Guria News Update September 2013 Women's Day Celebration International Women’s day is a day of political and social awareness for women’s rights and one which recognises respect and equality forwomen all over the world. The United Nations theme for this year was ‘ A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women.’ The day was celebrated at the Guria Non-formal education (NFE) centre in Shivadspur, Varanasi. Guria hosted festivities which included 112 children of the NFE centre and their mothers from the red light area. The festivities came to an end with Bollywood dancing and sweets for the kids. Ajeet with kids at the centre Colourful celebrations!Holi, the Festival of Colours, was celebrated at the Guria NFE centre in Shivadspur, Varanasi. 95 children at the centre were armed with bags full of gulal (colored powder). The excited kids spent the day throwing, sprinkling and spraying color all over each other. The festivities continued until there was not a recognisable child to be found. Special Indian sweets, langleta and soan papdi, were served and fun was had by all. Message from the Guria Team Last December the heinous Delhi gang rape received international attention and there has since been a rise in media coverage and widespread protests against rape and violence towards women. Ajeet Singh sees the positive side and comments “People are raising their voices as one against such issues ”. However he adds “ one incident has evoked such strong reactions. I have so m any cases involving minors that are crying out for justice.” This is why Guria exists, to support and achieve justice for the many women and children whose horrific stories will never reach the news. We would like to thank all our supporters helping Guria to achieve its aims and hope you enjoy this brief update on our work and events so far this year.
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Sensitisation meeting on prevention of human trafficking with over 10,000 women, Aug 2
Non formal education
Guria’s non-formal education
(NFE) centres continued to
provide a safe place for children
to play and learn. These centres
are based in areas where
children are vulnerable, such as
red light districts or those wherethere is a risk of ‘sex-tourism’.
Children were enabled to attend
mainstream schools and helped
with homework as well as
encouraged to play and be
creative.
Highlights
Guria take a holistic approach recognising that this is the only solution to a complex, horrific and entrenched
problem. Key highlights of Guria’s legal work, campaigning and awareness raising so far this year include:
34 new cases and 33 new paralegal cases were filed against Human traffickers/brothel keepers/pimps
7 convictions were successfully achieved
The bail of 12 human traffickers/brothel keepers/pimps was rejected; this is vital as legal cases typicallycontinue for years, so with bail a perpetrator could be free to continue abusing and intimidating victims.
5 trafficked children were rescued
Post rescue support was given to 12 victims
750 people from 16 villages were involved in community meetings and consultation
5 sensitisation meetings were held with Community Based Organizations and other stake holders whichgathered over 11,000 participants.