Where We Work
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharastra state and is the most populated city in India. Over 13 million people call Mumbai home; an additional seven million live within neighbouring suburbs creating the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the world.
Currently, Women to Women International is working with Dharavi – an area of roughly 1.75 km and the largest slum in Asia. Over one million people live in Dharavi squeezed in between the railway tracks separating Mahim to the west and Sion to the East. Immigrants to Dharavi were initially from surrounding Maharastra state, but now people from throughout India, and especially the southern realms, stream into Mumbai searching for improved economic opportunity. In addition to being an ethnic melting pot, Mumbai hosts members of all major India religions. The majority are Hindu, followed by smaller populations of Muslims and then even smaller representative groups of Christians and Buddhists. Parsis, Jains, and Sikhs are also in residence.
While many resources exist for women within Dharavi, the standard of life remains well below an acceptable line. Literacy rates for women in particular are low and rates of malnutrition are approximately 80% within the slum.
Currently, Women to Women International is working in Dharavi in partnership with SNEHA. Presently, Women to Women International is developing a project in the Fata region of Pakistan; ultimately, we anticipate developing projects in sub-Saharan Africa as well.