Prarambha

Prarambha, funded by the Norwegian Human Rights Fund, works to empower and rehabilitate manual scavengers across several districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru Urban and Rural. Despite the ban on manual scavenging since 1974, the practice persists due to societal pressures and a lack of alternative livelihood opportunities. Prarambha's project aims to discourage this tradition imposed on Scheduled Castes (SCs), ensuring their access to rehabilitation packages and advocating for the implementation of anti-manual scavenging laws. Through a Social Justice and Human Rights model, the organization empowers these communities to claim their constitutional rights, forming platforms like the Safaikaramchari Watchdog Committee. So far, 785 manual scavengers have been enrolled, with 451 receiving financial assistance, indicating a growing assertion of rights within the community.

Prarambha, supported by AID, Austin, works to prevent the dedication of women as Devadasis and facilitates their rehabilitation in the Koppal district. Despite the ban on this traditional practice in 1982, it persists, leading to the sexual exploitation of women. The project focuses on empowering these women to resist further dedication and advocating against the practice. Using a Social Justice and Human Rights model, Prarambha mobilizes the community to claim their rights, with the Vimuktha Devadasi Mahila Vedhike serving as a community platform. Over 500 devadasi women and children have been organized, with significant funding secured from government schemes for their self-employment and agricultural needs, indicating a growing resistance against the practice within the community.