SAFE HOME PROJECT
A women's shelter, empowering women and girls in rural Hyderabad, India, supported by women in Melbourne, Australia
THE NEED FOR A SHELTER
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The idealised romantic view of rural India is that of a "Peaceful Paradise". But the prevailing patriarchal society ensures that women are subjugated to live a controlled life of dependency. The worst manifestation of this societal oppression is family violence which targets women. Against the anonymity of urban communities where women at least have the possibilities of seeking an independent life, community controlled, rural life does not offer even this limited option to women. The Deccan Development Society which has been working with disadvantaged rural women's groups for the past decade and a half has been acutely aware of the potentially violent and degrading societal attitudes towards women that make them increasingly vulnerable. In this social environment, it is practically impossible for adolescent girls to make a informed choice for their future : they are compelled to marry even before they leave childhood. |
THE SHELTER
| The shelter is to offer a safe haven for women haunted by a helpless feeling of having nowhere to go to escape the trauma of family violence. It is a short stay home for family violence victims and girls who face entrapping early marriage. Up to fifty women can regain self assurance and confidently plan their future : the shelter provides physical and emotional space and a facility for development of vocational and social skills to increase all women's capacity to take control of their lives. |  |
A CALL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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Construction of the shelter commenced early this year and although funding has ben found for building US$ 20,000 is required for ongoing costs: maintaining the facilities and programmes. Here in Melbourne, Australia women have taken up the challenge to raise money for the SAFE HOME PROJECT and are inviting others around the globe to do the same. No donation is too small as the total effect will be great: the means for women to escape the violence that has traumatised their minds and bodies, to build a new empowered life.
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DR. VIJAY RUKMINI RAO (CHAIRPERSON, DDS) CAN BE CONTACTED AT
ddshyd@hd1.vsnl.net.inTHE WOMEN'S SUPPORT NETWORK IN MELBOURNE :
Dr Lynette Dumble l.dumble@hps.unimelb.edu.auOnnie Wilson mok@connexus.net.au
VISIT THE WEB SITES OF THE MELBOURNE SUPPORT GROUPS
..............GLOBAL SISTERHOOD NETWORK & WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL NETWORK.....
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| GSN____. .____WIN |
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE DECCAN DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY IN ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, VISIT THE DDS SITE
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