Dalit Freedom Network UK has today (Anti-Slavery Day – 18 October) announced a major new initiative to help bring an end to young girls being dedicated to a lifetime of slavery in ritualised prostitution. The Jogini system operates in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and involves 17,000 women and girls according to official figures. Charities working on the ground believe the figure could be much higher with as many as 100,000 caught in the system, despite dedications being made illegal since 1988.

DFN is raising funds for a 12-month pilot project working in a hundred villages in a district where it is alleged that every other day another girl is dedicated as a Jogini. The aim is to develop an effective approach that can then be replicated in more districts. The project will raise awareness in the community, working with local leaders and other key people. Using education and information, and where necessary legal action, the aim is to prevent further Jogini dedications.

An abhorrent practice

When they are dedicated, usually between five and eight years of age, the girls have no idea of the trauma and abuse that faces them. They have no choice in the matter; the decision is made for them by their parents. In many respects, the Jogini system is akin to systemic child abuse.

Living in extreme poverty, parents feel that they have little choice. They are not helped by adhering to the superstitious belief that becoming a Jogini brings good luck not just to the individual and their family, but also to the whole community.

At puberty, a Jogini will usually be sold to a village elder – a rich man, landowner, priest or similar – to become their concubine until they get fed up with them. The girl becomes the property of the village, to be exploited sexually as well as being subjected to physical abuse. It is the elder who will be paid for the girl’s services.

Breaking the chains

The prevention and awareness programme builds on our experience of community transformation initiatives. There will also be opportunities for girls who are at risk to receive a quality education in one of DFN’s schools. Through this they can gain skills and knowledge to make them much more employable in higher paid jobs. This helps them to break out of the cycle of poverty and exploitation. In addition, as we refine and develop the programme during the pilot year we will also be assessing the viability for introducing our economic development initiatives into these communities in the future.

To find out more about the project, download the project information pack.

To donate online to the project, and be part of this exciting groundbreaking initiative, go to our Virgin Money Giving donations webpage.

To donate £10 by phone, text JOGN33 £10 (or £5) to 70070.