It had been a long while since I conducted a #LetsTalkPeriod outreach workshop. Life, work and time had quietly slipped by, but now it felt right to begin again.

Over the years, I have tried to collaborate with one of the SABERA awardees for these sessions. In the past, it was the girls at the Noida Deaf Society where, thanks to StoneSoup’s collaboration, we distributed cloth pads. Another year, it was the women sanitary workers at PVR Nest — the resilient women maintaining public toilets while slowly transforming those very spaces into learning centres.

This year, the journey took me to Bulandshahr.

I was picked up from Noida by Aryah, founder of iVillage A Family — a social enterprise empowering rural women through livelihood initiatives like stitching cloth bags, rag dolls and Indian flags. We travelled in her mother’s electric Volvo, beginning what would become far more than just a workshop commute.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped at Anupshahr, where Aryah’s parental home is located, to switch cars and grab a quick breakfast. The heat was relentless — the hottest day of the season — and I was honestly wondering whether I would be able to do justice to a two-hour menstrual health session while still recovering from a prolonged cough.

But rural India has a way of healing you gently.

Soon enough, I was handed warm water with Amrit Dhara to sip through the day. Somehow, that simple act of care carried me through the workshop and beyond.

And what a workshop it turned out to be.

Despite the oppressive heat, women arrived curious, open and willing to engage in conversations around periods — conversations many of them had never had openly before. Questions flowed. Myths surfaced. Laughter broke barriers. Stories emerged.

One by one, almost every woman chose to take home a menstrual cup.

The cups distributed were medical-grade silicone cups that can last nearly a decade, significantly reducing the recurring expense and waste associated with disposable pads. We intentionally asked each participant to contribute a token amount of Rs 20 for a cup worth nearly Rs 900. Not because the women could “pay” for it, but because ownership matters. When something is valued, it is often cared for better. The small amount collected was later pooled together into a refreshments kitty for the women themselves.

The most moving moment came unexpectedly.

A seemingly quiet middle-aged woman stood up and spoke spontaneously:

“Thank you for doing this. Humari soch badalne ke liye, taki hum nayee peedhi ko sahi gyaan de sakein.”

(“Thank you for helping change our mindset, so we can give the right knowledge to the next generation.”)

And there it was — the real purpose of #LetsTalkPeriod. Not just menstrual products. Not just workshops. But intergenerational change.

Before leaving, I was introduced to the parent organisation behind the Pardada Pardadi School — an extraordinary initiative working with some of the poorest girls in Bulandshahr. What I witnessed there left a deep impression on me.

The girls are not merely educated academically; they are nurtured holistically through opportunities in sports, music, art and leadership. Each girl has a savings account where Rs 10 is deposited for every day of attendance, creating a corpus by the time she graduates — money that can support higher education or vocational aspirations.

I met four young girls preparing to leave for Japan the very next day on scholarships supported by Dentsu. Another girl proudly represented her hometown at a national sporting platform. Outside stood rows of pink bicycles gifted to girls who travel 20–30 kilometres daily just to attend school.

It was impossible not to feel hopeful.

The man behind this entire initiative

On the drive back, Aryah took me through winding village roads lined with endless fields to visit her ancestral home. The experience felt straight out of Swades — slow, rooted and deeply Indian. The heritage property, lovingly maintained in its original structure by Mr Sam Singh, the NRI who moved back to his roots to start this whole movemnet. It stands as a reminder that development and tradition can coexist beautifully when driven by intent and compassion.

By the time we drove back home, exhausted yet content, I realised the day had become much bigger than a workshop.

It became a reminder that change happens through journeys — through conversations, through women supporting women, through communities daring to rethink inherited silences.

And perhaps that is where every meaningful revolution begins — with a conversation.

#LetsTalkPeriod is a flagship initiative of Woman Endangered, born in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case. The initiative continues to be wholly funded and supported by Suparnaa Chadda and her friends, who believe deeply in creating safe spaces for menstrual awareness, dignity and agency.

The post Breaking period stigma in Rural India appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The post Empowering Women: Insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma at SABERA appeared first on Woman Endangered.

