INDIA: Women empowered by e-autos
Program has assisted 34 women from fishing community
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Seven women were recently provided e-autos as part of the WE Auto (Women Empowerment through Electric Autos) initiative in Kollam, Kerala, India. The program, which has assisted 34 women from the local fishing community, is supported by BREADS – the Salesian Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society and its partner the Fishermen Community Development Program.
Johncy Alex, a 30-year-old single mother, has faced tremendous challenges in her life. She is separated from her husband and shoulders the full responsibility of housing, feeding and educating her two children. Alex reached out to the Fishermen Community Development Program for assistance and enrolled in its comprehensive training program for WE Autos.
A Salesian explained, “Johncy was diligent in acquiring the necessary skills and license, and eventually procured an auto through seed capital and other financial assistance through the WE Auto program. The e-auto is now her lifeline, allowing her to earn a daily income that enables her to meet her daily expenses, empowers her to gradually settle outstanding debts, all the while ensuring that her children receive the education they deserve.”
The financial, technical and moral support provided by the program and the cost benefits of the low-maintenance electric autos make the journey to ownership an achievable goal for the women.
The Salesian added, “The women have each undergone personal empowerment and transformation and their stories are inspiring. All of them were poorly educated, without exposure to the world, and disempowered by family situations of abuse and/or socioeconomic struggles. Through this program, they now have hope for a brighter future.”
Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia
Don Bosco South Asia – Driving changes lifestyle for women in fishing community
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
