Recently a friend approached me with a request to donate towards a welfare initiative for the Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs).
I know you may cringe at the word CSW. What good can they be, huh?
You are not the only one who thought this. I too had the same emotion, but over time my views about CSWs had changed. And I am here to replace yours.
Let me explain a bit about this cover image.
This pandemic has been very difficult for the CSWs.
With restrictions and social distancing, their business is severely affected - their only means to provide for their family is gone.
I understand that we don't appreciate the kind of life they live and would not consider them as value adders to society.
A more pious response would be, "So, what if they are having a difficult time. Let them repent and learn to live a respectable livelihood. At least the pandemic should teach them that."
But we need to know that these women don't engage in this profession out of interest.
They are cheated and forced into it.
With the added stigma of their profession, they have no voice left to seek help and escape their abusers.
Their lives are as valuable as ours. They dream of having a decent living and a second chance.
Everyone needs a second chance.
These CSWs have real families. They have children who grow alongside in the red-light area itself. They live in an environment that's tormenting.
Their future and their children's future can take on a new path if we can respond to their need.
Deep down, all of us have a desire to see a better world - children educated, women respected, families functional.
This is your chance.
I have known Sahaara Charitable Society for close to 10 years, and I have been an audience to their committed work at rebuilding lives.
You can read more about them here https://sahaarasociety.org
Parivartan is Sahaara's project in the red-light communities of Turbhe (a suburb in the city of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) and Bhiwandi (a town in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India).
Sahara needs your help to build a vocational-cum-production centre for these women that would upskill them for earning a decent living. The centre also aims at relocating these women away from the red-light area.
More can be read at https://sunfeastindiarunasone.giveindia.org/nonprofits/sahaara-charitable-society/
The donations you make will bring to reality a teary-eyed longing of escape for each of these women.
Please don't shrug off this request. You are essential to Sahaara. Any donation you make will be gratefully accepted. No amount is small.
Even when times are difficult, we can spare a bit to lend out. Let's be a blessing to others.
He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord,
And the Lord will repay him for his good deed. (Proverbs 19:17) MSG
You can click on the link below to make a donation and also read about their initiative in detail. https://sunfeastindiarunasone.giveindia.org/nonprofits/sahaara-charitable-society/
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1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 Eugene H. Peterson by NavPress Publishing
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