Since the very beginning, Usthi has been advocating for a world in which girls and women can build their own future in a free and self-determined way. On International Women’s Day 2021, this cause is unfortunately far from over.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March. While there are many achievements to celebrate in the fight for women’s rights, the commitment to equality and against discrimination and violence is unfortunately still as relevant in 2021 as it was a hundred years ago.

Girls and women around the world still have to overcome countless hurdles and are all too often denied a self-determined life. In India and Nepal, they are often disadvantaged from an early age. And where money is barely enough for the son’s school education, the girl often has to take care of the chores at home or is married off at a young age. Since the beginning, Usthi has campaigned for girls’ access to education. A good school education empowers them to build an independent future.

Violence and sexual assault are no exception and happen not only outside the home but also in the private sphere. Often, women can only escape these adverse circumstances by running away. In India, single women enjoy little respect in society and sometimes struggle to find employment. This exposes them to the danger of human trafficking and inhumane work in the informal sector. With women’s shelters and professional skills training courses in Hyderabad, Usthi is committed to support young women. With the vocational training, the women can take the step towards financial independence and, at best, escape the threats of abuse and violence.

We wish all girls and women around the world a wonderful 8th of March. We will continue our effort for fair access to education and a dignified future for girls and women again this year.