If you know me, you know that I tend to be on the "feminist" side of things. I think its because my mum raised me to be a strong woman, and I saw her do everything. She built, she cooked, she worked, she raised us kids, and remolded our house often. She was a WOMAN. I admire that. And Im grateful for the fact that she could do that.When I heard about India, one of the first thing I heard was how the women were repressed. How they were looked down upon because they were the wrong sex. I heard a proverb that went something like this, "its better to be in hell then to have a baby girl." That to me says a lot. So, when I met these widows my heart went out to them. I think they were my favorite part of my trip (although thats so hard to tell!).
When widowed in India your family has no responsibility to you. That means, that your kids that you raised don't have to feed you, clothe you, or give you a place to live. You're worth nothing. So Care India has stepped in and started to feed the widows, and help them survive. Each month these widows get a good meal and $10 for the month. With that money they are able to buy one good meal a day and maybe buy a little medicine.
That day I took photos of the woman, and as a woman it was more then powerful. I did my job, and then hit. It hit that I was doing something that meant something. I was in the presence of some of the most amazing beautiful woman in the world. I told them how grateful I was for letting me take their photos, I told them how beautiful they were, and how I admired them. Of course, because we are women... we cried. It was beautiful. It was the moment when I knew I had my mum in me, and I am so grateful for that.
So heres to the widows..
Care India also helps men and women with disabilities. This guy has a makeshift wheel chair, and his daughter helps push him around. I feel in love with his eyes. I wish I could have spoke with him, because he seemed so amazing.
