Scale of the problem

Many of the people living in Delhi's slums suffer a degree of deprivation and poverty that most of us would find unimaginable. The overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and lack of education combine to create living conditions where disease is rife.

Slums without Asha - some statistics

• 1500 slums in Delhi house over 4 million people
• The average population density in a slum is 300,000 people per square kilometre
• An average dwelling houses 6-8 people, yet measures 6ft by 8ft
• The under 5 mortality rate is 149 per 1000 live births
• 1 water pump serves on average 1000 people
• Many slums have no latrine facilities
• Where latrines are provided, the average is 1 latrine per 27 households
• 40% of children are severely malnourished
• 75% of men and 90% of women living in slums are illiterate

Thank You Asha

When I started to speak to people at Asha I realised that women everywhere have the same problems. At first I couldn't trust anyone, but being part of the women's group changed that. I realised that as women we don't have to be dependent and can make our own decisions.

Narayani

Mahila Mandal member