Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is the site of our WiW micro-business training this week. Why bring micro-business to Odisha, you may ask?
Our research reveals ample reason to focus WiW’s attention on the Dalit (Untouchable Caste) of Odisha, and here’s why:
Life expectancy: approximately 61 years of age
Literacy rate: 64% of the female population are literate
Extreme poverty ($2.15 per day), especially among Dalit caste: 32%
According to Sage Journals, the Dalit people in Odisha have been socio-economically deprived and antagonized. They have been known as drum beaters and weavers and lack both the training and opportunity to change their situation based on caste discrimination.
With only 2.77% of the population identifying as Christian, we are convinced that our WiW ministry thrust into Odisha opens the way for the lives of women to be changed, for good, and forever. And when women are reached with the Gospel, and equipped to serve others, they often become the first to serve as a bridge of hope across nations, into cultures, and most specifically into the places we, as westerners and Americans, simply cannot reach.
Come with us to Odisha this week, through your prayers, your generous offerings, and with an investment of your time as we welcome Keren to our First Friday Prayer Gathering which can be accessed online here – or in our WiW office at 2101 Vista Parkway.
Join us as we sow the seeds of truth, love and life-changing skills into the lives of Dalit women in Odisha. We are confident that His word and His work will bring a great harvest!
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11″
