Vogue Warriors: Meet the social entrepreneur who is mobilising resources for the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis – VOGUE India
Posted: April 22, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Since 2006, Rubina Nafees Fatimas Hyderabad-based organisation, SAFA, has helped thousands of women earn livelihoods through skill training. It has empowered several others with guidance on health, hygiene and low-cost nutrition. This year, they have a bigger challenge at handtheyre working with daily wagers and migrant communities and ensuring their safety and survival.
In partnership with Youth Feed India, a citizens group tackling hunger and food wastage, SAFA is working across multiple cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Gurugram, to distribute dry ration packs to daily wagers, sex workers and transgender communities. Till date, they have distributed 48,000 relief kits across India, which have helped 2,40,000 individuals. Their work has found support in tennis player Sania Mirza, who helped them raise Rs 1.25 crore in funds in March. Apart from personal donations and fundraising, theyve also set up a petition with the government and other grant bodies. By the end of April, the organisation aims to raise Rs 5 crore, that would provide ration packs for five lakh people.
Nafees Fatima is cognizant of the fact that the issues on the ground will not end with the pandemic. We are working with daily wagersthe fruit vendors and tea sellers. Their one source of income has now closed down. Most of these families are already in debt not from banks or nationalised institutions, but petty money lenders who charge interest as high as 40 per cent. She continues, Just a couple of days ago, I heard about an autorickshaw driver who said he had to start driving again or he wont have money to buy petrol. Thats how bad it is.
While relief work is taking place at the NGO and government levels, many of these individuals dont have the means to access it. 30 per cent of the urban poor dont have a Jan Dhan account, through which the PM National Relief Fund is being distributed. Most of the migrant worker population isnt even documented. We are running surveys in all our communities to help them get linked to the account and avail the benefits of government schemes, she says.
What brings Nafees Fatima closer to the cause is the fact that a large part of this urban poor population affected in Hyderabad are the women and their families associated with SAFA. The organisation works towards the socio-economic empowerment of women and education of the girl child, whilst retaining the cultural fabric of the communities it is working in, according to their literature. The bit at the end is very important, stresses Nafees Fatima. Her father served in the Indian Army and she grew up in an extremely secular kind of an atmosphere, travelling across the country due to the postings.
But in male-dominated communities the organisation works in, trying to change existing structures and values could mean the end of their work there. Its slow and challenging work. For all the stories of women she's been able to empower, Nafees Fatima recalls a girl, who she supported since she was in fourth grade, was sold off by her mother into a physically and sexually abusive marriage. With some help, she eventually walked out of the marriage, got a divorce, and now at 25, works as a receptionist at a prominent hotel. But I couldnt stop the marriage from happening or her being sold off. Shes been my success, but its also a story of my failure, she says.
The pandemic, she believes, will likely cause an uptick in the cases of sex trafficking, especially in high-risk single women communitiesdivorced and abandoned women with children, who will end up in sex trade for lack of resources. SAFA is looking at a small capital infusion that will help them start afresh post the crisis. For this, theyve set up a sustenance fund of Rs 5,000 for three months, along with the ration kit.
The job is not easy, but Nafees Fatima finds strength in core family tenets. I grew up with four sisters, and for women to be empowered was a top priority in my family. I was very influenced by my grandfather. He was the kind of person whod say, Dont go for weddings, but if someones sick in the family, you must visit them. That has really stayed with me; that you need to be there for people who need your help.
As we self-isolate with our pantries stocked with essentials and little luxuries and wonder what well buy first when things get back to normal, it pays to bear in mind that for some, normal wont look anything like ours. Rubina Nafees Fatima knows this and will be there to help those who need it the most.
Vogue Warriors shines the spotlight on the women at the medical frontlines and essential servicesdoctors, nurses, scientists, innovatorsalongside behind-the-scene heroes working tirelessly to help us through the ongoing pandemic.
