Deva Dasini Project
Devadasi (A dancing girl employed in a temple)
Sexual exploitation of the female child is harmful. There are a myriad of reasons for the family to facilitate such harm. However, as seen from the case study of the Devadasinis in India, gender discrimination, poverty, and traditional religious and cultural practices were the main motivations. Factors which instigate dedication permeate the public sphere, but it is still essential to target the family in the private realm. In order to break the cyclical nature of this particular form of sexual exploitation, it is essential to address the family institution. Internationally, cultures recognize the family as a foundational core of society. In India, the family is fundamental and highly regarded.
Elohim is conducting awareness programms to eliminate the Devadasini tradition and help those already in the system are not specifically targeting the family.
