Social Issue

Although the Indian Constitution of 1950 establishes that no one will be discriminated against because of the social group to which they belong, the reality for people from the most disadvantaged classes of Indian society is quite different. Many of them live below the poverty line, suffer segregation, and are at risk of social exclusion.

The situation experienced by the most vulnerable groups, such as women and people with disabilities, is especially serious. They face even greater difficulties since they are exposed to all kinds of discrimination: Social, economic, gender, or for having disabilities.

Our Response

The Vicente Ferrer Foundation collaborates on the construction of 17 homes in the village of Munimadugu, in the Penukonda area, Madakasira region.

These homes, built with the assistance of the whole local community, represent a new era for their inhabitants as they represent effective protection from the monsoonal rainfall that occurs from June to October, a refuge from the intense heat of the pre-monsoon seasons thanks to their porch and protection against the bites of dangerous animals such as snakes and scorpions.

Furthermore, these homes have a space for personal hygiene. This favours the safety of young women and girls, avoiding the need to leave the town, which exposes them to numerous risks.

The homes built are adapted to the customs and the materials available in the area. Therefore, both the size and the type of construction blend in with their environment.

Expected Social Impact

The project’s primary objectives are as follows:

• To provide sanitary and hygienic homes for 17 disadvantaged families in Munimadugu.
• To empower women: The new homes are deeded in their name. In this way, they obtain property and a good for their daughters and sons’ future.
• To encourage schooling: One of the requirements to be a home’s recipient is that the school-age minors of the family must attend classes in public schools in the area.
• To help increase the self-esteem of the beneficiaries and their sense of belonging to a community. This is very important for these groups that have historically suffered from profound discrimination.

This housing construction project has offered a decent home and substantially improved the social situation and quality of life of the beneficiary families.