"Encrustd" clothes collection - and Vidyaranya

"Encrustd" clothes collection and Vidyaranya 

- a possible way forward for a charity/ fashion event

Today I met with the owner of Encrustd, which is a new clothes fashion brand here in Bangalore. Encrustd has launched its debut collection offering fresh perspectives on dressing, and a new way to shop (personal shopping and home parties e.g.). I find most of the clothes to be sophisticated, yet with a sexy look. Sparkle and embellishment shift into day with sophistication, and simple separates are elevated with contemporary interpretations. The clothes also have a more western look. 

At our lunch meeting we discussed how Encrustd could reach out better to the expat crowd, and doing an event for a charity cause at the same time. This could be a good opportunity for a CSR-initiativ of the company, and at the same time the NGO Vidyararnya and the victims of trafficking could gain from greater visibility and of course from some funds raised. More information will come soon, but please do visit their website: http://www.encrustd.com.

Below are a few of my favorites. And, thank you kindly dear friend Kaveri, for setting up this meeting! 

Children's Day @ Cubbon Park

Celebration of Children's Day/ "Makkala Habba"

One out of many items from the flower exhibition

On the occasion of Children's Day, United Way Bengaluru in association with the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Karnataka, and Vidyaranya, organized a two day festival. This festival took place at Cubbon Park, on the 14th and 15th of November. Parents and children had the opportunity to experience traditional life, games and food. It was a perfect opportunity for parents to share their fond childhood memories with their children while playing traditional games, such as for example cycle tyre race and skating on coconut palms.

Minister Smt Umashree

Guest could also participate in pottery making, basket weaving, butter churning, story telling, painting, to mention a few. There was also a beautiful flower exhibition at the festival. Guests to the festival was foremost the local crowd, but also quite a lot of expats attended. The Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka, also attended the event, which was very exiting for us.

Children's play corner

At the event I spoke with the owner of the trendy Scent (hair and beauty salon). After speaking for a while, we agreed that we could try and do something on behalf of Vidyaranya. So, one meeting pending .. As a matter of fact, at the moment, there is a lot of things going on now for helping the victims, charity dinners, clothes exhibition/ fashion show for a good cause, the H&M project, and the Christmas fundraiser project. Good there is more people willing to help! 

Diwali celebration ...

Site visit to cheer the girls up with Diwali sweets

Yesterday me, new volunteer Steph and another woman named Thea (who is traveling India at the moment) went to the shelter to cheer the girls up with some Diwali sweets. We and a few friends bought some sweets, and friends also donated some clothes. During our last visit the girls was in a quite bad place, due to a recent death in the shelter. Of course some sweets can make up for their loss and make them feel better, but we tried, and are trying our best.

Me and the girls. Time to eat some sweets!

The girls invited us for tea and sweets, also driver Anil, and happily showed us around. I think the girls really appreciate when we come and do something to try to help them, and they are really taking pride in everything they accomplish in terms of handicraft. The girls have been making handicrafts that they will sell at one of the NGOs upcoming events, Children's Festival in Cubbon Park this weekend. 

New volunteer Steph, Thea, Shilpa and her daughter

Shilpa, now a social worker but a former victim, told us that she has started up a bank account and is now saving money for her daughter every month. I think this is really good! She is really taking care and responsibility for her daughter. As mentioned before, Shilpa's daughter survived in her mother's womb during her captivity and sexual slavery. Her daughter has her birthday next month, which we definitely will take part in celebrating.

Yesterday I got some other great news. Swedish Chamber of Commerce said that they will organize the Christmas dinner with the Swedish companies on the 5th of December so that we also can fundraise on behalf of the Ujjawala shelter. Unfortunately this means that my next "run for a cause" needs to be postponed, but that's ok since the Christmas dinner will be a great opportunity for the NGO. 

Of course Tono watch over us ;)

Visit with possible new volunteering, and sad news ...

Visit to shelter with friend, and delivery of sad news

A few days ago I went to the shelter (one of my regular visits) with a friend, and possible new volunteer. As it has turned out, I might be gone a lot next year, hence we need some more help for the girls in the shelter. This day, Stefanie and me delivered rise and sugar (from my very sweet landlord), hair oil, baby cream, biscuits, baby and adult clothes and some other stuff. 

This day we got to hear some very sad news. One of the long-term stay girls had died, due to unknown reasons. She had probably been sick for a long time, but we will probably never get to know what it was that caused her death. The others in the shelter was very sad, of course. Me and Stefanie decided that we are gonna try to cheer them up a bit soon, with making a Diwali celebration.  If anyone want of you want to chip in, please let us know.

