NGO Connect

The first "NGO Connect" gathering of Delhi-based NGOs was held today at the Eros Hotel, Nehru Place.  I have been working with colleagues on this initiative for nearly a year and we are thrilled at the results.  I presented my findings and recommendations on NGOs in the Marketplace. The purpose of the workshop was networking and learning from each other. Thirty NGOs (see list below) participated in four sessions: - Using Volunteers - NGOs in the Marketplace: Income Generation or No Income Generation? - Best Practices - Challenges: Panel Discussion This event was organized by a consortium of the American…

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Apne Aap

Yes, that's Gloria Steinem and yes, this is a link to Apne Aap. But the connection is apt. Steinem is 'mother' to many a feminist organization, and Apne Aap is a fitting daughter.  This book of Steinem's writings was edited and annotated by Ruchira Gupta, head of Apne Apt, with the goal of spreading Steinem's works to an Indian audience. Apne Aap was founded by twenty-two women from Mumbai's red light district, with a vision of "a world where no woman could be bought or sold."  Those twenty-two women had been part of an award winning documentary (The Selling of Innocents,…

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NGO Connect Workshop: April 3rd

Forty NGOs from all over Delhi will be getting together at the Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, to share experiences and learn from each other on Thursday, April 3rd. I have been working with the organizing group on this initiative for nearly a year and I'm happy to say it's finally coming to fruition. International support groups representing a diverse community - France, Australia and New Zealand, America, Britain, Japan, Spain, Delhi Network, and more - have invited NGOs they work with to come together and discuss income generating ideas, using volunteers, surmounting leadership challenges, and other topics. Just some of…

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Jagori: Awaken Women!

I had read many of Jagori's studies in the past but I was thrilled to know that a Jagori representative would be at the ORF Conference on Women and Safe Cities yesterday.  It is a delight to have organizations such as this is in Delhi - they are right on top of key issues facing women in India today, providing material and advocacy in a thorough, well-researched manner that pulls no punches.  Among other things, they have conducted detailed safety audits looking at the exact impediments to women's safety. JAGORI means "awaken, women!" and their mission is to inform, inspire…

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Calling all photos!

Have you traveled in Asia?  Taken photos?  Want to help a great local NGO? Of course you have and of course you do! 2014 Glimpses of Asia Needs You Here's what to do: choose two photos; give each a title email them to 2014glimpsesphotos@gmail.com pay a mere 1000 INR for each photo accepted see your photos matted and framed and impressively presented at an evening fest possibly win recognition and prizes in one of four photo categories see your photo auctioned off to lots of excited buyers feel good knowing that all proceeds help a local women's NGO And, of…

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Petition to End Child Marriage

Equality Now Girls under 18 are forced into marriage throughout the world. Equality Now has been on the forefront of advocacy to end this practice.  "It is a human rights violation that legitimizes abuse of girls under the guise of culture, honor, tradition and religion. When a young girl is married and gives birth, a vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, curtailed education, violence, instability and legal and other discrimination begins." You can help: sign the petition.  This will be presented in June to governments attending the Human Rights Council session. Read more about how you can help Equality Now here.

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Yuwa

As a big fan of women in sport, it's always been discouraging to see the absence of sport in the lives of most Indian girls.  Not at all surprising, mind you, but discouraging - I felt the absence. It's a thrill to see Yuwa-India develop.  Yuwa gets how important sports for girls can be. The confidence, courage, and connectedness that sports can bring are felt throughout all aspects of life. Do read more about Yuwa-India here

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Shalom Hospital

I first visited Shalom Hospital almost two years ago when they were preparing to move to a new location.  The new facility is on the northern outskirts of Delhi -  a very long trip for staff and doctors, but close to where most target group patients are. Shalom provides compassionate, home based, palliative, and critical care to people living with HIV/AIDS.  The Indian transgender and homosexual community is particularly affected and Shalom caters to them. Read more about Shalom Hospital here   

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Sewa Ashram/Delhi House

It's over an hour from central Delhi to Sewa Ashram on the northern edge of the city. Here 125 destitute men - not just the poor, but men who are ill and the mentally physically or disabled - are given treatment, a home, food, and comfort.  Tuberculosis and HIV patients dominate.  Most men are picked up from the streets, but some are left at the door to Sewa Ashram.  This is human care for those who have no one - and where there is no safety net. Hospital beds are perched around in the courtyard. One older man does not…

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