Women Empowerment Project In India

Project Summary

Poverty, social division, and superstitious beliefs victimize thousands of women and young girls in India . Most of these women are from poor families; with few divorced, mostly uneducated as well as a few young girls. These women and young girls have been rehabilitated by various social organizations in areas surrounding Delhi and Alwar (close to Jaipur) – and currently live like orphans in these organizations' homes to protect them while simultaneously bringing these ladies into the mainstream of life by giving them both formal and informal education as well as skills to manufacture crafts and various works arts.

Skill/Qualifications

There are no specific educational experience, skills or qualifications needed to join the women's support project in India . However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient. Volunteers should have a passion and love for poor and exploited women and young girls as well as be creative enough to help them.

Volunteers responsibilities

The women's support project in India aims to help destitute women's groups (comprised of  both young girls and adult women) – helping them rebuild their self esteem in hopes of leading a productive life with their heads held high. Volunteers contribute to a variety of activities, ranging from English-teaching to skill-development training for young girls and adult women. For the group consisting of young girls, you will teach English, organize creative extra-curricular activities (singing, dancing, art instruction, playing). For the group consisting of adult women, you will teach English and help in skill-development (such as stitching and tailoring – skills that will later help these women in their quest to be self-sustainable). Volunteers' help is also expected in creating various publications, writing proposals for funding, and report writing.

Remarks: Unlike schools or orphanages, the women's project in India does not have any fixed schedule or set program. Project activities/schedules change very frequently, so volunteers are required to be highly flexible and patient. Volunteers who have an interest in supporting impoverished girls and destitute women are encouraged to join this project.

Room/Food

IFRE arranges room, food, and supervision for volunteers from the beginning to the conclusion of said program. During the first week's language and cultural immersion program, volunteers stay in IFRE's hostel in Gurgaon (Delhi NCR) where a cook prepares Indian food ( Nan , curry, Dal, chapatti, rice, and pickle). For the duration of the volunteer period, participants stay with host families or at hostels where the women and young ladies benefiting from these projects reside.

IFRE arranges shared rooms (with other international volunteers) as well as a communal bath for volunteers staying with the host family/hostels. IFRE maintains local staff members, office, vehicle, as well as a hostel in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR. Most of IFRE's partner programs are located within a 20-150-mile radius, ensuring IFRE to meet with volunteers as necessary. Volunteers will also have 24/7 access to IFRE's offices and the mobile numbers of the in-country coordinators. IFRE's staff members will also routinely visit participants.