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Women Empowerment

Vista India

VISTA (Value Integrated Services to All) India was started in 1985 near Bangalore with the mission of transforming the lives of women and girls who were illiterate, emotionally abused and often afflicted with serious health problems. The center provides vocational training in sewing and embroidery, teaches basic literacy skills and aspects of health and hygiene. Over the last 18 years, more than 2000 women from over 30 villages have been trained. Linkages to the local garment industry have been established which provide employment to some of the trained women, while others work from their homes.

After the completion of training, women from extremely resource poor backgrounds are provided with a sewing machine, which enables them to start their own business.

Through these measures VISTA empowers women to contribute substantially to the earning of their families, which leads eventually to improving the economic and social conditions of the whole community.

With a newfound confidence and assertiveness, these women are contributing significantly to the incomes and well being of their families and the extended communities.

Expansion of services is also being planned for the local communities. Free medical services are available and a 'Total Literacy Program' is in operation. Local residents are taking responsibility and are improving the quality of life. This project is now seen as a role model for other similar organizations.

Ohlange Bead Project

"Rather than giving people fish it is better to teach them how to fish ." This is the main aim of the Ohlange Bead Project.

This project is an inspiring example of how the motivation and dedication of a handful of people can influence and improve life conditions of entire communities and families. The Avoca area in Kwazulu Natal in Africa is the hub of the Ohlange Bead Project.

It all started with a series of Breath, Water, Sound workshops and a month later three hundred members of the Ohlange community had already encountered the soothing power of the meditation first hand. Realizing that something had to be done to confront the startling poverty and high levels of unemployment in the area, the idea of the Ohlange Bead Project was conceived. A group of women were trained in the intricate art of African bead crafting. The project took off instantly and has since expanded to include between twenty and thirty women who assemble weekly to sing, dance, gossip and in between it all, churn out beautifully crafted hand-made items for sale.

Aside from the obvious improvement in their financial situation, many of the women have felt further benefits from the Art of Living's involvement in the area. Many participants credit the workshops with giving them a greater sense of community, improved health and a more positive attitude.

"The project has done a lot to help our people help themselves. We no longer need to beg and this has done wonders for our self-esteem."- Muzi Maphumulo, Coordinator of the Ohlange Bead Project