Ended child prostitution at Shivdaspur, Varanasi
Guria's years of consistent effort
in the red light area (Shivdaspur, Varanasi, U.P., India) has resulted into partial empowerment of the women in prostitution, sensitization of the police and society
which has ended child prostitution since the begining of 2001. It might be a temporary change because of the collusion between the police -
traffickers- brothel keepers-pimps. But certainly it's a first ever successful model in the country.
Varanasi has always served as
a big center for the culmination and transit
of young trafficked girls, mostly from the neighbouring states of Bihar, Bengal, Rajasthan and countries like Nepal, Bangladesh. Any dent against
child prostitution in the red-light areas certainly disturbs the organized traffickers active in the supply zones.
National awareness campaign by women in
prostitution
We plan to launch a national awareness campaign through cultural programmes of women in prostitution by September 2003. The first programme will be organised at Lucknow on 8th December 2003 (No Tickets - all are welcome). This campaign will be against trafficking of women and children for prostitution and their immediate exploitation in the red-light areas. The age old singing and dance talent of the women in prostitution will also serve as a means of rehabilitation.
The film "Guria" produced by Dr. Amelia was screened at India Habitat center, New Delhi on 21st Feb 2003 and her apdated film ,"Guria, Gossip, and Globalization" (GGG) was also screened at the Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Conference in Miama, Florida, USA on 2nd Oct. 2003.
Selected songs by women participants in the Guria festival will be included shortly on the globle sounds ion-line music archive, hosted by the American Institute of Indian Studies ARCE, Gurgaon, Haryana.
Maria Stahl organized a garden party on the 27th June 2003 in order raise funds for Guria initiatives. At dusk people moved into the art studio for an illustrated presentation on the work of Guria and the sale of cards complimented by a rich colorful exhibition of Indian textiles. This occasion helped her to raise £500.
An Evening at Saul Lodge, Saul (Gloucestershire),
On a beautiful autumnal Evening on the banks of the
Severn River we held a Dinner Party in a lovely rambling country home.This was
Organised on Saturday 25th October in the perfect setting for a thoroughly
enjoyable evening of excellent company, food and music, which continued into the
early hours. The host, Michael, played us the saxophone accompanied also by
guitars and singing. There was a great atmosphere
and people enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
I talked about the work of Guria illustrated with my own photos. We had a raffle
and a sale of Guria cards and hand-made silks and beads. The event was organised
with the help of my friend Christina who lives nearby in Cheltenham.
Maria (Guria UK)
Bring and Buy Sale in Reigate on 22nd November 2003
At 11 am on Saturday 22nd November Guria (U.K.) organized a 'Bring and Buy' pre-Christmas Sale and Coffee Morning at our office in Reigate. Everyone was very welcome, the more the merrier! we displayed and sold hand-printed Varanasi silk scarves, shawls, and hand-made jewellery (made out of clay and glass). Proceeds will go towards Guria activities.
Maria (Guria U.K.)
Guria concert
Tanjore performing arts, aid and friends of guria (Amelia- Guria USA) organized monsoon mehfil-an intimate celebration of India's music and dance on 9th August 2003 at Austin, Texas (UT ARTS Auditorium). The proceeds (approx. US $1700) from the concert will benefit Guria.
Amelia (Sitar), Rick Henderson (Sarod), Amit Bhagwat (Tabla) and Ambika (Tanpura)
are performing at "Monsoon Mehfil" programme.