One of Manav Sadhna's sister organizations is Gramshree. I just realized I don't think I've mentioned it yet! The founders created it as a separate entity that functions on women's empowerment and needs.
Gramshree has its own building, which I went to go visit last week. It was amazing! It's a 3 level house turned into their central hub. The concept of Gramshree is to provide women with the training and resources to earn their own livelihood and run their families. Many of these women have husbands do not make enough money and often work on the streets with them, or have husbands who drink or gamble away their money etc. Gramshree makes clothing, upholstery, accessories etc...all hand-made. Based on a woman's strengths, they are given specific training to do a particular type of sewing or make a specific type of clothing etc. After they are trained, these women are given work on behalf of Gramshree. They make whatever the product is at home at their own convenience, and then they are paid for their work. In addition, these women get a support system, working with other women who are concerned with their well-being, safety and personal lives. Many women gain more strength from being able to unburden their problems than the actual income.
Gramshree does not run on donations. Instead, they are as big as they can sustain themselves.
It was really great to see their workshop as they call it, and to hear about the over 5,000 women who are gaining control over their lives and their own and children's futures due to this organization.
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