In late June, the Sai Maa Women's Empowerment Center offered training in a number of techniques to assist women in times of personal crisis, stress or when facing challenging circumstances in their lives. Both clients and staff undertook the training gaining skills in how to offer Sai Maa Energy Blessings to themselves and others, and using the vibration of their voice (specifically using 'AUM') to empower and uplift themselves and their environment.   

Over 2 days, the training was offered at both the center premises and at the shelter.  All the women attending enjoyed learning the techniques and importantly recognised the shifts that they themselves can make in how they feel.   The universal response was feeling more power, feeling lighter and feeling freer within a short time of applying the techniques offered.   There was also lively discussion on how this could assist them in their lives from their home circumstances, to reducing stress when things are not going as expected or situations become stressed or excitable in the home or community. 

​​Every year on march 8th International Women’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. In Varanasi this is an opportunity both to promote the contributions made by women, and to work towards greater education and empowerment of the many women who still live with inequality. In this spirit Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust together with ASMITA and ChildLine, 2 organisations working in the slum areas of Varanasi, offered special programs during the month of March in 5 slum areas across the city of Varanasi.

Each program reflected the unique interests, skills and culture of that community. However they all offered education on the role of women in society, and the opportunity for that community to express themselves.

​Malu is a wife and a mother, however 4 years ago her husband left her for another women.  This followed a long history of abuse and deceit in the marriage. Now Malu sees no way to care for herself or her child, feels like a failure, and has no confidence and no skills. Although she has filed cases with the police regarding some of the alleged abuse and there has also been some follow-up, her husband is ignoring the police orders and continuing to avoid responsibility.

Meera is 11 years old.  She is the eldest child of a struggling family who recently moved to Varanasi from a distant village.  Her parents found jobs on a multi-storied construction site and, because they had no accommodation, they were allowed to live on-site in the partially completed building.  During this time, the building supervisor was welcoming and supportive of the family, including Meera and her younger brother, Surjit.

One day, the supervisor visited the children while the parents were working and sent Surjit to buy some snacks.  

Ada lived with her husband, Raj, and four children in government housing for the homeless. They had little, but were honest. Five years ago Raj was seemingly befriended by Vijay, a property dealer who also gambled. Since then Vijay had often come to Raj’s home.  Ada did not mind as they appeared to enjoy each other’s company.

One day, Vijay arrived announcing he had won a considerable sum of money.  To celebrate, he gave Raj money to buy sweets for the family and other essentials.  Raj left with the children, leaving Ada alone in the house with Vijay. While Raj was out, Vijay allegedly attempted to sexually assault Ada, but Raj returned unexpectedly.  As Raj walked in on the chaos, Vijay picked up a knife, stabbed Ada, and fled the house. 

Swati was a college student living happily with her family in their family home. All this changed when Swati met a young man, Vikas, and fell in love with him. Over time it became clear to both Swati and Vikas that they wished to build a life together and so they decided to marry. When Swati expressed this wish to her family, she discovered another side to her seemingly accepting family.

Swati’s family refused her request to marry and vehemently opposed the relationship continuing.  In traditional Indian families, parents still believe they have the right to determine their children’s future.   Vikas was not the future they envisaged for their daughter.  During one heated argument, the violence became extreme and Swati was severely beaten by both her father and brother. From then she lived in fear that this violence would continue or escalate if she did not change her mind.   

Over the past 2 months the Sai Maa Women’s Empowerment Project has seen significant expansion.  In December 2014 a suitable property for the women’s shelter was located, and in January 2015 our first clients were welcomed at the shelter premises – a mother and daughter in need of temporary refuge.  

Since opening between 2 and 5 women have been housed at the shelter each night, ranging in age from teenagers to women in their 70s.  The shelter is smaller than originally planned, catering for a maximum of 5 women (and their children).  We decided on this smaller property so that the shelter services became available, rather than a potentially long wait to locate and prepare the desired larger premises.

The Women’s Empowerment Project in Varanasi is built on 2 foundational stones – the empowerment center and a short term safe shelter for women and their children with no safe accommodation options available.   The empowerment center is firmly established as the first base, and on Monday 15th December, the second foundation stone was set in place.  

On this day a puja (ritual) and yagya (fire ceremony) were held in the premises newly secured for the safe shelter.  It is traditional in Indian culture to establish auspicious energies in a house before moving anything in, and with this purpose and Sai Maa’s blessing four pundits removed energetic obstacles, bringing happiness and the support of the divine mother into this safe haven for women.