1) Ruma Roka – Noida Deaf Society

Ruma Roka is a force of nature, changing the lives of deaf children who are often severely marginalized. Her journey began with just five students, but through the Noida Deaf Society, she has impacted over 54,000 lives to date. Remarkably, over 70% of her trainers and managers are deaf themselves. Ruma introduced computer literacy using Indian Sign Language, enabling the youth to secure successful employment across various sectors. To support Ruma’s mission and learn more about her work, visit www.noidadeafsociety.org

2) Robin Chaurasiya – Kranti

Robin Chaurasiya is the founder of Kranti, a nonprofit organization working with girls born and raised in Kamathipura, Asia’s infamous red-light district. Kranti’s beneficiaries include daughters of sex workers, trafficking survivors, and young women with immense potential. Thanks to Robin’s efforts, these ‘Krantikaris’ are now studying at some of the world’s best universities. However, the question remains: can our communities truly accept them for who they are? To support Kranti, visit https://www.kranti-india.org/

3) Sunita Bhasin – SSMI

Sunita Bhasin is a dedicated educationist, environmentalist, and advocate for reviving indigenous handicrafts. She works tirelessly to create sustainable livelihood models for marginalized women in Delhi. Sunita’s commitment to empowering women was evident during a menstrual hygiene session she conducted with girls entering puberty. To connect or contribute to SSMI, visit ssmi.in or www.room100-ssmi.com.

4) Dr. Kiran Modi – Udayan Care

Dr. Kiran Modi’s journey started with a single house in Delhi, ignited by a personal tragedy. Today, through Udayan Care, she has rehabilitated and empowered countless children whom society often neglects. Udayan Care provides education and vocational training, nurturing young individuals not only in material needs but also in emotional well-being. If you wish to support, volunteer, or align with Udayan Care’s vision, please visit https://udayancare.org/

5) Monica Vohra – Leukemia Crusaders

Monica Vohra, a SABERA Awardee, fought and won her son’s battle with leukemia. Now, she’s on a crusade to ensure underprivileged kids receive timely and effective treatment for blood cancer. To support Monica and Leukemia Crusaders, click here: https://www.leukemiacrusaders.org/

6) Ruby Ahluwalia – Sanjeevani – Life Beyond Cancer

From survivor to messiah for cancer patients and their families, Ruby Ahluwalia’s life took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with cancer. She has since dedicated her life to helping marginalized families afflicted with the disease, offering counseling, nutrition, and unwavering support throughout their journey. Contribute to their work through the link below: https://www.sanjeevani-lifebeyondcancer.com

7) Rachna Prasad – Chiranthana

SABERA Awardee Rachna Prasad has dedicated her life to rehabilitating, educating, and creating employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and dyslexia. Rachna’s journey began after her own daughter was diagnosed with special needs. To know more and support Chiranthana, log in here: https://chiranthana.in/shop/

These extraordinary women, honored with the SABERA Awards, are making significant strides in creating a better and more inclusive world. Their dedication, passion, and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all. By supporting their missions and spreading awareness about their work, we can join hands in making a lasting impact and creating a brighter future for those in need.

The post Celebrating Women of Impact: SABERA Awardees Transforming Lives appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Location: Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka, India

The Leadership Conclave held at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, was an awe-inspiring event that brought together leaders and visionaries from over 40 countries. The conclave centered around the theme of “Nurturing a Values-Based Leadership Approach,” with 5 sessions. I had the honor to chair the session on women and ethics in leadership. The esteemed panelists, Dr. Kiranmai Pendyala, Ms. Prerana Langa, Ms. Kristin Engvig, and Dr. Snehal Donde, shared their insights and experiences, offering a diverse range of perspectives on this crucial topic.

As the session chair, it was my privilege to open the discussion by highlighting the significance of ethics, and women, and drawing inspiration from spiritual guidance to demonstrate courage amidst challenges. I emphasized the importance of walking the talk, even in the face of adversity. By setting an example and embracing ethical principles, leaders can inspire others and create sustainable, inclusive organizations that nurture women for leadership roles.

Dr. Kiranmai Pendyala, Corporate VP of HR at UPS India Technology Center, brought forth her invaluable learnings on fostering sustainable and inclusive organizations. She emphasized the need to nurture an environment where women are empowered to take on leadership roles. By providing equal opportunities, mentorship, and support, organizations can harness the immense potential of women leaders and pave the way for a brighter future.

Dr. Snehal Donde, a Fulbright Scholar and Dean of Administration at Bhaktivedanta Research Centre, highlighted the importance of environmental mindfulness. She spoke passionately about rejuvenating water bodies and creating a sustainable future. By recognizing and minimizing the environmental impacts of our actions, leaders can contribute to the well-being of the planet and future generations.

Ms. Prerana Langa, the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, shared her insights on instilling values within organizations to motivate people to do good. She emphasized that when organizations prioritize values and ethics, it creates a positive and uplifting work culture that encourages employees to make a meaningful difference in their communities. By aligning their actions with their values, leaders can inspire their teams to embrace a higher purpose.

Ms. Kristin Engvig, the Founder and President of WIN ‘Inspiring Women Worldwide’ from Switzerland, brought Nordic wisdom to the conclave. She emphasized the importance of balancing both masculine and feminine energies in leadership. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting inclusive decision-making, leaders can create a harmonious environment that fosters creativity, empathy, and collaboration.

The Leadership Conclave at Sathya Sai Grama was a testament to the power of values-based leadership. It provided a platform for leaders from various countries and backgrounds to come together and exchange ideas on nurturing ethical leadership and empowering women. The conclave showcased the significance of spirituality, environmental consciousness, and values in shaping effective leadership.

Organized by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, the conclave served as a catalyst for change, inspiring leaders to embrace a values-driven approach in their organizations and communities. By nurturing ethical leaders who lead by example, we can create a better world that promotes equality, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The conclave left a lasting impact on its attendees, sparking meaningful conversations, and providing a roadmap for creating a values-based leadership approach. As we reflect on the insightful discussions and learnings shared during the conclave, let us continue to champion ethics, empower women, and strive for a leadership style that embodies compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the greater good.

The post Nurturing a Values-Based Leadership Approach: Women and Ethics in Leadership appeared first on Woman Endangered.

As an added bonus WE are offering a GIVE AWAY on a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup to 2 individuals who share their views on periods on Simply Suparnaa’s Instagram. The GIVE AWAY is in collaboration with Stonesoup.in Why are WE doing this? Keep reading

Challenging Misinformation

Despite advancements in urban settings, misinformation about feminine hygiene products still prevails. Commercial pads and tampons, often laden with plastics and chemicals, pose risks to both our bodies and the planet. It’s time to dispel these myths and explore better alternatives.

The Wisdom of Tradition

In India, where cotton is abundant, we have a rich heritage of using cotton sarees to manage menstruation. This age-old practice not only ensures comfort but also aligns with sustainability. Cotton sarees can be easily disposed of and naturally decompose over time, minimizing environmental impact.

Prioritizing Women’s Health

Just as we choose organic, chemical-free foods for our well-being, it’s crucial to extend the same principle to feminine hygiene. Commercial sanitary pads and tampons can introduce harmful substances into our bodies. Tampons, in particular, have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. By opting for natural and organic options, we can safeguard our health.

Breaking the Stigma

Periods have long been shrouded in silence and shame. It’s time to change that. Let’s foster open conversations about menstrual health, eradicating taboos, and empowering women to embrace their bodies fully. By talking openly about periods, we can create a supportive environment that encourages education and understanding.

Social Media Giveaway

To further promote open discussions on periods, we are excited to announce a social media giveaway! Share your views and experiences on periods using the hashtag #LetsTalkPeriod, and you could win a medical-grade silicone cup—a sustainable and comfortable alternative for menstrual care. Join the movement and help us spread awareness.

Instastories

maanasadevi12
It’s part of every woman’s life. Proper care and personal hygiene are very important during those days. Young girls they should have awareness about their first period ie what are periods what we do during periods why we get periods and how to face them. Mainly teenage girls must know and have awareness because when they see the first period they get shocked and fearful because it’s blood and the girl feels very weak. How to take proper care during periods also needs to be known some classes should be taken. girls and women should know some home remedies, period care essentials like menstrual cups, and how to handle cramps. And family mother, father, sis or bro, boyfriend or husband should be supportive not treating them like untouchables. Boys mothers should also teach boys what are periods and what females grow through during that time so that boys can understand that pain and support them rather than seeing it as something unknown.

riospamzzzz

Back in school, a guy in my class pulled out a sanitary napkin from a friend’s bag. He stood on the desk holding it high up for everyone to see. He went on shouting “XXX is on her period!! xxx is on her period” and threw it on someone.
Everyone went from yewww to yuckk, running away as if it was an asteroid.
When we girls felt deeply hurt and embarrassed, the girl who was on her period spoke loud and clear.
Yes, I am on my period. So was your mother and so is your sister. If not for it, you wouldn’t be here. If you have a problem with it, then you probably are mentally sick. Get yourself checked.
The class learned a lesson. It’s not the period that’s disgusting, but the person who feels that way.

