New Delhi, June 11, 2024: PARI Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education and rural empowerment, has launched a new initiative called the 'Changemaker Drive' which aims to provide comprehensive support to rape survivors and raise awareness about sexual violence.
Backed by crowdfunding support from donors on Milaap, the has set an ambitious goal to train 10,000 youth volunteers who will work towards impacting the lives of at least 100 rape victims across the country.
Through this initiative, the foundation will also offer rape survivors access to essential services, including medical care, counseling, legal assistance, and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives. Additionally it will also focus on challenging societal norms and misconceptions that perpetuate sexual violence. By raising awareness and educating communities, the 'Changemaker Drive' aims to foster a more supportive and informed society.
"We have witnessed the devastating impact of sexual violence on survivors and their families," said Yogita, a representative from PARI Foundation. "In one harrowing case, a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped for seven days, shot, and thrown into a well. Miraculously, she survived, and we took her under our care, helping her heal and find purpose by working with us to support other survivors."
Despite their efforts, both organizations face significant challenges, including limited resources, difficulties in providing adequate legal and medical support, and the persistent stigma surrounding rape victims.
"Our mission is not only to assist survivors but also to raise awareness and challenge societal norms that perpetuate sexual violence," Yogita added. "With the 'Changemaker Drive,' we aim to empower youth to become agents of change and create a safer, more compassionate society for all."
Milaap and PARI Foundation are calling on the public to support their mission by contributing to the 'Changemaker Drive' and spreading awareness about the importance of addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors.
Milaap is India’s largest crowdfunding platform for personal and social causes, especially medical emergencies and related needs. The platform enables anyone in need to raise funds for causes typically outside a common person’s financial ability such as tertiary healthcare including cancer care, organ transplants and accidents, or for education and community-related causes. Milaap’s community of donors come from over 130 countries across the world and have contributed over INR Rs 2,400 crores for 9,08,000+ projects across India.
