... International Women's Day. On Sunday, March 4, 2012 a group of about 20 women and young women met at Chantal Hilton's home.
International Women's Day will be celebrated on March 8 across India. The Dalit Freedom Network Canada has provided funds for festivities in 3 cities: Pondicherry, Porbander, and Lucknow. These events will gather nearly 4000 women, many from rural villages. DFN is thrilled that these beautiful, courageous, resilient women will have an occasion to join together to celebrate being women.
This is a quote from the Dalit Freedom Network's March newsletter - "Dalit women continue to face disproportionate discrimination, both for their gender and their caste. They are routinely exploited and oppressed, vulnerable to human trafficking and bonded labour. They daily face challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and inequality. However, there is hope: DFN works to decrease these women's vulnerability through education and training. Girls are sent to school, the most effective means of prevention. Adult women are empowered through economic development initiatives, bringing freedom to them and their families."
To honour the Dalit women here in Canada, the Dalit Freedom Network has organized International Women's Day gatherings in several cities during the month of March. Individuals and groups are hosting events in their homes or churches, and one is even taking place in a local shopping mall. These events are an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Dalit women and to learn more about the obstacles they face every day. Most events will feature the documentary "India's Forgotten Women" and include a sale of craft items made by Dalit women in our vocational training centres. Available items include jewelry, silk scarves, purses, and stuffed elephants.
As women from Coast Hills Church we joined with DFN to honor these incredible Dalit women. We watched a movie about the Dalit women, enjoyed some Indian chai tea and appetizers and had an opportunity to purchase beautiful handcrafted items made by these women. We raised $200 to buy a sewing machine and provide tailor training to empower these women.
For more information on the Dalit Freedom Network visit: http://www.dalitfreedom.net