Help Us Empower Women in Rural India

The Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA (VFF USA) supports Rural Development Trust (RDT), our local partner in India, to work toward gender equality, fight discrimination against women and improve the social and economic situation of women and their families.

In celebration of International Women's Day, we have launched our "8 Women - 8 Wishes" Campaign to provide vital support to rural women in India. We asked eight young women from Anantapur to share their wishes with our partners and supporters. And here they are:

Dr. Panusha, RDT Bathalapalli Hospital: “My wish is that all women have access to basic healthcare and realize that their health and well-being also matters.”

Dr. Pranusha has been working for over two years in the Internal Medicine department of RDT Bathalapalli Hospital and dedicated herself to support patients suffering from COVID-19 in 2020 at the Bathalapalli COVID-19 Center. Professionals like Dr. Pranusha are ensuring that women have timely access to medical care and receive the support they need.

Renuka, Nurse: “My wish is that no woman should consider herself any lesser than a man and hesitate to voice her opinion.”

Renuka leads a team of 124 other nurses at the RDT Kalyandurg Hospital. Last year, this hospital remained open throughout the lockdown when many private centers were closed. This put an unequal burden on professionals like Renuka, who confesses that she struggled to balance her own fears while having to encourage her team to move forward. She organized motivational sessions for all the nurses and support staff working at the Hospital.

Her wish for International Women’s Day resonates with all of us. Let us create more spaces where women can be heard and stand up for themselves.

Annapurna, Farmer and Mother: “My wish is that all women earn enough to become self-reliant and have the freedom to decide what to do with their money.”

Annapurna works as an agricultural worker in a remote tribal village in Kalyandurg region. She could not study beyond primary school, but she is committed to ensure a different future for her children.

Studies show that women spend a large part of their earned income on their household. This means their financial independence creates more stable families and a stronger society. Women like Annapurna prove this every day.

Lavanya, Student: “I wish that all women have the freedom to choose their careers and that they will get equal pay for equal work. Men and women belong to the same society, so why the inequality?”

Lavanya is one of the 170 students enrolled in RDT Professional School. Being passionate about languages, she has decided to learn German. We agree with Lavanya – equal pay for equal work!

Varalakshmi, Tailor: “My wish is that all women stand united and support each other. Only then we will be happy.”

Varalakshmi became a widow at a young age with two sons to take care of all by herself. She is currently attending a one-year tailoring training program in Kalyandurg with 30 other women who come from four villages.

As a collective, they support and help each other and have built strong friendships. Women supporting women!

Anusha, Cricket Player: “My wish is that one day in all the courts and sports fields there will be as many girls as boys playing sports and that every family will encourage their daughters to play sports.”

Hailing from a remote village in Anantapur, Anusha was introduced to cricket by the physical education teacher in her school in 2014. She decided to take part in a rural cricket tournament organized by the Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA) and went to play in the BCCI Under-19 Women’s League, which her team won.

“Sports provided me with multiple opportunities to excel. It has instilled in me the confidence to face problems in life, and I would like that for every girl in the world,” she adds.

Anusha’s success shows that when provided with opportunities to hone their potential, women can achieve anything they want to.

Nara Vani, Technical Specialist at RDT Ortho: “My wish is that in any job, discussion or aspect of life, women’s opinions and work are valued, listened to and respected. There is nothing that we cannot do!”

Nara Vani joined the RDT Ortho technicians team in 1996 and since then has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to proper prosthetics and appliances so they can improve their living conditions. She is currently working in Bathalapalli Orthoworkshop with a team of ten other committed technicians.

Let’s seek out and celebrate women's achievements and help create an inclusive world together.

Mahalakshmi, High School Student: “My wish is that all girls can access education and do not face any trouble on their way to or back from school.”

Mahalakshmi, a 10^th class student in a Government School, had to walk over five kilometers one way to attend school. In 2017, RDT provided her with a bicycle. Since then she has been able to reach school faster and more safely. She is also less tired and with enough energy to study, do her homework and help her family.

Supporting girls' education will lead to their brighter futures and create a more equal world.

This March 8th, will you join our "8 Women - 8 Wishes" campaign to support these young women in rural India?

Please support one or more women today! You may choose any donation amount (select in the box above), or you might consider supporting these women on a monthly basis.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness!