16 DAYS of Activism is an annual global campaign that runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th to Human Rights Day on December 10th. This global initiative aims to raise awareness on gender based violence and advocate for the prevention and elimination of such violence. In India, the campaign holds significant importance as the country, like many other countries around the world, grapples with persistent issues of violence against women. During these 16 days, various events and activities are organized across India to shed light on the prevalence of gender based violence and promote discussions on how to combat it. Workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns are conducted to engage communities, educate individuals and challenge the societal norms that contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women.
In India, NGOs play a crucial role in the fight against gender based violence. Many NGOs are dedicated to providing support to survivors, raising awareness and working towards policy changes. Individuals can contribute to this cause by donating to these NGOs, thereby supporting their efforts in making strides against gender-based violence.
Here are 5 NGOs that you can support which address and prevent gender based violence:
Guria
Guria, founded by the indefatigable Manju and her husband Ajeet Singh, stands as a shining light in the battle against gender based violence and the sexual exploitation of girls, particularly minors, in India. For over two decades, Manju has been at the forefront of rescuing young girls forced into prostitution, witnessing firsthand the unspeakable horrors they endure. The NGO is based in Varanasi and confronts traffickers head-on, rescuing and rehabilitating victims while actively working to shut down illegal brothels and prosecute traffickers.
Since its inception in 1993, Guria has rescued over 5,500 individuals from slavery, sex trafficking and child prostitution. Despite facing violent backlash from traffickers and vested interests, Manju remains undeterred in her mission against gender based violence. Guria not only rescues girls but also provides essential support, including legal advocacy, education, vocational training and other facilities until they can be reunited with their families. Despite its remarkable impact, Guria faces financial challenges that hinder its ability to rescue more girls and provide comprehensive care. The NGO relies on donations to continue its critical work, emphasizing the importance of public support in the fight against the sex trafficking of women and minors. Guria’s tireless efforts exemplify a commitment to eradicating the heinous crime of sexual exploitation and offering survivors a chance at a new life. To alleviate gender based violence and support Guria, you can donate here.
Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation
Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation, spearheaded by the resilient acid attack survivor Daulat Bi Khan, is dedicated to rewriting the narratives of those who have endured the unimaginable pain of acid attacks. Drawing from her own harrowing experience, Daulat initiated this NGO to extend a lifeline to survivors, providing not only shelter and care but also life-changing surgeries that can offer them a chance at physical and emotional recovery. Daulat’s personal journey, marred by an acid attack orchestrated by her brother-in-law, highlights the criminal nature of gender based violence.
From a financially constrained background, Daulat and her sisters struggled to afford treatment in a government hospital, where they still had to pay for their room. Daulat Bi Khan recounts her near-death experience when she was declared dead by doctors and then was miraculously revived. This fueled her determination to help fellow acid attack survivors. Today, Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation tirelessly works to ensure that victims receive comprehensive support, including medical care, shelter, food, legal aid and assistance in rebuilding their lives through livelihood support. However, the financial burden of this noble cause is one that Daulat cannot shoulder alone. She urges everyone to stand with the NGO and emphasizes the importance of donations to facilitate urgently needed surgeries and support. By donating generously, individuals can contribute to the healing and empowerment of acid attack survivors, offering them a fresh start in life. To alleviate gender based violence and support Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation, you can donate here.
Sayodhya Home for Women in Need
Established in 2010 by a compassionate group of women employees working with children at risk, Sayodhya Home for Women in Need is a guiding hand for women escaping the clutches of gender based violence. Witnessing a distressing rise in incidents of violence against women and children leading to homelessness and destitution, the initiative sought to address this alarming issue. Sayodhya Home for Women in Need functions as a safe shelter for women in distress, serving as a vital transit refuge for women and children fleeing various forms of abuse – physical, sexual and emotional – especially those without any social support. At the core of the mission of Sayodhya Home for Women in Need is the belief that every survivor of domestic violence deserves a safe and secure home, with the capacity to shape their violence-free future.
The NGO prioritizes psycho-social counseling and training, recognizing the importance of creating an environment that aids victims in recovering from the traumatic effects of victimization. By imparting an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and relationship difficulties, Sayodhya Home for Women in Need aims to empower survivors, fostering skills and confidence crucial for independent and self-sufficient livelihoods. Beyond individual rehabilitation, Sayodhya Home for Women in Need actively contributes to the broader societal cause of eradicating gender discrimination and violence. The NGO provides training in counseling to the younger generation and youth, amplifying its impact by addressing the root causes and working towards a future free from gender-based violence. To alleviate gender based violence and support Sayodhya Home for Women in Need, you can donate here.
Maitri
Maitri, under the dedicated leadership of Winnie Singh, stands as a compassionate force in Vrindavan, rescuing widowed mothers from the harsh realities of abandonment and gender based violence. In the city where devotion meets despair, Winnie Singh’s Project Jeevan strives to address the plight of elderly mothers left to survive on the streets after being forsaken by their families. The heartbreaking phenomenon of children abandoning their widowed mothers underscores a disturbing societal trend where financial concerns take precedence over familial bonds. Many of these elderly mothers, seeking solace in prayer and devotion, end up living in impoverished conditions on the streets and in dingy rooms. Maitri, despite its aspirations to care for every widow in need, faces financial constraints that limit its reach.
Project Jeevan steps in to provide crucial support, offering nutritious meals, accessible physical and mental health services, quality aged care and assisted living support. These initiatives aim not only to improve the health and well-being of these abandoned mothers but also to raise awareness about their struggles. Winnie passionately appeals for support to sustain Maitri’s efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for nutritious food, clothing and healthcare for these vulnerable women. By extending a helping hand, supporters have the power to rescue hundreds of widowed mothers from a life of begging, restoring the respect, dignity and identity they rightfully deserve. To alleviate gender based violence and support Maitri, you can donate here.
SENEH
Bhavada Devi Memorial Philanthropic Trust SENEH is led by an indomitable ex-Air Force officer named Group Captain AC Barua and serves as a sanctuary for 28 destitute women facing abandonment and homelessness. Group Captain Barua is affectionately called Deuta, which means father in Assamese, and passionately dedicates himself to fighting gender based violence by rescuing these vulnerable women from the perilous streets. Many of the residents at SENEH suffer from memory loss and mental health conditions, often labeled as witches due to superstitious beliefs, leading to beatings and abandonment. Group Captain Barua not only rescues them from critical conditions but provides urgent medical care, nutritious food, and, above all, a safe and loving shelter. One resident named Sarala Kalita shares her journey of escaping the tortures of her alcoholic husband, only to face neglect from her own family.
SENEH became a haven where she found joy in singing and a new lease on life. However, Group Captain Barua cannot sustain SENEH alone, and with residents aging and requiring more care, the financial strain is increasing. Despite his unwavering commitment, the resources at SENEH are limited and the daily challenges are growing. Urgently appealing for support, he emphasizes that one act of kindness can save these abandoned women from struggling on the streets. Donations to this fundraiser are crucial to rescue and provide for these women who have no one in the world, ensuring they do not die forgotten on the streets. Group Captain Barua pleads with folded hands for help, recognizing that collective generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of those who are dying, unnoticed and uncared for. To alleviate gender based violence and support SENEH, you can donate here.
Fight gender based violence on Give.do
By contributing financially to reputable NGOs working in the area of gender based violence against women, individuals can help fund programs that provide shelter and rehabilitation for survivors, conduct educational initiatives and advocate for policy changes to strengthen legal frameworks against gender-based violence. These donations can make a tangible impact, enabling NGOs to expand their reach and intensify their efforts in eradicating violence against women. 16 Days of Activism serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address gender based violence globally. In India, active participation in this campaign and supporting NGOs through donations can be instrumental in fostering a society free from violence and discrimination, ultimately working towards a more equitable and just world.
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