Recap Part 6: 57th UN Commission for the Status of Women

The United Nations (UN) has been a promoter for actions to end violence against women and girls for many years. However, despite the fact that almost all member states of the UN have developed legislation that supports this issue, there is a general lack of enforcement and political will in many countries which results in many women and girls still suffering abuse around the world. There are many reasons which contribute to this unfortunate fact, such as traditional and cultural practices that do not stand nor respect the rights of women and girls, lack of training for security forces in assisting victims of violence and enforcing legal framework,  weak justice systems, lack of prevention strategies involving men and boys, support services working isolated one from the other, and internal conflict or post-conflict reconstruction.

At the Italian Embassy overlooking the Hudson Bay

VIDES and the Institute of Maria Auxiliadora, both of which are International NGOs with UN consultative status, are working together to combat this issue. At the 57^th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, I had the opportunity to help the Sisters from India make a contribution to the conversations at the UN with a presentation about an orphanage and rehabilitation home in Bangalore for children survivors of violence that has been established by the Sisters. One Sister spoke about their current efforts to partner with police and community members to strengthen the judicial processes in processing children and juvenile cases.  This is important as many street children are detained for long hours while police figure out a proper place for them to go.  Through their work, they have been able to shelter orphans and educate the police on proper treatment of children and juveniles after they are taken in off the streets.  Not only that, but many children have been offered a second chance through their efforts. 

To display the fruits of their labor, a second presentation was given by a young girl named Shanthi, who is 20 years old and fled from domestic violence occurring in her home at age 11 with her brothers and sisters.  Shanthi was scared, but knew that she and her siblings were in danger by staying put and not acting.  However, she did not know where to go or who to turn to.  Through a series of events, she and her siblings were taken in by the Sisters in the rehabilitation home.  When she entered, she was full of fear and uncertainty and was unwilling to participate in the community.  The Sisters understand this and showed her nothing but compassion and explained to her that their home is an area where she could finish her studies, participate in youth activities, and realize that her dignity cannot be stripped away by those who wish to do her harm.  Little by little, Shanthi not only opened up and began to heal, but was able to forgive the people who hurt her the most – namely her father.  The audience was moved and delighted with Shanthi’s inspiring story from her childhood and how it was transformed by the Sisters’ care.  After her presentation, members from the audience formed lines just to congratulate Shanthi and the Sisters for their courage and dedication. 

Shanthi, Sor Jacintha, and I at the General Council

Shanthi 

The audience was not the only group moved by Shanthi’s story.  I shared it with my family and friends after we had finished and they were amazed at what they had heard.  Many asked if they could donate money or continue to promote her story.  After asking Shanthi, who is wise beyond her years, she gave me the reply, “It is not just my story, but a story of all those who suffer injustice and intolerance.  The real ones to thank are people like the Sisters who work tirelessly for our sake.”

The opportunity to assist in such an important and delicate subject has given me awareness and strengthened my faith in our world.  It is beautiful to see different cultures (on a side note, it was the first time the Sisters and Shanthi had ever seen snow!) sharing ideas for the betterment of our world, especially giving a voice to the voiceless.  Though this story took place in India, other participants echoed the fact that it is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed by the global community at large.  As we move towards a globalized world, local problems are no longer contained to specific regions, but are increasingly global problems.  As such, it is important to recognize that our brothers and sisters throughout the world need our help.  For me, I was able to learn good practices and methods for tackling these problems, which I hope to employ in my own community.  Even if it’s something as small as raising awareness, it’s a step in the right direction toward international solidarity.  I feel fortunate to be a VIDES volunteer because these experiences will help shape who I am for the rest of my life.  Now it is my turn to share what I have witnessed to continue to promote education and empowerment to those who suffer unnoticed in our society every day.

From left to right: Shanthi, Veronica, Sor Ramona (front), Sor Maria Luisa,
myself, Sor Glorina, Sor Jacintha

And now, I would like to share Shanthi's inspiring story with you all (you may find some grammatical errors - keep in mind that English is not just her second language, but her fourth)

“Make education possible for us.

