March
3rd
2014

Kuvarben – Mandva Village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Kuvarben belongs to the Darbar caste that follows strict purdah (head covering) for women. To defecate, she had to go either very early or very late in the night. She suffered from insect and snakebites, and feared for her life, as harassment was rampant. She stopped eating because she could not take the risk of being seen defecating during the day at all. For Kuvarben, stomachaches, headaches, anemia were a way of life. During menstruation, she suffered even further; walking long distances resulted in illness or pregnancy complications. A loan of Rs.10, 000.00 made the difference.
With the help of Shanti Life, she now owns her own toilet, resulting in improved health and productivity. She has regained her dignity.