[Update from Asha Sanctuary Group to Asha Wide]
Dear friends,
Asha Sanctuary Focus Group and partner-NGO Odanadi Seva Samsthe jointly organized
a conference in Mysore
(Dec 14th, 15th and 16th) to discuss issues and challenges in preventing second
generation prostitution. The role of education in opening options for these
children was discussed. The relative invisibility of this segment of children,
and the
compliance through silence of the average person regarding these children makes
them more vulnerable to being exploited as well. Educating the public was also
understood as necessary and urgent. The following is a brief summary:
The three-day conference was attended by about 50+ individuals from approximately 26 groups from across India. They included groups looking at various issues including trafficking (e.g., Odanadi, Mysore, Prerana, Mumbai and Sanlaap, Kolkata), Child rights (e.g.,Child Rights Trust), and cultural and religious sanction to prostitution (e.g., Guria, Varanasi and MICDA, Chittor). The age of the NGO's varied from three decades (e.g., Vimochana) to two years (e.g., Rah, Natpurva).
Several key players in this domain were present at the conference. The most important result is the identification of needs of NGOs in this domain and outline of possible efforts to address the needs.
1. Groups saw the need to network. They observed that funding-based networks have failed in the past, and therefore would prefer a non-funding network. Asha Sanctuary will moderate this network for up to 2 years by which time it is hoped the network will be self-functioning.
2. Groups saw value in meeting each other, and learning each other's approaches and build on synergies. They would like to participate in more such gatherings going forward. Three groups already offered to host Sanctuary meetings in future.
3. Groups would really like a communication channel using which they can share experiences in a timely fashion. Asha Sanctuary focusgroup will facilitate this network for atleast 2 years and help build this communication channel.
4. Groups will suggest partners to be added to the network.
5. Several bi-lateral relationships were forged.
6. There was near unanimous decision to participate in an awareness campaign across the country on a given day/possibly in november. This might turn into an annual event. The details will be worked out as we proceed.
Details will be posted at our website at http://www.ashanet.org/focusgroups/sanctuary. We welcome you to join our mailing list at
Thank you to all the chapters (Princeton, Seattle, Boston and LA) and individuals who made this happen.
The Asha Sanctuary team.