Women's Homes - Stiftung Usthi

5 residential communities, 50 places in the women's homes, 18 skills training courses

CONTEXT

Although India’s sexual offences legislation was strengthened in 2013, protection remains insufficient and sexual abuse continues to be a widespread problem. Women, in particular, are at risk of experiencing exploitation and violence. Furthermore, despite an official ban, young women are still being forced into prostitution in temple complexes. The so-called joginis are often handed over to temples as young girls, where they face systematic exploitation and sexual violence. For many of the women affected, leaving this violent environment is the only path to safety.

FINDING SAFETY IN WOMEN’S HOMES

Women’s homes provide a safe environment for victims of abuse and violence. In five shared accommodation units, the women live together and receive support from trained counsellors and psychologists, with medical care available when needed. During their stay, the women can also take part in employable skills training, equipping them with practical skills to build independent and self-determined lives. The project aims to strengthen the women’s self-confidence and resilience while enabling long-term financial independence.

In addition, the project team runs an awareness campaign to inform communities about the protection offered by women’s homes and to promote greater understanding among the local population.

Women affected by domestic violence receive support in leaving their abusive environment.

Trained ‘house mums’ become trusted confidantes.

The employable skills training opens up new opportunities and perspectives.

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It is always a special moment when women move out and get in touch with us a few months later to share the hopeful steps they are taking in this new chapter of their lives.

Varalaxmi supports the young women in the women’s homes as a ‘house mum’ and has become a trusted confidante to many of them.

FINDING NEW HOPE AT THE WOMEN’S HOMES

At the age of 13, Parvati Sharma* was forced into prostitution by her parents-in-law. For years, she found no help within her immediate environment and saw no way out—until she learnt about the women’s homes through the awareness campaign. After her arrival, the professional project team worked closely with Parvati. “In the evenings she couldn’t settle down; she would sit on the bed, made up and dressed, and wait,” recalls a staff member who took care of the traumatised girl. “We often cried together.” During her nine-month stay, Parvati completed employable skills training courses in beauty therapy, textile work and English. Meanwhile, her son was able to stay at the children’s home on the same campus and is now attending school. After completing her employable skills training, the young woman found a job and now lives independently.

*To protect the young woman’s privacy, her name has been changed.

The Women’s Homes project was funded by the Migros Aid Fund.