Support Well-Being of Women in South Rajasthan

Dear Friend,

The Short-Stay Home (SSH) is a shelter which seeks to enable women to move out of oppressive and violent situations. It helps rehabilitate women and girls facing different forms of violence through the provision of shelter, medical aid, legal aid, counseling services and educational support to children staying with their mothers. It is an integral component of Seva Mandir's strategy to deal with violence against women and is therefore a very important intervention.

In the past year, many women of various age groups were given shelter along with their children. Of the 105 cases of harassment, addiction, mental illness and desertion by family, 93 were resolved through reconciliation with the husband and family, settlement with parents, counseling, employment and linkages with other organizations. This year, with the support of various workshops including pickle making and hair cutting were organized for the women to build their capacities and confidence.

Analysis of the cases handled by the SSH shows that reporting of violence is increasing and that a high percentage of women are abused by their own families for various reasons. There has been an increase of 30% in the number of women approaching the SSH in the last five years (up from 69 to 90). This can be attributed to the numerous efforts made by the programme team at awareness-building meetings, training sessions and campaigns in urban neighborhoods and rural areas.

Kavita (name changed) is one among the many women who are supported by Seva Mandir. Kavita is from one of the village of our working area, who got married when she was in 10th grade (around the age of 15-16). Her husband was an alcoholic and used to beat her often. Kavita refused to tolerate this violence and returned to her parents' house after a year. She then sat the 12 grade exams and passed. Her husband found her and convinced her to return home. But things didn't improve much. He continued to behave violently so she fled once more to her parents' house. She then had the opportunity to attend a five-day training course on gender and life skills conducted by Seva Mandir. As her husband continued to harass her she decided to not to return to his house. Kavita was then persuaded by the youth leaders and Seva Mandir staff started looking for a job for her. She has now found a job and is currently working as hostel warden in Udaipur.

With your precious support we have been and we will able to translate Seva Mandir's commitment into a meaningful change.

We do hope for your continued support to our Shelter Home. We look forward to receive your feedback and comments. Please do reach out to us at atul.lekhra@sevamandir.org.

With Best Regards

Atul Lekhra and Seva Mandir Team

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Links:

• Seva Mandir's Website
• Seva Mandir's Facebook Page