Kidderpore

The Scholarship Program is very important for the young women living in the slums of Kidderpore, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to study. Although education is crucial in providing women with economic opportunities and enabling political empowerment, young women in Kolkata often face disapproval and lack of support from their families in their studies,as well as the strong pressure to marry.

Widespread discrimination and problems such as domestic abuse make this more critical. However many families can barely afford education, particularly for young women; family income of scholarship recipients ranges from 600-3500 rupees a month (around $12 - $70 dollars), which must support large families of 5-10 members, sometimes with only one parent.

However scholarship recipients are positive about their future. As one student tells:

“I had an expectation to pass final examination of School (Madhyamik) in 1st Division but I could not, which makes me frustrated and my father was very angry with my result. My father declared that he will not take any responsibility for my study. I got connection with ISW (Kidderpore Project). I got back my enthusiasm to study by inspiration of ISW members and started to study at Coaching Centre and took admission at class XI. In spite of that there is a lot of pressure from my father and other famil y members to get married as [they think] I am not good student. The tussle going on long time and I could not concentrate my study. It’s a tremendous mental pressure I have to face.”

“I expressed everything to ISW and they decided to discuss this matter with my father. They warn me not to leave study. In that  situation I came to know that ISW will bear our expenditure for study. When I told my father he was not very satisfied because he thinks only good students have right to continue their study. Otherwise it is wastage of time, energy and money. Hence I never get any help from my father for conveyance to go School, or to take some snacks at tiffin hours. Most of the days I walked to reach School. Sometimes I feel so weak I could not reach to School.”

"Anyway with the help of ISW these problems almost sort out. I am trying my best to combat the situation. The tussle at my home between study and to earn money by small job is going on. I am in between. But I think I will win in this fight as ISW is with me.”