Finding economic opportunities for women : an analysis of the Sakhi one stop centre scheme in combatting domestic violence in jodhpur and Thiruvananthapuram

Abstract

Domestic Abuse has been a societal evil from time immemorial. It has affected countless women worldwide and set its foot deep into Indian Society as well. Every year India reports several cases of domestic violence, with the trend, unfortunately, seeing an upward march despite overall social and economic progress in Indian Society. While the government has come up with solutions to provide ease to victims of domestic violence, there does not seem to be much respite.

Therefore, This dissertation aims to examine the inclusion of a plan that focuses on financial independence for victims of abuse. It seeks to explore the potential benefits of involvement in economic opportunities within the Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme in Jodhpur and Trivandrum, for women who have experienced domestic abuse. The study explores the effectiveness of economic empowerment interventions in the context of domestic violence and the potential for these interventions to support women in becoming financially independent.

The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and discussions, to gather data from women who have accessed the Sakhi OSC scheme, as well as service providers and government officials involved in the scheme's implementation. The study focuses on the economic opportunities which can be incorporated within the Sakhi OSC scheme, such as skills training, microfinance, and entrepreneurship, to determine their effectiveness in helping women who have experienced domestic abuse become financially independent and escape abusive relationships.