Jesuit Mission Australia is helping young women in marginalized communities across India build better futures through education, employment, and community empowerment programs.
One of them is Bhagya, a young woman from Karnataka in southern India whose life changed after receiving support from Loyola Vikasa Kendra (LVK), a Jesuit partner organization working in rural communities.
Bhagya’s struggles began early in life after the death of her mother and the abandonment of her family by her father. Left to care for her elderly grandmother, younger brother, and three younger sisters, she faced severe hardship in Hangal Block, a rural area in the Indian state of Karnataka.
“My family’s situation was very difficult. Life felt aimless and burdensome,” Bhagya said.
“Even managing a week’s food was a challenge.”
The family survived without stable income, proper housing, or access to essential government documents needed for public welfare support.
Through LVK’s assistance, Bhagya obtained food ration cards for her family, enrolled her siblings in school, and repaired the leaking roof of their home. She now works as an assistant cook at an LVK youth hostel that houses 40 young female students while also training as a tailor to provide long-term support for her family.
“I just want my siblings to be able to study. I want to take care of them and my grandma,” she said.
“My advice to others is to grow in life, like I have.”
LVK works primarily among marginalized rural families, including many from Dalit communities, who often face social discrimination and limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Its programs focus on women’s empowerment, leadership training, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to LVK, its initiatives have already impacted 1,617 people across 36 villages in Karnataka.
“When you empower a young woman at the heart of a marginalized family, you create opportunities that benefit an entire household and community,” said Helen Forde, chief executive officer of Jesuit Mission Australia.
As Jesuit Mission Australia marks 75 years of service to vulnerable communities worldwide, the organization is appealing for support to expand programs that assist women and families in India and other developing regions.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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