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MASS NGO
Bengaluru
MASS is based in the Belgaum district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. MASS mainly works with dalit women with a focus on ex-Devadasi women and their children. It is a membership association of ex-devadasi women and was registered as a society in September 1997 under the Karnataka Societies Act of 1960.
The vision of MASS does encompass dalit communities, other vulnerable women and children as well. Livelihood promotion for ex-devadasis and dalits, services for ensuring quality education to dalit children, campaign against child marriage and legal support for women victims of injustice, are examples of how the work of MASS is not limited to devadasi women and the tradition.
“Checking revival of devadasi system, securing livelihoods, rights and justice for women and children”
Duration of Support
Partner since 2023
SVP Lead Partners
Rathna Rao, Sumithra Ravishankar, Arati Hegde, Jayashree Vaitheeswaran, Kusum Pai & Madhavi Hegde
Duration of Support
Partner since 2023
SVP Lead Partners
Rathna Rao, Sumithra Ravishankar, Arati Hegde, Jayashree Vaitheeswaran, Kusum Pai & Madhavi Hegde
< Back |
Home » Our Investees » MASS NGO
MASS NGO
Bengaluru
MASS is based in the Belgaum district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. MASS mainly works with dalit women with a focus on ex-Devadasi women and their children. It is a membership association of ex-devadasi women and was registered as a society in September 1997 under the Karnataka Societies Act of 1960.
The vision of MASS does encompass dalit communities, other vulnerable women and children as well. Livelihood promotion for ex-devadasis and dalits, services for ensuring quality education to dalit children, campaign against child marriage and legal support for women victims of injustice, are examples of how the work of MASS is not limited to devadasi women and the tradition.
“Checking revival of devadasi system, securing livelihoods, rights and justice for women and children”
Duration of Support
Partner since 2023
SVP Lead Partners
Rathna Rao, Sumithra Ravishankar, Arati Hegde, Jayashree Vaitheeswaran, Kusum Pai & Madhavi Hegde
The SVP - MASS Partnership
SVP has been associated with MASS from 1st April 2023 to support for prevention of school drop outs, child marriages, child labor & child trafficking and improvement in level of education, enhancement of livelihood opportunities & reduction of vulnerability to exploitation, awareness programme on social & legal rights of youth & SHGs.
Story of success
Sitavva born on March 27, 1973 in Kabbur Village of Belagavi District, Karnataka, India . She was dedicated as a devadasi when she was 7 years old.
It was because her parents were influenced by some of their friends that Sitavva was dedicated to Goddess Yellamma. They were 6 daughters in the family, and there were no sons. Sitavva’s parents were told that making a daughter a devadasi would ensure that at least one girl would remain unmarried and be a source of support to her parental home.
From the past 26 years she has gained experience in MASS, and her growth has been through the SHG (self-help group) member in Kabbur village of Chikkodi block. She participated in training programmes, regular discussions in the weekly meetings, and awareness programmes. She worked as a volunteer, promotor, Legal support Officer community organiser and now as CEO of MASS.
Dr. Sitavva Dundappa Jodatti – Chief Executive Officer of Mahila Abhivruddhi Mattu Samrakshna Samsthé (MASS).