Educate and Empower 450 girls in West Bengal

Mina, project leader on the ground explains the crucial role that volunteers of Nishtha play in delivering the project’s activities – their struggle, determination, courage, and the fruits of their efforts. In Mina’s own words -

 "They have taken action to improve their environment, speak up against violence, and advocate for their rights. The women’s groups (Called Mahila Mandals) have mounted successful campaign against violence and alcoholism and have promoted community participation in all aspects of village decision making. These grass root groups have broadened the social network. The members of the groups, majority of whom are illiterate vegetable vendors and agriculture labourers, maid servants, and of whom a large number had sustained torture and humiliation everyday in their life; have not only brought themselves out of darkness, but have also given relief to fellow victimised women and brought them to light too.

Nishtha volunteers have built up groups of volunteers on different age group. The members of these groups are trained and oriented on various aspects to fight injustice against women and girls. As a result of four-tier pyramid groups and their grass root level work there has been significant reduction of reported cases of violence, atrocities and gender based discrimination against women.

Over the decades Nishtha has been working with the ever deprived girl children and women of the society. There are signs of improvement and changes. The poor women, members of the volunteer groups have to starve if they do not work for a day, have to work for 15 to 16 hours a day to earn two square meals. These women with their sincere love and devotion are putting their efforts to save the lives of their fellow deprived and tortured sisters. These women have never received any appreciation or recognition from any level; they do not expect recognition either. But these volunteers are the real ‘Heroes of the Day’ to us and to the victim women who received support and help from them."