‘My parents used to scold me and beat me up since I started going to church, but I would still go. We had fights at home every day...I would just pour my heart out to God and keep praying.’
We met Deepa* in January 2023, when she was 17 years old. She belongs to the indigenous
Narikuravar community in Mappedu, Chennai. This semi-nomadic tribe faces discrimination in all spheres of life, including education and employment. On top of this, Narikuravar women and girls face discrimination and oppression from within their own community, due to their gender and marital status. Those who are Christian are under additional pressure because of their beliefs.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
Sunday 2 March
Narikuravars are often looked down upon in wider society. Kavitha* lamented that her children’s classmates look at them ‘as if they are not humans, as if they’re straight out of the jungle.’ Pray for attitudes to change in India, that the rights of the Narikuravars would be respected.
Monday 3 March
Pray today for married Narikuravar women. They are considered impure by their own people and subjected to restrictive traditions, including not letting anything touch their feet, having to sit on the floor, and traditionally not being allowed to step outside their homes.
Tuesday 4 March
A local church leader told us that many Narikuravar women feel a greater sense of worth after becoming a Christian, as they recognise for the first time their value as equal human beings. Praise God that churches have been a place of shelter, safety and peace for these women.
Wednesday 5 March
The same church leader has faced opposition for his ministry, which includes encouraging girls like Deepa not to marry before legal age. He said: ‘Everything I do is scrutinised…They have been threatening to close down the church and hand me over to the police.’ Pray
that he would be able to continue his work without fear or danger.
Thursday 6 March
Radhika*, a mother of three girls, says that her new-found faith gives her hope to live each day. Pray that Radhika and others who have converted to Christianity would be encouraged and protected from further discrimination. Some have been emotionally harassed to the point of depression.
Friday 7 March
For married women, some of this hostility can come from their husbands, who often threaten their wives with divorce if they do not abandon their faith. In many cases, husbands fear that their wives will no longer be bound by the traditions which Narikuravars value. Ask the Holy Spirit to surround each couple and help bring understanding and respect.
Saturday 8 March
On International Women’s Day, we lift up Deepa, Kavitha and Radhika in prayer. We remember all the Narikuravar women who face discrimination and hostility – not only because of their tribal identity, gender and marital status, but because of their beliefs as well. May God lift their burdens. Amen.
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* Names changed for security