Vogue Warriors: Meet the 38-year-old mother who founded the community-driven Caremongers India
Meet the Vogue Warriors: The 3 women of science behind Indias first COVID-19 testing kits
Vogue Warriors: Meet the real heroes behind-the-scenes and on-the-frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic
Go here to read the rest:
Vogue Warriors: Meet the social entrepreneur who is mobilising resources for the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis - VOGUE India
- From 'good to great' - Greenville Daily News - February 1st, 2021
- New and Forthcoming Titles on Women, Girls and Empowerment - Publishers Weekly - February 1st, 2021
- Letter: Why are we wasting our time with impeachment? - PostBulletin.com - February 1st, 2021
- Bring back the beat: Music you missed this January - Daily Trojan Online - February 1st, 2021
- Resources available to support student wellness and mental health - Penn State News - February 1st, 2021
- Yemen: Delivering COVID assets through the project's chain - World Bank Group - World Bank Group - February 1st, 2021
- Your Guide to Surviving Mercury Retrograde in 2021, Based on Your Zodiac Sign - HYPEBAE - February 1st, 2021
- Meet the Human Design Coaches to watch in 2021 - GlobeNewswire - February 1st, 2021
- Brain hacks to boost productivity with music. Should you be listening to more ABBA? - TechRepublic - November 18th, 2020
- 76% of Shoppers to Conduct Majority of their Holiday Purchases Online - Stockhouse - November 18th, 2020
- Mangaluru: Apostolic Carmel Congregation celebrates 150 years of its presence in India - Daijiworld.com - November 18th, 2020
- At new OKC Black-owned bookstore, "We just want them to come into a place and see themselves" - Oklahoman.com - November 18th, 2020
- Join the club: Womens Empowerment provides a safe space - District - November 18th, 2020
- Death doulas help the dying meet their end with affirmation instead of anxiety - Houston Chronicle - November 18th, 2020
- Free Guy Director Shawn Levy Says the Movie Is More Timely Than Ever - Superherohype.com - November 18th, 2020
- Meet the 40-year-old who has empowered over 1.5 lakh women through self-defence - YourStory - November 18th, 2020
- WCH city manager makes appeal to the community - Record Herald - November 18th, 2020
- Craig Russell revolutionized Canadian drag, and he finally has the outrageous biography he deserves - CBC.ca - November 18th, 2020
- Stream It Or Skip It: 'I Am Greta' on Hulu, a Powerful Portrait of an Activist at the Peak of Her Influence - Decider - November 18th, 2020
- A Corps Leaders Perspective: Chief of Ordnance passionate about serving in U.S. Army - Public Affairs Office of Headquarters, US Army Combined Arms... - November 18th, 2020
- Only for women! 7 pct interest, PF waiver and gold loan discount in this savings account - Equitas Small Fi... - Zee Business - November 18th, 2020
- Tierna McComb overcomes family tragedy to become the height of fashion - The Irish News - November 18th, 2020
- Realize, emphasize and mobilize in uncertainty - SRU The Online Rocket - October 30th, 2020
- Seasons of Hope family in need of help during illness - Johnson City Press (subscription) - October 30th, 2020
- Ariana Grandes Positions shows the power of women writing about their own orgasms - British GQ - October 30th, 2020
- Becky G's Fight for Equal Pay Is Personal: How She's Paving the Way for the Latinx Community - E! Online - October 30th, 2020
- Why Ivanka Trump Is Coming Out Against Abortion Now - Slate - October 30th, 2020
- Up Close: In Conversation with EShopWorld CEO Tommy Kelly - Sourcing Journal - October 30th, 2020
- 3 ways first-generation Americans can build wealth and support family - Business Insider - Business Insider - October 30th, 2020
- Account Manager/Senior Stylist job with A Line Boutique | 148923 - The Business of Fashion - October 30th, 2020
- Fintechs Draw Increasing Attention in Social Media Banking Chats - The Financial Brand - October 30th, 2020
- Women talking, addressing toughest issues they face at Triangle Tech X conference - WRAL Tech Wire - October 30th, 2020
- First payroll system with financial wellbeing and banking capabilities launches today - ResponseSource - October 30th, 2020
- House of Reps determined to resolve ASUU issues and empower youths - Gbajabiamila - Nairametrics - October 30th, 2020
- What's in a Word? Housing Policy and the Shifting Sands of Empowerment - Non Profit News - Nonprofit Quarterly - September 10th, 2020
- One in 10 U.S. Adults Say They Have Been Victims of Identity Theft Since the COVID-19 Pandemic Began - Yahoo Finance - September 10th, 2020
- Empowerment in audit - Accounting Today - September 10th, 2020
- India to empower citizens with control over use of personal data - Business Standard - September 10th, 2020
