May 6, 2024
Project Title : Sheep Rearing Programme for the Empowerment of Rural Poor Women
Funding Agency : The Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund, Inc. (VGIF), USA
In the heart of rural India, where poverty and caste-based discrimination persist, Rural Development Women Welfare Society (RDWWS) has embarked on a transformative initiative: the Sheep Rearing Programme for the Empowerment of Rural Poor Women. RDWWS identified 20 exceptionally disadvantaged women from the Dalit Community, often marginalized as “untouchables” by higher castes. These women reside on the outskirts of villages, their livelihoods tied to the whims of landlords. With no recourse but agricultural labour, their economic agency remains elusive.
To break this cycle of dependency, RDWWS proposed a sheep rearing income-generating project tailored to their needs. With the generous support of our esteemed donor, the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund, Inc. (VGIF), USA, RDWWS provided each of the 20 beneficiaries with 5 units of sheep, totaling 20 units.
Sheep rearing involves procuring young sheep and nourishing them with quality fodder. These sheep mature rapidly, their value doubling over time. With proper care, the women can efficiently manage their flocks, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
This initiative not only promises economic upliftment but also fosters self-reliance. By providing a stable livelihood, RDWWS empowers these 20 families to secure their futures without dependence on external assistance.
Today, the programme stands as a beacon of success, a testament to the transformative power of collective action and compassionate support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to VGIF, USA, for their invaluable contribution to this vital endeavour.
