SRISTI VILLAGE FOR WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

In response to the staggering statistics from the latest India census, which revealed that 2.68 Cr individuals are registered as Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), with 44% of them being women, Sristi is stepping up to address the urgent needs of this marginalized population. Facing discrimination and societal perceptions that deem them incapable, intellectually disabled women in India often struggle even more to lead decent lives than their male counterparts. Communities tend to invest less for their future, making them even more vulnerable to having to depend on charity and become victims of abuse. Many are left without independent means of livelihood, contributing to ongoing social isolation and dependence. The situation is particularly dire for the rural disabled population, as the majority (69%) of all disabled individuals in India reside in rural areas.

Currently, Sristi runs a Girls Group Home Project in Pondicherry, a transformative initiative that creates an inclusive space for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project focuses on independent living skills, vocational training, and overall empowerment, aiming to integrate these women into mainstream society for a dignified and independent way of life. The curriculum covers essential areas like employability skills, social interactions, domestic responsibilities, lifestyle choices, self-care activities, and safety skills.

While the Girls Group Home Project represents a significant stride toward inclusivity and empowerment for women, the success stories emerging from Sristi Village, an inclusive residential farm-based community that offers men with disabilities the chance to live, learn, work, and generate income, underscore the efficacy of the village model. Sristi Village has demonstrated that a holistic, communal living environment provides an even more conducive platform for growth, where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can truly thrive. The village model not only addresses immediate needs but fosters sustained independence and dignity, reflecting the broader vision of the Sristi Foundation.

Sristi’s vision for this proposed ‘Sristi Village for Women with Disabilities’ is grounded in the belief that disability should never limit an individual’s strengths and skills. With a focus on agriculture as a powerful educational tool with significant employment potential, this project will empower marginalized women with intellectual disabilities to learn, grow, and become independent. As we embark on this transformative journey, Sristi is currently fundraising to secure the land for this second village—a pivotal step towards fostering a nurturing environment where these remarkable women can flourish. Join us in sowing the seeds of empowerment and inclusivity—in building a future where capabilities are celebrated, and no one is left behind.

FAQ:

Q. Why do you need a separate village for women? 

A. The need for a separate village for women is threefold. First, it stems from government regulations mandating gender segregation in residential communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This compliance has been put in place to help ensure the residents’ well-being. Furthermore, establishing a separate village for women allows us to leverage a new, advantageous location. The proposed land offers superior soil and water quality, enabling sustainable agricultural practices. This not only fulfills the needs of the women’s village but also contributes to the self-sustainability of both the women’s and men’s villages. The diversified income from agricultural activities strengthens the overall impact and long-term success of the Sristi Foundation’s mission. Thirdly, women with disabilities often face discrimination and neglect, limiting their exposure to essential skills. The new village addresses this disparity, providing a specialized space where marginalized women can learn, grow, and become independent, overcoming societal barriers and fostering empowerment.

Q. Who will live at Sristi Village for Women?

A. The target group for this initiative comprises women aged 18 and above with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The focus is on females from a rural background, particularly those from families below the poverty line. The aim is to empower 30 participants who fall within this demographic, emphasizing inclusivity and support for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Q. What are the main goals of the women’s village?

A. Within the nurturing environment of our new women’s village, Sristi Foundation will seek to provide comprehensive training that encompasses independent living skills and vocational training. This initiative is designed to create opportunities for the residents, promoting integration into mainstream society and fostering an independent and improved way of life. The training will cover essential aspects such as employability skills, social interactions, domestic responsibilities, lifestyle choices, self-care activities, sex education, and safety skills.

Our main objectives include:

• To create a space for young adult women members with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently by initiating a farm-based community.
• To provide an opportunity for members to learn vocational skills from field experts and professionals.
• To allow members to engage in income generating activities by initiating farm-based income generation projects.
• To include intellectually and developmentally disabled persons in the mainstream society.