JOIN USBe it dowry harassment, forced prostitution or early marriage, women are targeted most of the time. Coming to the rescue of such women is an organisation called RAPID in Dharwad, writes Harshavardhan V Sheelavant
Gowri, a 24-year-old resident of Banashankari slum, was married at the age of 14 years. Deserted by her husband after nine years, she started working as a maid to support herself and her son. But sadly, she couldn’t make any profitable income. It was then that she approached RAPID, an organisation working for women in distress. The organisation ensured free medical assistance through a hospital and rectified her cleft palate. Thanks to the consistent efforts of the organisation, she is now in a happier place.
Women power
This is just one of the many cases that RAPID helps resolve. Since 2001, Rehabilitative Assistance for People in Distress (RAPID), has been facilitating rehabilitation of women in suffering, in and around Dharwad. Their women empowerment programmes are implemented in both rural and urban areas of Dharwad district and South Bengaluru. RAPID is working with a total of over 3,000 local women, of which, 1,000 trained women are currently expanding the reach of RAPID at the grassroot level. As per 2012-13 statistics of RAPID members, 53 per cent of women are widows and 24 per cent did not have formal education. 26 per cent are deserted by their husbands and about four per cent are physically challenged.
“RAPID ensures a better today for such women through market linkage, emergency financial assistance and comprehensive counselling and referrals. It also ensures a better tomorrow through professional job training, income generating activities, micro-credit and educational development. Assistance to their children, scholarships and coaching support are also provided in a timely manner,” says programme manager, Neeraja Patwari.
RAPID’s livelihood creation programme is designed to uplift troubled women by providing professional skills development training. Initially, RAPID team counsels such women on feasible employment opportunities based on their interest, time constraints, and financial need. After the assessment, RAPID provides financial assistance to enrol in third party professional training programmes. Once the training is completed successfully, the institution helps women with employment.
RAPID programmes are designed to utilise the creativity of the women to the maximum. Their strategies are designed to develop social, cultural and economic well being of such women. Thursday bazaars are organised once every month across different locations. About 25 women sell their home-made items in this bazaar and also make considerable profits.
RAPID has also established a bag-making unit called Vinyas Kala Handicrafts recently. It provides a largely sustainable employment for the neediest of women in the region. This has ensured quality work conditions and reduced female exploitation to a great degree.
“As a mentor, I don’t preach that they have to reach a particular place in five years. Instead, I tell them to maintain a consistent pace of work. We help them to have clear goals and develop a proper strategy to achieve them. This approach has helped us to work efficiently and grow steadily, reaching more people,” says Vani Purohit, Secretary, RAPID.
A new life
Thanks to RAPID, women challenged by the society, have now become emotionally independent and economically stable. They now earn around Rs. 3,000-Rs. 5,000 every month. This has not only boosted their confidence but also improved their standards of living. Savitri Mane, who has been under the care of RAPID for five years says, “We women can take care of ourselves and there are many opportunities for us to show our real strength. Moreover, we perfectly balance home and work.”
With the support from a local NGO, Vidya Poshak, RAPID also provides educational scholarships to the children of its members. “One of the root causes of women being economically backward is lack of education. A majority of RAPID members have never even attended school. But they have now realised the importance of education and are sending their children to schools,” says Renuka Kalwad, computer trainer.
Contact RAPID at www.rapid.org.in.