Low literacy can hinder personal and societal progress, limiting access to information and resources necessary for individuals to thrive. There’s a wide gender disparity in the literacy rate in india.
Many women in the brothel communities never imagined that they would get to learn to read, write, or even sign their names. For them, these skills once seemed out of reach. However, through the literacy classes at our brothel community centers, they’ve started to believe in themselves.
One woman shared, “I never thought I could learn Hindi. Now, I can write my name and read simple words. Another said, “Before these classes, I couldn’t even understand when someone was trying to mislead me. Now, I can read and calculate basic numbers, which helps me avoid being tricked.”
These sessions have equipped them with the essential literacy skills—basic reading, writing, and math—that are helping them take control of their financial decisions. Illiteracy once made them vulnerable to exploitation, with moneylenders easily misleading them. But now, they are more confident, independent, and empowered to stand up for themselves.
