“Dharma” means duty in various Eastern philosophical traditions. Working in India felt like putting that idea of duty into practice—supporting others in accessing opportunities they might otherwise be denied.
We work with local organizations on the ground, rather than engaging in traditional charity work, as we believe that they know best what the population needs and how to create effective and sustainable change.AIM Foundation certainly knows how to do this, as I could clearly see during my time in India. Since the organization was founded in 2016, they have set up projects in multiple areas of Kolkata, and branched out to some rural locations in the Sundarbans. Next to women’s empowerment, they also run educational projects and healthcare initiatives like eye tests and menstrual hygiene education.
While working with them, I learned that the entire team works on a voluntary basis, next to either running their own businesses or being employed. Seeing their dedication and passion was one of the most inspiring parts of the experience. And it also relates to the name Dharma again – by working with them, we extend our duty to help the less privileged access more opportunities.
This comes very close to why I decided to work in development. I didn’t grow up in a particularly privileged environment by Western European standards. But I never had to question whether I could go to school, access healthcare, or make my own life choices. I believe that these things should not be a privilege, just because you were born in a certain country. Through my work, I hope to contribute to increased equality of opportunity, especially for girls and women in developing countries.
That's why setting up the project in Kolkata hit pretty close to home for me. The SuiDhaga initiative, and our collaboration with AIM Foundation more generally, gives women more decision-making autonomy, an increased sense of dignity, and elicits generational change, as children observe these effects. The children - and especially daughters - of mothers who were trained as part of the SuiDhaga program are more likely to pursue education or practical training, alleviating poverty and increasing self-determination.
We want to turn potential into real outcomes. Because the potential is certainly there, as I have seen during the weeks I worked with the women in Kolkata.
If this resonates with you, you can learn more or support the initiative here: https://www.dharma.ngo/projects/suidhaga/
Every contribution counts, no matter how small! 💜