In the state of Uttar Pradesh in North India, women are seen as social and economic burdens. Patriarchy and gender bias result in child marriages, illiteracy, a cycle of poverty and ill health. The societal structure of this rural part of India makes it difficult for women to have the opportunity of an education, and for those who do get the chance to go to school, they often suffer from a lack of facilities. Some shocking statistics include:
- 61% females never enrol in school
- 3 million girls don’t attend school
- 60% attendees drop out before finishing primary school
- 13 million child brides marry before the age of 15
In a region where females are faced with many societal and educational challenges, PPES are breaking the chains of poverty and helping young women gain the lives they deserve.
Who are PPES?
PPES are a non-profit organisation working with thousands of women and young girls across 120 villages in Anupshahar town, which is situated in Western Uttar Pradesh. PPES have a vision to facilitate the creation of a socially and economically empowered model of rural development, aiming to empower women through greater educational and employment opportunities.
Since its inception in 2000, PPES have changed the lives of over 4,000 girls for the better. Not only have this many girls been provided with an education, the PPES school is now ranked as one of the best schools in the Uttar Pradesh. The amazing work PPES do also contributes to a free school uniform, health facilities, job placements and scholarship fund support. PPES have made remarkable impacts on the lives of thousands of girls, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for women in Uttar Pradesh.
Visit the PPES website to find out more about the amazing work they do and to see how you can help transform a generation.
Celebrating Diwali with PPES
PG Papers CEO, Puneet Gupta OBE, is a longstanding benefactor of PPES and supports the inspirational work they do to enhance the lives of many women. In celebration of PPES and their unwavering efforts on the social and economic empowerment of girls and women, we asked some of their students to showcase their creative skills this Diwali.
Yesterday, we celebrated the festival of light, Diwali, which is celebrated every year by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Just like the festival of Diwali, PPES have defeated the social and economical norms within Uttar Pradesh, providing girls with new beginnings and a real chance at life.
In honour of Diwali, numerous talented girls from the Pardada Pardadi school have kindly crafted paintings inspired by the festival of lights. The entire PG Paper team are blown away by the remarkable artistry displayed by these girls, and we’re confident you’ll share in our admiration for their incredible work. As we draw this blog to a close, we would like to share with you all of the extraordinary Diwali-inspired paintings created by these talented young artists.
May your Diwali be full of fun and light!
