Conflict and the Unbreakable Spirit of Rajasthan - May 2025 Part I
Conflict and the Unbreakable Spirit of Rajasthan
Visiting the stark beauty of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan and witnessing the resilience of its people has always profoundly impacted me. While deep in planning last week, I received a terrifying video via WhatsApp from a contact in India -- footage of drones and missiles streaking across the skies of Jaisalmer. It sent a visceral wave of fear through me, a pale shadow of the danger faced by those living amidst the blasts.
As the conflict evolves near the communities we serve (please let the cease-fire hold!), we want to share with you how it’s impacting our team, our work, and the women and girls at the heart of our mission. This is the first in a short series of updates we’ll be sending, offering a transparent window into what we’re navigating, and how your support continues to make a difference even in the most uncertain times.
The long-standing India-Pakistan tensions near our Jodhpur district work have never directly endangered our communities before. Initially, after the most recent Kashmir incident on April 22nd, we hoped for swift de-escalation, a sentiment echoed by our local contacts. That hope vanished with India’s Operation Sindoor on May 6th. The alarming Jaisalmer footage brought the distant conflict closer, instantly shifting our priority to our team and community's safety and the difficult decision to cancel an upcoming field visit. We focused on safeguarding those within reach, acutely aware of the potential for lockdown in the villages we serve should the conflict escalate.
We remain vigilant, monitoring the situation. The impact is already real: disrupted markets are holding up harvests in a vital farming community, and we're working to sustain income for Thar Artisan Collective women, and education and mentorship access for girls in local schools.
UN Women's research on peace and security, reminds us that conflict intensifies risks and inequality for women and girls. Beyond immediate dangers, long-term progress falters: jobs disappear, and girls' education becomes even more precarious, often forcing them to drop out.
Yet, amidst this, we heard from Sita, a volunteer with the Thar Artisan Collective. She quickly shared that women are eager to continue with our programs, holding onto hope. Their grit, resolutely pursuing self-improvement despite the conflict, is astonishing. These women inspire my unwavering certainty: they deserve the chance to transform their lives, and your support is the very lifeline that extends that chance to them, offering hope and tangible pathways toward a brighter future.
In these times, I am reminded of the vital importance of our community of supporters. Faced with such uncertainty and need, the only true path forward is to lean into our shared commitment. Your steadfast belief in WomenServe and the women and girls we serve is the very foundation that allows us to act, provide support, and offer a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Thank you for standing with us.
Angela Benton
Senior Director, WomenServe