Walking up the stairs to the platform, *Laxmi is careful not to step on the hem of her new sari. She dressed carefully this morning, adding fragrant jasmine flowers to her hair. She couldn’t believe this day had arrived!
Until recently, Laxmi and her two children, *Amiya and *Rakesh had barely enough food to eat, her children vulnerable to traffickers. Laxmi herself was the victim of ‘systemic abuse’, ‘used’ by any man in her village. Day and night.
But Laxmi met one of our Village Leaders who introduced her to a road to freedom. Providing healthcare, counselling and care, Laxmi was supported with all she needed to break free.
Today Laxmi is receiving a government-accredited diploma as a phlebotomist assistant. She worked for six months learning to draw blood from patients, test it, and help make diagnoses to help impoverished patients return to health. Her new skills will support her family, and change the lives of people in her community. People who once exploited her, used her, looked down upon her.
This day is beyond her wildest imagination. And seated in the audience are her proud children. While Laxmi has been studying, thanks to generous sponsors, they have been attending a Good Shepherd school.
In 2024 nearly 300 exploited women like Laxmi have graduated from our skills training programs. Receiving government-sponsored certificates in garment making, beautician training, computer literacy, and paramedical skills, the smile on their faces express their joy.
Additionally, in the 350 villages where we have an active presence, it is now two full years since we have seen a single dedication. God is faithful, and we truly are seeing systemic dedications of vulnerable girls coming to an end!
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a great opportunity to support Village Leaders like those who helped Laxmi on her path to freedom. Our partners are invited to help by organising clothes swaps, high teas, movie nights, or 101 other ideas, or donate online. More information is on the website.
Join us this March to support Village Leaders helping women like Laxmi find freedom, and ensuring at-risk girls like Amiya are safe from a life of horrific abuse.
Thank you for your support CityLife. It is truly helping exploited women find a new way to live. Because of your generosity, Laxmi and her children can dream dreams, and see those dreams come true.
Dfn.org.au
1 800 949 774
info@dfn.org.au
