June 2023

June 2023

June 3rd week:

Everywhere people stare, each and ev'ryday

I can see them laugh at me

And I hear them say

Hey, you've got to hide your love away

Hey, you've got to hide your love away

How can I even try, I can never win

You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away
The Beatles

Change the word ‘love’ with ‘dreams’ and you would probably be speaking about what some of the many women we interact with daily believe to be true about themselves.

They have been lied to and deceived to believe that dreams are for others - that they have no agency and power of choice given to them for their lives.

Well… throwing this theory on its head were three women who graduated from the Sanctuary in India in the month gone by.

One has got a job as a saleswoman in a chain of shops selling diamond jewelry - even as she goes ahead with completing her graduation.

The second, a trained fashion designer, gets a job that builds on her training even as she continues her studies for her final year of graduation.

The third has got employment as a teacher as she works to complete her Masters in Economics by September this year.

They all began their new roles in the first week of June.

Over the years, these three have pressed on - despite the odds ahead of them - worked toward and grasped the goals they set for themselves.

It was not easy as they battled doubt of individual capacity; whether they had what it takes physically, mentally and interpersonally to engage with people as a salesperson and teacher.

They wrestled with emotional triggers while learning skills in being creative and comfortable with technology as a designer.

They looked fear in the face as they made their peace with moving from the comfort of the known into the unknown of a new job, new role, new colleagues and a new culture.

We will continue to walk alongside these three in the days, months and years ahead as they build on their foundations and grow in being practical and flexible.

Who knows what miracles you can achieve?

When you believe, somehow you will

You will when you believe

When You Believe
Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston

There is great joy as we watch these miracles unfold - we invite you to walk alongside!

Warmly

Max Fernand

Executive Director

You cannot reach goals without planning and hard work.

- A woman from our Sanctuary in Mumbai, India