Our second Annual SHINE Conference in Punjab will provide a platform for vulnerable women to gain critical skills, knowledge, and support, empowering them to assert their rights and secure a safer, more equitable future. Our first conference last year was incredible with most of the girls looking forward to coming again.
The tragic stories of sexual violence in India, such as the 2012 gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in New Delhi and the recent murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, highlight the stark reality that women in India continue to face. Despite the nation’s aspirations to be a global leader, it remains one of the most unsafe places for women. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, (24 August, 2024) these incidents expose the deep-rooted issues of gender-related violence, which persists even as Indian women make strides in the workforce and society.
In response to these ongoing challenges, Project Help India is proud to host its second 'SHINE' Women's Empowerment Conference in Punjab this October. This event is specifically designed for slum and marginalised women, who are often the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation. SHINE will provide a platform for these women to gain critical skills, knowledge, and support, empowering them to assert their rights and secure a safer, more equitable future.
The Supreme Court of India’s recent involvement in cases of gender-based violence reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change. However, true transformation requires more than just legal reforms; it requires a shift in societal attitudes and the empowerment of women at the grassroots level. SHINE aims to be a catalyst for this change, equipping women with the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their communities.
As we prepare for this important conference, we invite all those who are committed to gender equality and women's rights to support our efforts. The stories of Nirbhaya and the Kolkata doctor serve as painful reminders of the work that still needs to be done. By empowering women through education, skill-building, and community support, SHINE seeks to break the cycle of violence and help build a safer, more just society for all women.
Candlelight Rally
The work of Project Help India extends beyond immediate interventions to long-term education and empowerment, particularly for young students and especially girls. In conjunction with our efforts through the SHINE conference, we are deeply committed to raising awareness about women's rights and the importance of respectful relationships among the younger generation. This commitment was demonstrated just this week on Girl Child Protection Day when our Ladpura Slum Centre in Bijnor organised a peaceful candlelight rally, with all the children of the centre participating.
The primary objective of this event was to express dissent against the heinous crimes of violence, exploitation, and rape perpetrated against girls and women in society and the nation, and to educate them about their rights and entitlements, along with child protection safety lessons.
Such initiatives are crucial in equipping young minds with the knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves and others. By educating students, especially girls, about their rights and the importance of mutual respect, we are laying the foundation for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated, and where every individual, regardless of gender, can live in safety and dignity. The SHINE conference, alongside these ongoing educational efforts, underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, empowerment, and equality from the ground up.
Together, we can help build a world where every girl and woman feels valued, protected, and empowered to achieve her fullest potential.
We need your help to do what we’re doing
1. Please spread the word about our SHINE Conference in Punjab this October, and help us make a difference in the lives of women who deserve to feel safe, valued, and empowered. Share the link to our blog on your Facebook, repost on LinkedIn or other social media.
2. Can you donate $150 (tax deductible) to sponsor 10 women to attend?
3. Might your business, school or church like to be a major sponsor for our SHINE event. Your tax deductible donation of $7500 would cover the majority of our expenses. Please reach out to me (Doug) directly if this is something you might consider.
You can DONATE by clicking HERE
SHINE 2023 in Punjab delegates