Ministry mobilizes disabled women through handicraft training

India Partners is mobilizing severely disabled women in Chennai, India by teaching them to produce arts and crafts, which they can sell for an income.

The need for job training among the physically disabled in India is critical, as 52 percent of the 40-80 million disabled people in India are illiterate.

Disabled people in India face discrimination on a daily basis. Social stigmas, physical challenges and financial constraints lead some families to disown their disabled loved ones. Many end up homeless, and without education or job skills, they are forced to assume the life of a beggar.

India Partners is providing a new life for many disabled individuals in India through job training, as well as a hostel where disabled students can find a safe and accepting place to live and grow.

Paavai is a disabled woman who recently finished a handicrafts training program offered by India Partners. During this two-month program, Paavai and seven other female students learned how to make arts and crafts using palm leaves. Equipped with her new skill, Paavai now takes pride in her work and can sell her crafts for an income.

In order to help women like Paavai transport their crafts to the market, India Partners collaborates with individuals who donate wheelchairs or hand-powered tricycles. These devices increase independence and mobility for disabled women like Paavai.

Upon receiving the hand-powered tricycle, Paavai said, "I am happy for this tricycle because now I do not have to depend upon others to go out."

India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice.