Violence against women and child abuse in India is endemic. A child goes missing every 8 minutes. A woman is raped every 34 minutes. Dowry deaths and honour killings continue unabated. Perpetrators of violence typically escape punishment. It is time to make a stand. #HerVoice is the campaign of nine NGOs working across India to stop the violence, to support survivors of violence and to empower women.
The challenge is not to be underestimated. It is to change those attitudes held by too many in India that men have the right to behave as they will towards women and children. An analysis of population statistics reveals a shortfall of 5.6% in the expected female population missing because of gender selective abortion, dowry killing, and unpunished acts of violence. Trapped in bonded labour and sex slavery, forced into early marriage and disallowed access to education and healthcare.
The nine Indian NGOs of #HerVoice exist to serve, celebrate and empower Indian women to their fullest potential. We work directly at the root causes of inequality and believe discrimination and violence are manifestations of ignorance and fear. Societal and judicial change compound our programs and we are positively changing conditions for women across India addressing the issues of education for girls, violence and patriarchy.
By law, violent acts against women are illegal in India. However, until the law is upheld and justice served, no effective changes will be made to help the women it is there to protect. Picking up the pieces can only help so many. In fact, we have helped more than 2 million women to date. However, violence will end sooner and more effectively when we collectively raise our voices together. Men, Women, and YOU can give back women in India #HerVoice