Stefanie Rylander

Initial meeting with H&M to discuss CSR

Meeting with H&M to discuss how they can play a role in rehabilitating the former victims of sex trafficking

Kiran Gokathoti

Recently I met with Sustainability Manager Kiran Gokathoti at H&Ms office, at World Trade Center. We discussed how the company could take part in the empowerment of the former trafficked victims. One possible way they could contribute would be to undertake income-generating activities for the women, and this would in that case be done in the vendors/ suppliers factories. The shelter provides for vocational training, such as how to use a sewing machine, so this could be a really good approach.

In this way the women would come one step further in their process of rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as to become self sustainable. H&M would be able to contribute to by emphasizing on women empowerment, which is one of the company's sustainability objectives, and by using some of their CSR-funds. This would be something not only the former victims would gain from, but also H&M. And as some of you already know, in India there is a law that says that 2 percent of a business net profit (depends on revenue) must be spent on CSR-activities.

The company really try to make sure that they produce fashion with a conscience. And it seems as they have come a long way now. A project such as this would mean that the company take responsibility for the world they are active in, and the people around them. Companies, such as H&M, can here play an invaluable role in combating injustices, such as saving a former victim from poverty, for example. Many times a former victim is left to rely on herself due to the fact that she can not get married after being sexually exploited, possibly with a child (from being raped), without any social safety nets or job. 

A non functioning support system (safety nets; governmental/ non-governmental) can also spur socio-economic injustices, as victims risk end up in poverty if they are not properly integrated back into society. There are many inter-related issues causing traffickers to do what they do, and sometimes for why some girls are easier to be targeted than others. But in order to solve injustices in the long run, such as sexual exploitation, poverty alleviation is required. It should not only be an issue for the people directly concerned, but the society in general as well. And it looks as some do take responsibility. At the end of the meeting we agreed to set up another meeting soon, to discuss a possible way forward.  

Brigade Gateway/ World Trade Centre

This day I also met with Mohammed Khan, Director of Food and Beverages, at Sheraton Hotel (as I was in the area). He approached me and told me that the plan to host a cocktail charity party at their premises was almost approved from the board now. The most amazing thing about this (well of course besides the fact that the victims would gain a lot) is that the party would actually take place at the terrace/ roof top, which would be really cool! Hopefully this would attract a lot of people to come. 

Halli Habba - Village Festival

"Halli Habba Festival", which is a village festival, was organized on the special occasion of "Daan Utsav", or "joy of giving week". People from all walks of life are encouraged to do the acts of giving during this week. The Halli Habba festival was organized by the NGO Vidyaranya on the 3rd and 4th of October at Freedom Park, Bangalore. 

At this festival urban folks had the opportunity to experience village traditions of different states. The event focused on rural food, games, art and culture, as well as rural life. All to benefit guests, as well as less fortunate people - truly a win-win- situation! 

Support from expat friends :)

Not only urban locals, especially youth, but also expats had here the opportunity to truly experience Indian rural culture. Even though it is quite easy for us expats to stay in our comfy zones, some paid a visit to the festival. Many of us expats can also afford to help out by buying some fabric etc. In my opinion, there is only good causes to support when it comes to attending these type of events, especially since many beneficiaries most often are the lowest social strata of the community. 

Funds raised from the Halli Habba event will be utilized for infrastructure development of a residential school for the mentally challenged at Mandur. Women and girls were also empowered, as former victims of sex trafficking attended the event and sold handicraft. In addition to this other less fortunate people benefited from the event, such as vulnerable children, disabled people, elderly, marginalized girls and women, amongst others. 

Politicians also paid a visit to the event, and I managed to greet the Minister of Transport. The NGO and event also got a lot of good and well needed media exposure. Below are some of the organisations that Vidyaranya partnered with.

IndiaCares http://icfn.in

Reaching Hands http://www.reachinghand.org

Healthy corporate social responsibility - charity fit

Do you want to encourage your employees and contribute to their health,

Me and Noomi, prep-work for the 18th

while helping women and girls who are victims of human trafficking?

Then register for "Bengaluru Marathon 2015" and make a small donation by using the link below (you can give 500 rupees, or more, it is totally up to you). The run takes place on the 18th of October. You do not have to run of course. Walk, jog or run. For the really active ones there is the full and half marathon (42 and 21 k), but you can also do the 5 k run. It does not matter, as long as you show your support to less fortunate people!

Human trafficking is a crime against
humanity, and it needs our attention
now!

Do something for your health, at the same time as you are doing something good! You can also simply pep others simply by making a donation! Why am I doing this? Because development issues, such as women and children’s rights, are for me crucial core issues to work with in order to promote democracy, and hence to combat injustices. And human trafficking is a crime against humanity which needs our attention.

Whether you are overloaded at work, or a full-time mom, there is nowadays no excuse not to exercise really (unless you are sick of course). As most of you probably already know, exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes in total every day) not only improves your body's fitness, it also reduces stress. Being active can boost your immune system, self confidence and distract you from your daily worries - so come and join us at the run! And yes, I will also participate, of course.

https://milaap.org/campaigns/sextrafficking

These former victims need our help