Dalit Freedom Network Canada

This month, in lieu of writing a Project update we are inviting you to share your thoughts, opinions, and stories. We are asking you to write a comment on this page telling us and other readers why you support this particular project. What is it about skills training for women that interests you? What made you decide to get involved?

The staff of DFN Canada truly believes that you are as much a part of what is happening in India as we are. We are very thankful to have you as part of the team.

Let us know why this cause caught your attention!

In India, women are truly the “Dalits of the Dalits.” They are oppressed regardless of caste, but Dalit women in particular are treated as the lowest members of society. One way to help restore dignity to these women is by training them. A vocation not only brings additional income, it also gives women the pride of working to provide for their families. The work gives them purpose and value. By training women we are lifting their entire families out of poverty and are also spreading hope across the nation. 

Unlike in Canada, most clothing in India is not sold pre-made. Rather, people buy fabric and take it to a tailor to be stitched according to their needs and wishes. Because of this, there is virtually no end to the need for tailors in villages. DFN has 73 vocational training centres across India, many of which focus on tailoring, which are equipping women to earn sufficient, sustainable income. The graduates then either purchase a sewing machine or apply for a loan to do so. Once they have the skills and their own machines, women are able to sew from their homes; this allows them not only to save money, as they no longer need to solicit a tailor, but also to earn additional income for their families as they stitch for friends and neighbours.                                                         

While most schools have a tailoring training centre, VLK has decided to offer different vocational training to village women: candle making. VLK school is located next to several immense cathedrals whose visitors require a continual supply of candles. The current students are the third batch to be trained in this skill. The women meet five days a week for two hours each day. They learn to produce both white and coloured candles in a variety of sizes. The women are thrilled to learn a skill that requires very little equipment and can be done at home; this is very helpful for those who have young children, as they no longer have to work long days in fields far from their villages. This training centre is having a significant impact on many women living near VLK.