Widows’ Care

Many widows in India face extreme poverty, discrimination and inhumane treatment. When her husband dies a widow loses all social status and her in-laws often withdraw any support from her. Not only the widows but their children too are isolated, often in unhealthy conditions, sexually and physically abused, and without inheritance rights to property.

Often the most marginalized people in Hindu society are the Widows from villages and slums. Status is linked to marriage and a dead husband means that there is no provider for the family. Her children, home and belongings can be taken by the in-laws who may blame her for their son’s death. It is not uncommon for the family to be regularly beaten by relatives.  Considered cursed, employment is difficult to find and children suffer severe deprivation.  Their only comfort in life is the children – keeping them together and supporting them in the community is important.

The widow scheme is a life saver and for £18 a month we can send a child to school, give access to a doctor and basic medicines and if necessary pay hut rent when they have no work to prevent homelessness.  Your £18 also buys a large sack of rice for the family to help out with food costs.

Venila’s Story Ocotber 2010

Venila

Paul and Grace Nadin-Salter visited Venila with Annie and Omega.  Two of Venila’s children are in Joy Children’s Home.  Venila works at the local school, just a short distance from her home.  She works as a cook.  Venila came to Annie and Omega for help a while ago, as she had two desperate needs.  One was to secure a permanent post at the school, for which she had to pay Rps.10,000 around (£140) to secure the post, and the other to build a small extension at the back of her dangerous house, for the same amount.  Annie and Omega could only had Rps.10,000 to give her, so she had to choose.  She chose to build the extension to the back of her home.

Venila is supported by India Direct for £18 a month which buys a sack of rice, provides schooling for her daughter who still lives at home with her and emergency medical care.  The school pays her only in food for herself whilst she is working during the day.  Nothing else.

We found Venila living in a house made from reinforced concrete 50 years ago.  The iron reinforcing rods have rusted as the concrete has cracked, giving rise to large chunks splitting off.  The rods themselves are also falling from the ceiling and narrowly missing Venila and her family.

Thanks to India Direct, there is now £500 to build her a new (basic) house.  We also paid her debts to a local loan shark and another generous donor has paid offered to pay the £140 so that she can work permanently at the school.

We will keep the site updated with further news as to what has happened since October.