[DFN Australia]

Dalit Freedom Network Australia is a not-for-profit organisation partnering with the Dalit people of India in their question for social justice and human dignity.

The network of people fighting for Dalit Freedom began in 2002 with the establishment of DFN USA. In the years following the movement spread to Canada, UK and Germany. DFN is currently in the process of inaugurating branches in other nations across Europe and Australasia.

The Dalit Freedom Network is a response to the ‘cry for help’ from the Dalit leaders and people in their quest to escape from caste discrimination, and the poverty, abuse and trafficking that result.

We are fighting for the freedom of the Dalits. Freedom from discrimination, violence, abuse, and slavery, but also the freedom to be able to choose their lifestyle, religion, and destiny.

DFN Australia will be officially launching in late 2010. Sign-up to the movement to hear how you can be involved.

[Who we work with]

DFN Australia has partnerships with Dalit Freedom Network offices around the world. All of these organisations are corporately and financially separate. The common link we have is our driving passion and our partners in India, namely Operation Mercy India Foundation (OMIF).

OMIF (previously Operation Mercy Charitable Company) works to establish Dalit Education Centres within Dalit communities.

These centres initially focus on providing quality education to Dalit children, and then expand to offer microfinance loans, vocational training, women’s empowerment programs and community health services. OMIF also has a significant focus on anti-human trafficking programs, with over 100 million people in India being affected by trafficking, mostly Dalits.

DFN Australia is partnering with OMIF to see the dreams of Dalit freedom become reality.

Banner and panel photos: RACHEL ROBICHAUX. Used by kind permission.