Our Mission and Vision
What MASS exists to do, in its own words.
Our goal
Checking revival of the Devadasi system, securing livelihoods, rights and justice for women and children.
Our vision
MASS's vision reaches beyond the Devadasi community to Dalit communities, other vulnerable women and children.
Our objectives
- Vigilance and awarenessPrevent the revival of the Devadasi tradition and its rituals in Belgaum district, and support agencies working against it in nine other Devadasi-endemic districts of Karnataka.
- Organisation and institutional strengthOrganise ex-Devadasis, Dalit and other vulnerable women into institutional frameworks, and strengthen MASS to advance members' socio-economic interests independently.
- Livelihoods, entitlements and educationEmpower women to access livelihoods and social entitlements, and secure quality education and nutrition for their children.
- Protection and collective actionProtect women and children from exploitation based on gender, religion and tradition, and act together against Devadasi traditions, human trafficking, child marriage and violence against women and children.
- Legal accessEnsure women in Belgaum district, especially Devadasi and Dalit women, have a place to turn with confidence for legal help, in a legal and social environment that protects rights and holds violators accountable.
- HIV/AIDS and STI awarenessRaise public awareness of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and link Devadasi, Dalit and minority families to treatment, care and support services.
Change Becomes Possible When We Stand Together.
Join the effort to build safer communities, strengthen women's rights, and create better opportunities for children.