You have done so much good work so far this year, we weren’t able to fit it all into the Women on the Rise newsletter! Thank you for your faithful generosity that makes all this possible.
Watch these three recent graduates from DFN’s shelter and be inspired. You helped them grow up safe and sound. Thank you!
Young Women Making Their Mark
Preethi*
In her remote village, Preethi thought she was destined for a life of hardship and abuse, just like her mother. And she was frightened of that thought. But a simple invitation to join our Pratigya shelter home changed everything! She and her mother accepted the invitation immediately. Preethi would be safe…she would grow up in a loving environment…she would have enough to eat…she would thrive in school. And she would find faith. After high school, Preethi felt called to the healthcare field and studied to be a pharmacist. And to the astonishment of our team on the ground, she didn’t want to go to the big city and earn a high salary. She wanted to serve the same rural community where she was born, so she joined the Good Shepherd healthcare team as a telehealth coordinator. Preethi is now 27 and married, with a beautiful daughter. This transformation could not happen overnight. That first invitation to our shelter came 16 years ago, when Preethi was 11. You invested in one little girl. Now she is pouring into the lives of other people in need. This is how long-term generational change happens…this is more than rescue…this is a young woman rising…this is a promise that lasts a lifetime and beyond!
Anisha*
Anisha, another Pratigya shelter graduate, is studying computer science at university. Most of her classmates are male but she is not deterred—she is confident! Her mother had sent Anisha to Pratigya home when she was only 8 years old, because she was at high risk of being dedicated into ritualized sex work. When Anisha arrived, she needed extra gentle care, because she had seen violence and had lingering trauma. She even thought she was stupid because she had barely attended school and her extended family ridiculed her. Despite these obstacles, she excelled in her academics! Now she plans to join the prestigious government service when she completes her degree. This young woman is definitely on the rise!
Thank you for making these stories a reality!
*Our stories are always real. We change names and photos to protect the identity and uphold the dignity of those we serve.