‘Jaagriti,’

Support Group promotes welfare of Asian women
By Staff Reporter of Indian News Link 15/05/2011 11:29:00  

‘Jaagriti,’ (Awakening) Women Support Group a social welfare organisation focusing on promoting the unrepresented interests of women of Asian origin has changed its name to reflect the need for their proactive participation in community affairs.
‘Saheli’ (Friend) has now become ‘Jaagriti,’ (Awakening) to encourage women to raise their voice against their oppression, physical, mental and sexual abuse, family violence and better representation in the society.
Roopa Suchdev, Chairperson of ‘Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust,’ which manages ‘Jaagriti,’ said that despite their education and emancipation, many women continued to be victims of harassment and unreported crimes against them.
“Even before ‘Saheli’ was established in 2009 as the Women’s Wing of the Trust, we were providing (through Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust), a series of support services to women, who were unfortunate victims of domestic harassment.
“We have had cases of women beaten up by their husbands and in-laws for failing to obtain cash or jewellery continuously from their parents.
“Apart from such despicable practices, women have also been subject to work both outside and inside their homes,” she said.
Ms Suchdev said such sufferings were highly irregular and unacceptable in New Zealand, which prides itself of providing equal rights and opportunities for women.
“Over the years, we have focused on these issues through Roopa Aur Aap TV programme and community gatherings. We seek the support of like-minded people to continue engagement with the communities concerned to address issues of importance. We propose to organise workshops and seminars on Prevention of Family Violence, Handling Relationships and Education Awareness Programmes,” she said.
‘Jaagriti’ will also empower women by making them aware of their legal rights and obligations, managing finances, securing jobs and promoting health issues, she said.
For further details, call Roopa Suchdev on (09) 4435622 or 021-665609.