Sisters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul (SCV), Mananthavady

They are safe and secure

St.Vincent says "open the doors of our heart towards the suffering and the poor and pray to Him to provide us with mercy and compassion"

   

There are several clear indicators of the fact that Indian women continue to be discriminated against the sex ratio is skewed against them; maternal mortality is the second highest in the world; more than 40% of women are illiterate; and crimes against women are in all respects rising. Adolescent girls form an important vulnerable sector of population that constitute about one tenth of Indian population. It is a paradox of modern India that while women wield power and hold positions at the topmost levels, large sections of the women are still among the most underprivileged. Some of the areas that remain a main concern in case of underprivileged women are health, sanitation, education, employment and social status. Health and education of women and girls are two main issues that loom large and continue to plague their development.

While poverty, early marriage, malnutrition, lack of hygienic menstrual practices and lack of healthcare during pregnancy are some of the major health related issues; records state that the average Indian female has only 1 to 2 years of schooling; and more than 50 percent of girls drop out of school by the time they are in middle school. SCV family is on the move in the given scenario to bring about sustainable development in the poor condition of underprivileged women and girls in the country by empowering them by providing good quality accommodation with education, good health guidance and counseling. The objective is to enable girls from rural areas to pursue higher education and also to reduce school drop outs. Hostel life enables girl students to compete successfully in the field of education and try for jobs globally.

Sisters sense that it is absolutely essential to strengthen this sector of education by providing greater access and also by improving quality in a significant way. Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been identified as the two most disadvantaged groups of Indian society who need special attention. Empowerment of the hostel girl is necessary to help her to cope with the changes and promote over-all awareness. The hostels run by the SCVs serve as home away from homes at all places where schooling facilities are available. The girls stay more than 8 years in our hostels. Over-all development of the girls is given utmost importance.