Empowerment for Women and Girls in India

A non-profit foundation works with women from Dalit communities, who often lack access to education and income. Girls from poor families also often find it difficult to attend school.

The foundation operates women's empowerment centers in Jodhpur, Setrawa, and Jaisalmer, where women typically receive three hours of training in sewing and embroidery, as well as instruction in Hindi, English, and mathematics, in the mornings. Many of these women are attending school for the first time and find a safe learning space and support on their path to financial independence here. They can also often participate in weekly workshops. The same locations are used in the afternoons for primary education, where children from the neighborhood receive instruction in the same subjects and can also participate in workshops.

Additionally, the foundation operates three boarding homes for girls in Jodhpur. Since 2018, the project has also been dedicated to gender minorities. Sunday meetings are held there, providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Occasionally, medical camps and awareness-raising workshops are also organized.

As a volunteer or unpaid intern, you have the opportunity to support this important work and gain insights into Indian culture and the functioning of a non-profit organization. In the educational centers, you can support the local teachers in teaching English and mathematics. Your new ideas and methods are very welcome and often contribute to the organization's development. In the afternoons, you can help the girls in the boarding home with their homework or provide tutoring.

It's also possible to assist in the office in Jodhpur, for example, with fundraising, report writing, or developing workshops. You can do this full-time, or work half-time in the office and spend the rest of your time in one of the other projects.

In the desert village of Setrawa, you can also get involved. There, you can typically work in the women's empowerment center in the mornings and in the primary education program in the afternoons. Additionally/alternatively, you can also teach children from the neighboring tribal community or work as a teacher's assistant in the local government school.

Please note that placements in Setrawa are not always available and must be confirmed. The exact nature of your placement can often be decided on-site.