Women Healing Women in India : A Model of Hope for Oppressed Women Everywhere

by Keepin, William

• ISBN13: 9781890772888
• ISBN10: 1890772887
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-05-01
• Publisher: Scb Distributors

Summary

Women Healing Women in India recounts the true story of MAHER, a remarkable project and center for battered women and children located near Pune, India. Founded in 1997, the project has provided refuge to more than 1250 women, half of whom might otherwise have been murdered, committed suicide, or starved to death. Maher is an interfaith community that honors all religions and strongly repudiates caste distinctions-making it a rare beacon shining new hope upon some of the gravest problems in India and around the world. Much has been written on the plight of women in Indian society, but this book presents an effective practical response to the appalling injustices. Maher offers compelling testimony to the power of women in community to overcome some of the most oppressive social conditions, and thus offers inspiration and hope for oppressed women and children across the globe. Women Healing Women in India is rich with stories-poignant firsthand accounts by women and children whose lives have been transformed by the Maher project. Notable insights and statistics about the plight of oppressed women in India and everywhere are woven throughout this book. Later chapters explore the larger implications this pioneering work, with guidance for implementing similar projects elsewhere. The operating principles and practices implemented at Maher are transferable to other potential projects, both in India and abroad. This book articulates this potential, and recounts how Maher has already begun a training program for social workers, clergy, and other clinical professionals, who take these lessons back to their home communities and begin to implement them there. Among the reasons for Maher's uniqueness and success are: *A vibrant community of women healing other women. *An interfaith, caste-free spiritual foundation. *Focus on tackling fundamental causes of poverty and oppression. *Personal commitment and high integrity of its staff and their practice. The book is written in a concise narrative style, making for an easy and compelling read.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. ix
Deliverance from Death	p. 1
Dawn of Fire	p. 9
The Maher Project Today	p. 24
Light of Universal Spirit	p. 41
Women Rising from the Ashes	p. 61
Beyond the Good Samaritan	p. 81
Paupers to Prodigies	p. 96
Casting Aside the Caste System	p. 112
The Magic of Maher	p. 125
Dowry, Dharma, and Karma: Women's Healing Stories at Maher	p. 138
No Chai Pani Here!	p. 161
To the Dancer Belongs the Universe	p. 169
Ten-Year Triumph for Maher	p. 187
Against all Odds-Dancing in Britain!	p. 204
The Eternal Drama of Draupadi	p. 232
Longing to Serve	p. 242
Goodbye to Chalta Hai!-Keys to Maher's Success	p. 252
Expanding the Maher Vision	p. 264
Acknowledgments	p. 277
Rainbow of Services at Maher	p. 281
Interfaith Spiritual Principles, by Thomas Keating	p. 285
Maher Housemothers' and Children's Daily Schedule	p. 287
Other Indian Organizations and Missions Similar to Maher	p. 289
Mather Organizational Data	p. 293
How Can You Get Involved with Maher?	p. 298
Index	p. 302
About The Authors	p. 309
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