Empowerment of Soura Widows
The mission of SBCMS in partnership with CBM is to generate income for vulnerable widows in the Soura community. Widows get the opportunity and financial support to become established entrepreneurs in their society. Support this project through financial contributions and prayer.
The Situation
Ninety-five percent of one of the oldest indigenous groups in India, the Souras, live in the hills and mountains of Odisha state in Northeastern India. The Soura community depends mainly on agriculture and labor for income. However, the climate and hilly terrain make farming difficult for most of the year, producing a limited supply of crops. Further, those dependent on labor do not receive steady work. The status of the Soura population within India has had challenges with low literacy rates and facing discrimination as “untouchables” of Odisha. Soura widows are often marginalized within their communities and struggle to provide for the family. Business training, financial support, and the generosity of Christians living out their faith in word and deed can help empower and dignify widows despite any barriers.
The mission of SBCMS in partnership with CBM is to generate income for vulnerable widows in the Soura community. Widows get the opportunity and financial support to become established entrepreneurs in their society. Support this project through financial contributions and prayer.
The Situation
Ninety-five percent of one of the oldest indigenous groups in India, the Souras, live in the hills and mountains of Odisha state in Northeastern India. The Soura community depends mainly on agriculture and labor for income. However, the climate and hilly terrain make farming difficult for most of the year, producing a limited supply of crops. Further, those dependent on labor do not receive steady work. The status of the Soura population within India has had challenges with low literacy rates and facing discrimination as “untouchables” of Odisha. Soura widows are often marginalized within their communities and struggle to provide for the family. Business training, financial support, and the generosity of Christians living out their faith in word and deed can help empower and dignify widows despite any barriers.
How We Are Helping
Here are several steps SBCMS takes towards transforming the lives of widows in Odisha:
Training for vulnerable widows
Unemployed widows and those with a low annual income are selected to enroll, join the widow’s federation, and receive help with opening bank accounts.
Workshops in business and marketing
Two workshops are held for 40 widows each year where they gain essential business and marketing skills.
Financial assistance to start microenterprises
Financial assistance to start small business enterprises using local and accessible resources – to sell cashew nuts, handmade brooms, or goats and chickens.
The Impact of Our Work
Jukebul Gomango is from Gajapati. After she lost her husband to malaria, Jukebul’s family went into mourning. She struggled to support her family through subsistence farming, as is the plight of many widows. The local church helped enroll Jukebul in this project, where she immediately began receiving financial assistance. In 2017, she was able to purchase her first goat. Jukebal works hard and continues to work for daily wages to support her family. With the support of CBM and SBCMS, she is further hoping to enroll her son in a driving course to allow him to pursue a vocation.
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