

Accomodation

The accommodation on this project will be a homestay or a guardian involved in the project, and you will be placed in a central part of town. This allows you to take full advantage of the local amenities such as cafes, the local market and supermarkets. Most accommodations will have wi-fi, and if you’re sharing a family home, you will have shared access to their kitchen and living space.  Basic resources such as paper, colour pencils or pens are available locally. Feel free to bring any additional resources relevant to this project.

Requirements

The price for this trip includes airport pickup and drop off, twin sharing accommodation, breakfast and dinner, training and orientation on arrival, 24/7 local staff support, project costs, and a cooking class. It does not include flights, visas, insurance documents or weekend excursions.To take part in this volunteer program, you will need to be over 18 years old and mentally and physically fit. A TEFL qualification is preferred, but not necessary, as is any previous experience working with disadvantaged women.

If you want to do whatever you can for these women, join our Women Empowering programs now.