“Poverty-stricken” is a term many of us use to describe people who do not have enough resources to survive. Milaap helps poverty-stricken people in India increase self reliance through a microloan program. I am especially fond of the “Hope Project,” which helps former devadasis (the devadasi system started as female dancers and courtesans in Hindu temples but in modern times has resulted in women being stuck in a cycle of prostitution). This is where I would argue that poverty hasn’t struck but rather it has pervaded generations of society and entrapped these women within subterranean roots of illiteracy, maltreatment, and single parenthood (in many cases) that will not release their grip and allow their self reliance to flourish.
Milaap’s microloan system is explained very thoroughly here.
Milaap gives hope to women like Kasturi.
Kasturi Avale
One of my first Milaap loans of $25 was to Kasturi Avale and two other former devadasi women who obtained a loan of Rs.60,000 (about $1,000) to expand their buffalo rearing businesses. The efforts of Kasturi and her peers will give more women the opportunity to break free of a system that has been unjust to women for centuries.
You can help Milaap give hope.
For four years, Milaap has been doing this life-changing work. In addition to wishing them a happy birthday, I want to share with you how you can get involved and invite you to share this effective, transparent, reliable model with others.
For you more visual learners, here’s the Milaap story in a quick infographic:
For information on Milaap in general, visit this link. For information about the project that is targeted to former Devadasis (the Hope Project), visit this link.
If my explanation was so crystal clear and compelling that you feel ready to give, visit my personal link here. (I have a goal of $250; loans of any amount, starting at $25, are gratefully accepted and will be directed to the Hope project and former devadasis!).
Before agreeing to be a Milaap “Champion of Hope,” I asked myself if I was diluting my commitments to other organizations who do similar microloan projects. Ultimately, I decided that people have differing and very personal reasons for choosing the causes to which they commit, and Milaap deserves an opportunity to share space on my blog and in my heart. Rest assured if you hear about a cause from me in this space, it is one I endorse wholeheartedly.
For women like this …
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
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