Human Organization for People’s Enlightment (HOPE)

Human Organization for People’s Enlightment (HOPE) helps underprivileged tribal communities in India, targeting the most underprivileged women who work in quarries. They work under horrific conditions, are sexually harassed by mine owners, and treated like slaves. HOPE has identified 13 women working in dangerous stone mines in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The Giving Joy grant provided seed funding for each of the 13 women to start their own fruit, vegetable, fish and flower shop in the market. As a result the women tripled their income, have become the main breadwinners of their families, and are respected by their families and community. They serve as examples, not just for earning a decent income but also for their effective management of the new small business. Lastly stigma and discrimination have notably reduced in the community.