Namaste,
I'm sorry that this mail does not have personal notes. Many of you have supported me in my decision to take the leap and head off this exciting project of teaching women's self-defense in India as well as training instructors here. It was a scary move, with the "war on terrorism" being in such close proximity amongst other concerns. It has barely been 4 days since my arrival and I wanted to let you know, I arrived safely and give you all a glimpse of what my life is like at the moment. I am happy to receive mail from you to keep me connected to the life abroad.
Finally I did make it to an internet shop. This is my first day on my own in this 'wild' Delhi reality...I must admit it took me a bit of courage this morning to leave my nest. When I arrived in Delhi, I was picked up by this lovely woman, D., who was in my workshop in spring. She is 26, lives with her parents and works full time. Her parents welcomed me in their lovely Indian way. Had wonderful spicy Indian dinner and I got to eat again with my hands again!
The next day they all went to work and I was alone with Sukati, the servant who made me yummy meals until they came back. Then we went to meet L. (from the Saheli women's group) who has a little hideaway (small bachelor) in an apartment building. It was like having a pajama party with those 2. Lots of fun and laughter. They are both very excited about the upcoming training and are trying to assist these initial workshops as much as they can get time off work.
The following day was the first workshop with 20 year olds, very privileged college students. It became clear to me how it is all ONE patriarchy ... just this one quite more intense than the one we are familiar with. One girl did not come back the second day. She is presently being sexually abused by her uncle I was told by her teacher. They are aware of the situation. She mostly reads and talks of death. Another very attractive girl from Assam (different look from here) is presently being stalked by a man. I assess it as a very dangerous situation.
After those 2 days D. and L. went to their respective homes and work and left me in the little hideaway. Yesterday, I just slept, read and wrote. Today it was time to venture out. On my way here I saw 4 working elephants, many cows, a camel cart and sooooo many dalits (untouchables) and vegy carts and cars and bikes and very thick smog. What a life, everything is teeming with life in one form or another.
Even though this is very challenging, I am excited about being here again, especially contributing to women's empowerment.
Tomorrow is the next workshop in another college. The feedback from the first workshop got us 4 more request for workshops. We had a smashing success! (-; Am very glad to have L. there, with her knowledge of the law and progressive counsellors and organizations helpful to women in crisis. And there are not many.
The Saheli women's group is not funded. The 12 or so active members contribute time and effort after working full time. It has been in existence for 20 years. One of their main focus is helping women in abusive situations. Saheli means woman-friend in Hindi.
By the way I am expected to learn Hindi ... and am wondering where I get my crash course. It is a very difficult language. Right now I am just barely getting by in shops and with taxi drivers. Got a long way to go.
Tonight 4 of us are going to see a very controversial 2film (in Hindi) about a woman activist in Rajastan. She was violently gang raped by upper caste village elders (because of her out-spokeness for women), which was watched by several police men. The perpetrators were acquitted on the grounds of: 1) Father and son would not "have sex" with the same woman and 2) Upper caste men would never "have sex" with a lower caste woman like her. She is appealing the case. A very courageous woman who is still living in this village with these people. While she was raped her husband was beaten up badly.
Hope you are all well!
Gitta
taught by
 B.C., Canada, 1 (604) 876-6390 |
Contact Wenlido and Gitta
Women Educating in Self-defense Training (WEST).