December 2016
Tragic death of two children motivates a community to build a new school
The tragic death of two girls was the catalyst for transformation in a village in Uttar Pradesh. Watch how community joined forces with VV to demand a school in their village, under RTE Act, 2005. When the brand new government school was inaugurated in a village of Uttar Pradesh, the...
Periods, Patriarchy and Priesthood
Menstruation within religion: deep-rooted taboos still perpetuate perceptions of impurity and prevent woman from taking part in religious practices.
Silence, Shame and Stigma around Menstruation
The first period can be scary and confusing. But coupled with deep-seated taboos around menstrual impurity, it can become a harrowing experience. Four women of different ages from rural Uttar Pradesh share their experiences of menstruation and the stigma. These experiences surprisingly are very similar to the ones shared by...
It is the End of the World Without My Brother – Kashmir Unrest
Across the fields in Kashmir, Danish Manzoor,18, was on his way to tuitions when a bullet hit him during the Kashmir Unrest. He could hear a peaceful protest, condemning the death of a 20-year-old youth, as he breathed his last breath. Danish and his friends were standing at a distance...
It is the End of the World Without My Brother – Kashmir Unrest
Across the fields in Kashmir, Danish Manzoor,18, was on his way to tuitions when a bullet hit him during the Kashmir Unrest. He could hear a peaceful protest, condemning the death of a 20-year-old youth, as he breathed his last breath. Danish and his friends were standing at a distance...
A Village without ASHA
Nitu’s infant hasn’t received any vaccinations nor medical check-up since it was born. She does home remedies for her child because medical assistance is unavailable in her village. Sonam, a teenager doesn’t know much about menstrual hygiene. She wants to know about the bodily changes she’s undergoing, but there is no...
Why must widows lead a life of ostracisation?
It’s been close to 13 years since Ashpati Devi has lost her husband but nobody would let her move on. She is barred from attending festivities and is blamed for her husband’s death to date. She is unwelcome in community spaces so much so that “people don’t want to see...
The Bare Life: Discrimination Against Widows
A Hindu widow is supposed to take off all ornaments, wear only black or white, cut her hair short, walk barefoot after her husband dies. It’s a living death for her–she cannot even participate in auspicious ceremonies like weddings, nor is she allowed to remarry. By contrast nothing changes for...