Dubai
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. In 2013, there were 309,546 reported crimes against women in India. However, less than one per cent of survivors are said to report gender-based violence to formal sources.
This is where Maitri, a developmental and humanitarian non-governmental organisation based in New Delhi, India, steps in to help out.
Anna Marie, communications officer at Maitri, told Gulf News: “We work with vulnerable populations in India, including women who are at risk of facing gender-based violence, destitute and elderly women or widows, migrant workers and their families, underprivileged communities and those affected by HIV. Since 2005, Maitri has worked with around 50,000 individuals.”
The organisation is currently running a social media campaign, encouraging people to raise their voice against domestic violence.
Marie said: “Maitri established its social media presence in 2011. Much engagement on social media came from posts and visuals pertaining to the issue of violence against women. We recognised that individuals felt very strongly for the cause and used many of our social media pieces as an expression of their own voice against the issue within their own networks.”
Volunteers hold up posters with a strong message, take a photograph and post it on social media in support of Maitri’s campaign. Those interested in doing so can reach out to the group on their Facebook page, facebook.com/maitriindia.org.
Marie said: “There are other ways in which individuals worldwide can contribute. Our official website offers supporters to donate online. Individuals can also send a cheque to our head office in New Delhi. Maitri is also listed on GlobalGiving and GiveIndia, both crowdfunding platforms. All donors receive a letter of acknowledgement within 48 hours of their donation being made.”
