Gender Equality India Project #12529

Warm blankets for 500 destitute widows in India

by Maitri India

Project Report | Nov 30, 2012
Jamuna's Story

By Katie Naylor | Intern, Maitri India

Jamuna Dassi

I was married at the young age of seven. Needless to say, I did not even understand the meaning marriage at such a young age. However, my parents were poor and wanted me to be settled in marriage early. My husband was 15 years older than myself and he died only a few years after we were married. We did not have any children, so I returned to live with my mother for 13 more years. Then I moved to Radha Kund (Vrindavan) to be among other widows. I cleaned homes and begged for money for forty years.

It was a very difficult lifestyle, so when I heard about Maitri India, I approached them for support and today I am in their care. Maitri has provided a safe haven and a place where I can regain my dignity and respect. I am so grateful to be here and I appreciate the work that Maitri does so that I do not have to spend my last years as a beggar.

Links:

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-17/tv/32699327_1_age-home-host-aamir-khan-satyamev-jayate

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