In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking, Justice Ventures International (JVI) leads an Urban Justice initative that supports marginalized communities settled in metropolitan cities. People migrate from rural to urban areas in search of a better life, but often end up living in slums where entire families are forced to live in one-room shanties. These make-shift communities lack basic facilities like water and electricity. Open sewers run through such settlements exposing their inhabitants to various illnesses.
JVI has a dynamic team working in the slums of Mumbai, India, to improve the quality of life of those settled there. In addition to community awareness campaigns on basic human rights, JVI takes up legal cases for individuals and families ensuring their right to a dignified life and protection from injustice. Under this initiative, JVI and its local partners recently held a vaccination camp in one of the most marginalized communities in Mumbai called the Ramabai Chawl community.
Earlier this year, millions of Indians had immediate access to vaccines through the COWIN mobile phone application and website. Many, from the comfort of their homes, registered online, booked an appointment and were administered the vaccine at nearby health centers. Yet, many poor communities did not benefit from this vaccine rollout strategy. Families living in urban slums barely earn enough to make ends meet. Having a smartphone or internet connection is considered a luxury they simply cannot afford. Furthermore, a dose of the vaccine costs anywhere from Rs. 780 to Rs. 1500, which is three to five times more than the average income of a daily wage labourer. Members of the Ramabai Chawl community were exposed to the COVID-19 virus and also denied work opportunities because they were not vaccinated. The struggles of this community went unnoticed until JVI intervened.
With the help of a local church, JVI team members created a database of members within the Ramabai Chawl community. After identifying beneficiaries like domestic workers, sanitation workers and senior citizens, JVI and its partners approached government authorities for permission to conduct a vaccination camp – a process that took nearly three weeks due to a shortage of vaccines. Once the vaccines were in stock, JVI’s application was accepted. It was one of the few applications with an action plan and a list of beneficiaries attached to it.
Once the date was finalized, JVI began preparations for the camp by training local church volunteers on the registration process. JVI and its partners arranged for WiFi and food at the local church where the camp was to take place. On the day of the camp, close to 200 people arrived at the church for their shots. Teams were assigned to help register those from Ramabai Chawl whose names were already in the database.
“Though it rained the entire day, we were encouraged to see people come out in great numbers to get their vaccines,” said a JVI team member. “While it was pouring heavily, I glanced across the camp and noticed a 73-year-old gentleman walking past the curtain cubicle for his vaccine. I waited till he got his shot and watched him holding his arm with a smile on his face, slowly making his way towards the slum. At that point, all the weeks of planning and hard work seemed worth it. To be able to help the vulnerable in such unprecedented times is truly an encouragement.”
A total of 219 community members were vaccinated that day. The pastor of the community church was thankful for JVI’s assistance throughout the process as many of his congregation members received the vaccine. “People are now able to provide for their families. Domestic workers who were barred from entering housing societies, can now resume work and earn a living once again”, said the pastor.
JVI and its partners are already working with the authorities to ensure the community is provided with the second dose within the next few months. Through such initiatives, JVI looks to empower neglected communities and provide them with the means to work towards a better life.
