Did you know these facts about the Dalit people of India?
- The Dalits are considered less valuable than animals and less than human.
- The Dalits, although considered Hindu by the upper castes, are not allowed to enter a temple or read the Vedas (Hindu scriptures).
- There are 250 to 300 million Dalits in India (estimated population of the U.S. is 298 million).
- Only 2% of rural Dalit women can read and write.
- More than 50% of the Dalit population earns less than $1.00 per day.
- Children begin working as young as 5 years old, contributing to the family's income.
- The Dalit leadership has rejected Hinduism. The caste system has enslaved them for over 3,000 years.
- The Dalits will be helped with the profits that will fund and support women's empowerment causes in India that include tailoring schools (VTC), micro-finance (self-help) groups and women's empowerment conferences.
- So far there have been 27 graduates of a Vocational Training Center tailoring school funded by the 1st Annual "Women Empowering Women" Walk/Run.
The Women Empowering Women Walk/Run challenges the local women through fitness training and sponsorships to empower the Dalit women of India in their quest for social, economic and spiritual freedom.
Hi, Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this, and appreciate hearing about this from you.
I followed you here from your comment over at the Simple Woman's Daybook. I appreciated what you had to say about trusting God, plus healthful, wholesome living. I do so agree (56 years old here). :P
Very interesting post. 5 is a little young!
ReplyDeleteSo sad, and we complain about our simple problems...
ReplyDeleteIt certainly puts my own stresses in perspective. I'm happy to have found your blog through Peggy's.
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