Help break the cycle: Empower children of Devadasi women through education

Devadasi system—it’s a tradition that goes back to the sixth century but was outlawed less than 50 years ago and continues to force young girls into sex work in modern-day India. Instead of being ‘dedicated’ to deities, young girls are subject to awful abuse in the name of an ancient practice.

Even 'Devadasis' who work as sex workers and want their children never to be part of the system, are sometimes forced to "dedicate" girls because of poverty. The young girls who are Devadasi children often face stigma, and lack of support, and live in extreme poverty.

Children of India Foundation firmly believes that this can be addressed through a focused education support initiative. Supporting the education of children from Devadasi families is a crucial step in addressing the deep-rooted issues associated with this harmful practice.

And you can help the Children of India Foundation in tackling the problem head-on with your regular donations. Please support.

Charitable donations to this fundraising campaign are tax exempted under 80G of the Income Tax Act (India).

How the intervention works

The proposed intervention not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for long-term positive change, empowering the next generation to overcome socio-economic hurdles and contribute meaningfully to society. Here's how the proposed intervention can make a positive impact:

1) Addressing stigma & discrimination: Providing education support can create a positive impact by enabling children of Devadasis to attend school regularly. By participating in the educational system, these children can build relationships with peers and teachers, reducing the stigma associated with their background.

2) Providing necessary support: Education support includes not only academic resources but also emotional and social support, creating a conducive environment for learning. Support programs can involve counselling services, mentorship, and community outreach to ensure that these children have the necessary backing to succeed in school.

3) Alleviating poverty: By addressing financial barriers, such as providing school supplies and transportation, the intervention directly tackles the economic challenges faced by these families. Education support can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering children with the tools they need for a better future.

4) Empowerment through education: Education is a powerful tool for empowerment. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the limitations imposed by their background. Graduating from high school and pursuing higher education can open up new avenues for these children, helping them escape the vulnerabilities associated with the Devadasi system.

5) Breaking the cycle: The intervention aims to break the generational cycle by providing a pathway for the children of Devadasis to lead lives independent of the harmful practices prevalent in their communities. Education support not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also has a broader impact on the community, fostering positive change.

Childre of India Foundation has been relentlessly working to end the exploitation under this archaic system since 2019. We have placed 700 children of Devadasis in jobs and sent 1,500 girls who were out-of-school back to learning.

We need your support to save 200 vulnerable girls from a dark future. Support us regularly so that we can succeed in our mission. Donate monthly.