|
 The Art of Living and IAHV 's endeavor to empower the individual especially shines through in their programs designed to empower the woman - particularly those women who lack the opportunity and confidence of their economically fortunate counterparts.
These programs have succeeded in instilling confidence in women and inspiring them to take leadership roles in their communities.
Among other things, they now participate in a wide variety of activities, contribute equally to household finance, stand up for their rights, campaign against social ills, and even contest and win local level elections.
It all started with a series of BWS workshops and a month later 300 members of the Ohlange community had already encountered the soothing power of meditation first hand. A group of women were trained in the intricate art of African bead crafting. The project took off instantly and has since expanded to include between twenty and thirty women who assemble weekly to sing, dance, gossip and in between it all,churn out beautifully crafted handmade items for sale.Many participants credit the workshops with giving them a greater sense of community,improved health and a more positive attitude. "The project has done a lot to help our people help themselves. We no longer need to beg and this has done wonders for our self-esteem."- Muzi Maphumulo, Coordinator of the Ohlange Bead Project
The Breath Water Sound (BWS) Workshop was conducted for the highly stressed Afghan women refugees, in conjunction with Afghan Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to resettle Afghan refugees in USA. The participants reported feeling a sense of great joy and peace. They were able to sleep soundly after a long time and also felt much more relaxed.
VISTA (Value Integrated Services to All) was started in 1985 near Bangalore with the mission of transforming the lives of women and girls who were illiterate, emotionally abused and often afflicted with serious health problems. The center provides vocational training in sewing and embroidery, teaches basic literacy skills and aspects of health and hygiene. Over the last 18 years, more than 2000 women from over 30 villages have been trained. Linkages to the local garment industry have been established which provide employment to some of the trained women, while others work from their homes. After the completion of training, women are provided with a sewing machine, which enables them to start their own business. Free medical services are also available and a “Total Literacy Program” is in operation. This project is now seen as a role model for other similar organizations.
The International Association for Human Values organized a three-day International Women's Conference in Bangalore at Art of Living Foundation's International headquarters in June 2005. Women leaders from more than 20 countries attended the conference, at the end of which they charted a time bound action plan to improve the lot of women everywhere. The proposed plan includes extending credit facilities and moral support to women entrepreneurs, providing retraining to rural women, reaching out to younger girls through role models, and fighting all types of discrimination against women. More than 500 delegates attended the conference, which will now be an annual affair. The conference's aim was to create a network of effective women leaders. An informal system is being set up to monitor the progress of various actions the delegates have vowed to pursue in their countries.
|