- Girls on the Run initiates fall season programs with accommodations for health and safety guidelines - LebTown - September 10th, 2020
- Defending Rights of Women in India: A Constitutional Standpoint - The Kashmir Images Newspaper - September 10th, 2020
- How Donnette Dawn Thomas is Making a Positive Impact with Mindful Missions of SC - Kev's Best - September 10th, 2020
- Why we should do away with standardized testing - The Daily Cardinal - September 10th, 2020
- Varsity Brands Deepens Commitment to Social and Emotional Learning as Schools Work to Reopen for the 2020-21 School Year - PRNewswire - September 10th, 2020
- Why we love Megan Thee Stallion - RU Daily Targum - September 10th, 2020
- Weakest, Most Fragile States Will Be Those Worst Affected by COVID-19 in Medium, Long Term, Humanitarian Chief Tells Security Council - World -... - September 10th, 2020
- Integrated Partners and Duffy Kruspodin, LLP Align to Create DK Wealth Management, LLC - GlobeNewswire - September 10th, 2020
- From live sessions to workout videos: Senior citizens take the e-route to stay fit amid pandemic - The Indian Express - September 10th, 2020
- Women in Tech: "You are the best author of your own career path" - JAXenter - August 29th, 2020
- Dear Keith: Works from the Personal Collection of Keith Haring - FAD magazine - August 29th, 2020
- H&M collaborates with Beirut-based designer Sandra Mansour on empowering collection - Manila Bulletin - August 29th, 2020
- 'Nikah Halala' Review: A Scathing Indictment of a Practice That Has No Quranic Sanction - The Wire - August 29th, 2020
- Wafia's new EP 'Good Things' explores the loss and liberation of growing up and relationships - Purple Sneakers - August 29th, 2020
- 'The House of Jaipur' Maps the History, Glamour and Feuds of a Former Royal Family - The Wire - August 29th, 2020
- People Analytics Leader - Governance, Ethics, and Prioritization at Allstate - Insurance Journal - August 29th, 2020
- More Women Tapping On Fintech? - The ASEAN Post - August 29th, 2020
- The Tech Perspective Kamala Harris Could Bring to the Vice Presidency - Nextgov - August 29th, 2020
- The Zondo Commission, the dealmaker, and the botched evidence - Moneyweb - August 29th, 2020
- First Horizon Bank Offers Financial Wellness Programs On Demand - rutherfordsource.com - August 29th, 2020
- DiCarlo Shy upon Recognition, Relentless in Her Mission - Wanderer - July 8th, 2020
- Pureology, #1 Professional Color Care Brand*, Pioneer In Vegan Haircare, To Unveil New Look And Formulas - PRNewswire - July 8th, 2020
- 'Gamificaiton' of educational content offers a peek into the future of classrooms - StepFeed - July 8th, 2020
- Vermont Dance Alliance and Black Freedom Fund Partner to Empower - Seven Days - July 8th, 2020
- Danai Gurira on Empowering Fitness and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice - Women's Health - July 8th, 2020
- So You Want to Leave it All and Create a Community? - Resilience - July 8th, 2020
- Blackout Day is July 7, calls for boycott of non-Black-owned business - Business Insider - Business Insider - July 8th, 2020
- To Leave Racist Roots Behind, Child Welfare Needs a Great Reimagining - LA Progressive - July 8th, 2020
- Health and Social Welfare Systems Strengthening Consultant, ACHIEVE/Tanzania - ReliefWeb - July 8th, 2020
- Heralding a new health data regime in India - Observer Research Foundation - July 8th, 2020
- Kiva Receives USAID Design Funding to Structure Innovative $100M Fund to Support 1 Million Women Globally - Business Wire - July 8th, 2020
- Former WE Charity employee says staff tried to silence her by rewriting anti-racism speech - CBC.ca - July 8th, 2020
- Gaia Herbs Offers Grants to Organizations Expanding Herbal Access for Underserved Populations in the United States - Yahoo Finance - June 3rd, 2020
- Women Cant Be Fully Empowered If Theyre Not Financially Empowered. Heres Why. - SWAAY - June 3rd, 2020
- Healthfully and NextGate Partner to Give Patients Safe, Reliable Access to Personal Health Data - thepress.net - June 3rd, 2020
- 'I am determined Oakwood will continue to be a center of empowerment and witness.' - Adventist Review - June 3rd, 2020
- UPES has given more Shakti to all girl students with 25 percent scholarship - Careers360 - June 3rd, 2020
- How a Kenyan climate change documentary inspired the world - Climate Home - June 3rd, 2020
- Free Access to Employment Screening Helps Small Businesses and the Unemployed Get Back to Work More Quickly - GlobeNewswire - June 3rd, 2020
- No buyer's remorse, increased bank balance, more control: The many perks of cutting back on spending in a post-Covid world - Economic Times - June 3rd, 2020
- The Only Task Management Platform You Need Launched to Help Remote Workers, Freelancers, Small Business - Business Wire - June 3rd, 2020
- Prays Together: Honesty in Prayer - Foothills Sun Gazette - June 3rd, 2020