Project for Gender Equality

Project for Gender Equality

Surprisingly and unfortunately, even in the so-called progressive state of Maharashtra, women are often victimized by domestic violence. Particularly in rural areas, barring very few exceptions, women frequently suffer from physical, mental, economic, and sexual hardships and abuse. Child marriages are also normal nowadays. This exploitation of women is in immense numbers. These women do not find a way of freedom or escape from their forced, hard lives. Even the future of their children is shadowed by their miseries. The issues of their secure upbringing are grave. Considering the social, religious, and economic pressure of long-standing customs and traditions, Manaswini took an initiative in the generation of awareness among the sections of families and homes in villages by uniting groups of like-minded people from male and female villagers. This has shaped many activities, as follows: Sajag Graam Samitee (Sensitized Village Committee) Strengthening the positions of women in their family Legal awareness camps and training Maher Melawas (Conventions like Maiden Homes) Conscious and Generous Companionship The shocking seriousness and gravity of the effects of domestic violence on women were evident by data obtained through a baseline survey, which unveiled an alarming truth about women's sufferings due to domestic violence across the cross-section of society, among all the classes, castes, sects and sectors. Hence, to ensure security for women in their own homes, Village Committees were formed. The members of this committee are offered training in legal processes and gender awareness, facilitating the functioning of resolving issues on the village level. So far, a good number (more than 250) of cases have been handled and resolved successfully by such committees in various villages.