PA/21/10 8 March 2010
Australia announces 47.2 lakh rupees in grants to celebrate International Women’s Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, Australia has announced further grants under the Direct Aid Program to support non-governmental organisations working with women and children.
Australia will give 3.5 lakh rupees to Delhi-based STOP for their work to rehabilitate young women who have been the victims of trafficking; 3.7 lakh to the Trinity Rural Development Service from Tamil Nadu to improve healthcare for underprivileged women and children; and 10 lakh rupees to KATHA, to support their work providing education in slum communities.
“These grants will assist disadvantaged women and children to access a range of education and healthcare services, and so help them to achieve their potential” said Australian High Commissioner, Mr Peter Varghese
To date in 2009-10, Australia has supported Salaam Baalak Mumbai with a 10 lakh grant for their work with street children; Magic Bus Mumbai with a 10 lakh grant to use sport as a development tool; and 10 lakhs for ASHA New Delhi to provide educational support to slum children.
Gender equality is a guiding principle of Australia’s international development assistance. Australia focuses on three areas: women’s political and economic empowerment, reducing violence against women, and improved health and education outcomes for women.
The Direct Aid Program is a small grants scheme supporting grassroots development. Projects cover education, healthcare, income generation and the environment. The program has a particular focus on women, children and disadvantaged groups.
Since 2001, DAP has funded more than 130 projects in India. More than 4 crore rupees (one million Australian dollars) has been distributed to date. This represents a significant contribution by Australia to small development initiatives in India.