About half of all women worldwide live in patriarchal societies where they face inequality. In India, like in other many countries, women endure constant discrimination and, in many cases, also harassment. Although women are legally entitled to equal rights in all areas of society, still many women are severely disadvantaged.

The Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA works to achieve gender equality between women and men in rural India. We stand up against violence and discrimination against women and strive to improve the social and economic situation of women and their families. By enabling women to reach their full potential and equipping them to be part of the decision-making process, we can attain sustainable development.

Sanghams (self-help groups for women) serve as a key resource to help women network and find support; to address and solve problems in the family and community; and to gain access to loans or microcredits to develop their own businesses. As such, sanghams provide women with the opportunity to develop their own potential and make self-determined decisions about their lives. Our Foundation supports Indian women and helps their voices to be heard.

At the age of eight, Salamma started working in the fields of landowners to support her family. Today she owns two hectares of land and is the only woman in her village who drives her own ox cart.

“Being an owner gives me pride and confidence, ” says Salamma while driving her ox cart early in the morning. She is in her sixties and lives with her husband in Mamipalli, a small village in Anantapur region, India. A mother of 2 daughters and 2 sons, she has not only dedicated her life to her family but also to toil hard on lands. She is the proud owner of 5 acres and 2 buffaloes.

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