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Overcoming discrimination in South East Asia
Caste-based discrimination excludes people on the basis of birth and directly affects over 200 million people in South Asia.
Some of the people most impacted are known as Dalits, literally meaning “broken people.” Considered “impure”, and therefore “untouchable”, they are often restricted to unsafe and exploitative work, such as cleaning out public toilet pits or working in toxic brick-making factories.
Despite the illegality of this so-called “untouchability”, those who are discriminated against on the basis of caste are routinely denied access to education, food and basic rights.
Dalit children and women are particularly at risk. More than half of Dalit children drop out before finishing primary school, while women suffer the double discrimination of gender and caste, with most being taken out of school early to be sold into marriage and household service at the cost of their own independence.
This system of graded inequality has existed for centuries, widening the ever-growing poverty gap and social and economic progress of millions in South Asia.
35
We are supporting 35 projects across South Asia
£ 2,269,110
Last year we gave £2,269,110 in grants.
130,000
Last year 130,000 were supported by our projects
How we create change
1.
By giving people the tools, support and the skills to lead dignified lives, they become champions of their communities and support others.
2.
Working with grassroots organisations based in South Asia from within the affected communities themselves, we can ensure self-reliance and sustainability.
3.
We bring these organisations together, forming networks which can spread their benefit to more individuals, restarting the cycle of transformation.
Stories from the field
