International Widows' Day: Bala Vikasa gives shattered women a purpose in life

Hyderabad: Renuka was married off at the age of 14. Poverty, abuse, and the burden of raising four children left her to face a living death.

Determined to provide for her family, she joined a women's savings group. But her dreams were shattered when her alcoholic husband squandered the loan. After his death, a leg injury rendered Renuka unable to work, leaving her eldest children as the sole breadwinners. Despite their efforts, the family barely scraped by. Renuka longs to give her children a safe home and a better life.

Enter Bala Vikasa, a non-profit organization based in Warangal, Renuka was able to receive some relief and support.

Renuka is not an isolated case. Ahalya faced numerous challenges and discrimination after her husband's demise in 2005. “I was excluded from various activities and even my own brother's wedding. The pain of societal exclusion was compounded when I became a victim of sexual harassment by a family member, pushing me to the point of attempting suicide as a desperate measure to end my struggles,” she said.

In a country where widows often endure social exclusion and superstitions, the stories of Ahalya, Renuka, and Madhavi serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of compassion and support.

however, Bala Vikasa has empowered countless widows, enabling them to reclaim their independence, challenge societal norms, and lead dignified lives.

As the world observes International Widows' Day, Bala Vikasa stands as a beacon of hope for all women who face discrimination and deprivation on a daily basis after their husband’s death.

Bala Vikasa's training programs and counselling sessions played a pivotal role in helping numerous widows overcome their pain and transform into independent women.

“With the support of fellow women, we fought against deeply ingrained societal superstitions that dictated widows should abandon symbols like bindis, flowers, and bangles. Instead, I chose to reclaim my identity and embraced my true self by continuing to dress as I always had. The advanced-tailoring training provided by Bala Vikasa not only gave me the necessary skills but also brought financial stability, allowing me to provide for my family,” said Ahalya.

Madhavi, a young widow burdened with social stigma, found herself alone after her husband's untimely demise. With counselling, vocational skill training, and a renewed sense of purpose, Madhavi stands tall as an independent tailor today, living life on her own terms and inspiring others to embrace their own strength.

Executive Director of Bala Vikasa, Shoury Reddy Singareddy said: “For over 15 years, we have been at the forefront of this cause, challenging social stigma and discrimination head-on. Our mission is clear: we strive to foster individual resilience and self-sufficiency among widows, helping them reclaim their independence and dignity in society. Through our programs, we provide crucial support to widows. We encourage them to save, form support groups and offer annual financial assistance, groceries, and scholarships. We understand the unique challenges faced by young widows and ensure our programs are tailored to meet their needs.”

Bala Vikasa does not believe in not just providing immediate assistance but also addressing the long-term empowerment of widows. “We offer psychological counselling and skill training, equipping them with the necessary tools to rebuild their lives and pursue a better future. But our work doesn't stop there. We raise our voices and advocate for the rights of widows at the village, district, and state levels. We aim to create a social movement that challenges outdated practices and superstitions, seeking support from influential individuals and organizations,” Singareddy said.