BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
About a month ago, a good friend of mine invited me to join her for a fundraiser in Denver for the Shadhika Project. All I knew was that they were an organization working diligently to not only send girls in India to college, but more importantly, they address gender inequality by investing in the education, empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of young women and by teaching young men to respect women and girls. Their efforts, funding and support, empower at-risk young women to realize their aspirations for a better future! So yes, you could say this was a project I was eager to learn more about and thus bring attention to their plight.
Upon entering the Posner Center in Curtis Park, we were taken aback by this well preserved historic building, not only for the beauty of the 25,000 square foot space, but because the Center has made it their mission to build a community of innovators who grow lasting solutions to global poverty and house over 60 development-oriented businesses and organizations within their extraordinary walls. It makes perfect sense that Shadhika has found a home here.
Shadhika, meaning ‘a girl with aspirations’ in Bengali, was founded in 1992 and over the past 20 years they’ve changed the lives of many girls whose fate most definitely would have taken a different turn. What really struck a chord with me, was the incredible impact the education of these girls has on not only India, but the world. For instance, an extra year of primary school boosts girls’ future wages by 10-20%, and an extra year of secondary school: 15 – 25%. (World Bank, 2002). Girls who receive seven years of schooling have 2.2 fewer children. (United Nations Population Fund) Girls who are educated are 50% more likely to immunize their future children. And when more girls are educated, a country’s malnutrition and HIV rates decline. (UNGEI, the Council on Foreign Relations)
Clearly, this is a valuable mission and as one might guess, it begins with the difficult task of starting with the gender inequality issues facing females in India. Daughters have long been brushed aside while the birth of a son is celebrated. Kim Burnett, President and CEO of Shadhika grew up with the support of her parents giving her self-confidence to pursue her dreams. Something many of us take for granted. Her passion is to pass on this experience so that the young women Shadhika serves, gain the skills and self-confidence to achieve their dreams.
Our hope is to shine a light on the amazing work that Kim and her tireless team continue to do for these well deserving girls, who have a strong desire to become independent women. “You should play with your friends, not your own children” says Vidya, a 17 year old student at Baale Mane, Shadhika’s partner in Bangalore, India. Vidya narrowly escaped child marriage herself. Less than one year ago, when she was just 16, she was kidnapped from Baale Mane by her extended family who attempted to force her into an arranged marriage. However, with help from her brother, Vidya escaped, and after several days, she found her way back to Baale Mane.
With a grant from Shadhika, Baale Mane launched a Life Skills course helping girls explore and understand issues ranging from sexual health, self-confidence, stress management, living independently, interpersonal relationships, and career planning. Baale Mane provides a safe and loving home for over 60 girls like Vidya. With Baale Mane’s support, these girls are preparing to live independently in a home they can create for themselves. Shadhika is proud to support Baale Mane to help young women like Vidya make this transition and realize this dream for their future. If you would like to get involved with Shadhika, visit http://www.shadhika.org/ and learn more about volunteer opportunities.