Women leaders share how Lok Manch has helped them find their voice and how their collective action had made it possible for their community to have water, and electricity. Photo: Juan Emilio Hernandez/CJI
On Zero Discrimination Day, March 1, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) reaffirms its commitment to support the economic, social, civil, political, environmental, spiritual and cultural rights of people, especially the poor and the marginalized.
CJI supports Jesuit-based projects that uphold human rights and protect human dignity. One such project, by Lok Manch (People’s Forum), promotes the dignity and well-being of Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis), who are among the most marginalized people in India.
Lok Manch helps disadvantaged communities claim their legal entitlements, including those specified under the National Food Security Act, and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program. It also trains and builds the capacity of local leaders so that their communities can live with dignity and prosper.
Lok Manch, which is comprised of approximately 100 Jesuit and secular organizations in 15 Indian states and 15 Jesuit Provinces, also uses its broad platform to speak out against all forms of exploitation.
Zero Discrimination Day, now in its 10th year, celebrates everyone’s right “to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity.” It is also a day to become informed about how we can help promote peace, compassion, and inclusion.
