Life situation of widows in the rural areas is quite deplorable. They are ill-treated and are forced to accept and live subhuman existence. They face social exclusion and harassment. They are discouraged from wearing good clothes or applying any make up. Though legally they have equal rights, society shows disparity, restricts their social behaviour and does not approve of their remarriage. Bala Vikasa decided to bring about an attitudinal change in the society, end social disparity, stop suicides among widows and ensure social justice to them. Special sessions for widows were held to help them face life bravely and to move forward in life confidently. They were encouraged to live normal lives, like other women. Bala Vikasa women are helping change society’s attitude towards widows.
Reach/Results
45000 people attended special awareness meetings where issues concerning widows were discussed. 10233 widows also attended these meetings.
150 deserving young widows are receiving regular training programs with the aim to empowering them.
Yoga healing classes and Neuro Linguistic Programming(NLP) sessions are also provided to bring abouta change in their attitudes and helpbuild confidence in themselves.
Widows have been encouraged to remarry and lead normal lives.
Impacts
Sensitization meetings have helped bring about positive change in the attitude of the widows, as well as in the attitude of the society. There is a semblance of decreasing discrimination against widows and an increase in the tendency to treat them as equals. Widows are gradually becoming more inclusive at home and in their communities. Empowerment has helped widows to live life like other women.
45000 people attended special awareness meetings where issues concerning widows were discussed. 10233 widows also attended these meetings. 