Protect us from all forms of violence”

  I  cannot believe myself that I am here at the United  Nations  to share with you all the shadows and the lights of my life especially  after the introduction of  the International Girl Child Day . In fact I am boosted within by the fact that Girls issues are given importance at this International level.  Thank you to all those who worked for it.

 I am the eldest of six children – four boys and two girls. My parents were of inter-caste marriage, because of which they lived isolated   from all their relatives.  They both were running errands of washing the clothes.  As children we were around the house and never played or associated with other children.  I was sent to the nearby primary school with my sister.  We daily witnessed my father returning home fully drunk and he constantly fought with my mother. He used to beat my mother and all of us children.  I hated these family moments. I always thought other parents were good and loving to their children .I could not see my mother being beaten up badly in front of my eyes. I wanted to prevent it but it was not possible at all.  Late at night he used wake me and my mother, scold and beat us and used to send both of us out. He never allowed us to sleep inside the house. He used to borrow money from all and drink.  Adding to that my parents were suspicious of each other. Their cruel and violent behaviour toward each other was terrifying.

When I was in 3^rd year of Primary School, my father left the family after a severe fight and did not return for two years.  In those two years there was no fighting…. But my mother struggled to make ends meet. I wanted to help my mother but I was too small to work anywhere.   We struggled but we lived peacefully till my father’s return.

Again the old story began. And my father compelled me to stop studying and go to work with my mother. But I wanted to study at all cost. I used to go to school hiding, when my father left the house for his work. I disliked my father for he did not have any concern for me.  When I entered my secondary school, I was forced to stop my schooling to take care of the younger children. One fine day my mother left us all and went with another man, after being beaten violently by my father. I was heartbroken…. I was in despair. I also felt responsible for my younger brothers and sister. In the absence of my mother my father began to misbehave with me. He began to disturb me in the night. I used to wake up my brothers and sister and they all used to keep awake with me.  One night I felt frightened and took my brothers and sister and went to the neighbours. The next day they took us and left us in our aunt’s house. My aunt took care of us for a week, and called and advised my father. But he did not listen. She could not feed us all so left us on the street. We roamed everywhere to trace out our mother … but couldn’t. Then one of our neighbours took us to the nearby police station.  They sent us all to the Government Child welfare committee.  It was a home for begging children, runaways, missing children and children with problems. We had food and shelter but we were left to ourselves.  They were trying to settle the children in their families. I was so sure that our parents would never come in search of us.  Being girls, my sister and I were transferred to Navajeevana, a foster home run by IIMA.  

When we entered there, our life began to take another turn. I could feel the joy of being taken care of by sisters who really loved us for what we are.   I was asked to continue my studies.  Then they sent me to do my tailoring course. I completed 2nd year of Secondary school.  They also took care that I was counselled to overcome my fear, hate, depression and moodiness. I began to take part heartily in recreation, cultural activities and began to interact with others. The lessons on moral and spiritual life really helped me to reorientate my life positively.  Then I was sent to complete Home Nursing and I did a Beautician course. Today I earn a good salary; I got ready with bank pass book and birth certificate. The voter ID, Pan Card, Andhra card is on the way.  My sister is also being helped to study. 

I am waiting to complete my secondary education side by side.  As I am in a foster home, I began to love the little ones who enter there for various reasons. Somehow I feel the need to help children like us in the future…. Especially I would like to contribute to the education of the girls in difficult situations.

I would like to make a request to the parents here and all over:  “Kindly respect your Children, for they are Human beings. Try to provide a happy and healthy family. Remember that children long for your love, care and support. Touch their heart and mind not their bodies.  Never use children for your pleasure or to give vent to your violent feelings. Children are vulnerable and take care to treat them well.  Be an example to your children”.

 I am thankful to IIMA who brought new light into my life and the life of my sister. It is because of them today I can stand before you all. I would like the international communities to take real and adequate measures so that every child is able to complete their secondary education and to have a skill training to earn their living especially in countries like India.  I plead with you all today on behalf of all the children in difficult situation throughout the world.  “Make education possible for us. Protect us from all forms of violence."