Keep sharing your views and stand a chance to win the medical-grade silicone cups from Stonesoup. Winners will be announced on 23rd May 2023.

WE are passionate about debunking misinformation, promoting sustainable menstrual practices, and empowering women to make informed choices. By embracing traditional wisdom, advocating for chemical-free options, and encouraging open conversations, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future. Let’s break the silence, #LetsTalkPeriod!

The post Let’s Talk Period: Empowering Women through Sustainable Menstrual Practices appeared first on Woman Endangered.

We were on the last leg of the sessions that needed to be completed on combating violence against women across India. Telangana and Karnataka were done in quick succession in November 2022 but one last one was still left pending. The schedule was tight with SABERA 2022 around the corner and the impending exams of the JOSH TALKS student coordinator Vanshika. In addition to this, the state colleges were also on the verge of going for their winter break. There was a slim window available and Vanshika somehow managed to fix a session in Odisha (a state I had long wanted to visit). Almost overnight all concerned confirmations and logistics were organized. And on the morning of 15th December, we landed in Bhubaneswar to complete 12 states and the 20th session, on Standing up for what’s right across the youth of the country through different states.

The session was planned for the next day on the 16th, so we made the most of the day available when we landed. First, to visit the Konark or the Sun Temple and soon after to pay our obeisance to Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Did you know Odhisa was originally called Utkal* (as also mentioned in the national anthem)?

The next day, that is the 16th of December, we received an overwhelming reception on the college campus of the Einstein Academy of Technology and Management. The session to stand up for what’s right seemed to have reached a befitting finale! An outreach I strongly believe is a blessing from my Guru who empowers me with the energy to do so. I draw a lot of the content from the case learnings of Nirbhaya including the steps we documented with Chhaya Sharma to seek justice in case of sexual violence.

It was only after the session was complete that someone pointed out that it’s 10 years today on 16th December since Nirbhaya! Imagine our surprise and the dots connecting without us being aware. While we may forget but when Devi Ma guides everything just seems to fall in place perfectly.

We’ve come a full circle. I was guided by my Guru to channel constructively the seething anger and helplessness I felt when the Nirbhaya case unfolded. And indeed it has been a befitting finale with the visit to Jagannath Puri and Konark sun temple thrown in for good measure 🙂

*UTKAL = UTKRISHT + KALA. Or the most beautiful art which reflects through not just the land’s historical monuments but is alive and throbbing in the cultural expressions from weaving, painting, sculpting, or even silver filigree work and more.

Here are some quick tips on both the places we visited.

You must hire a guide at the sun temple to understand the historical significance and architectural marvel at Konark. It is believed that the main deity was suspended in mid-air through heavy-duty magnets from all sides. The magnets were so strong that they disrupted the navigation of the invader’s ship’s route. The first thing the Portuguese did on discovering the temple was to dislodge these magnets, which resulted in the collapse of the deity and the main Garb Griha of the temple.

At Jagannath Puri, no bags or phones are allowed so ensure to keep them safe either in the vehicle or one of the shops outside. If you manage to go around the evening you can witness the change of the Dhwaja atop the temple tied to the Chakra at 6 pm. The Chakra itself when viewed from any side of the temple will always seem to be facing the onlooker. Be wary of the Pandits who promise you prasad or a piece of the Dhwaja, they are just out to make a quick buck on the devout’s faith. You can partake in Prasad of khichadi, daal, sabzi, and sweet sitting at the Anna GrIh at a nominal cost of Re 100.

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>

To read about the Hyderabad Chapter click here>>

To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>

To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>

To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>

To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.

The post Odisha I 12th state I Combating Violence against women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The beauty of these sessions is that it gives us a chance to absorb the sights, sounds and most importantly the cultural references unique to the region. So was the case here where a day prior we experienced the vibrant religious fervour at the Sangam or the point where the rivers, Yamuna and Ganga meet. Legend has it that a third river Saraswati also met at this point forming the holy trinity. We were waiting to witness the Arti of the river Ganges and were fortunate to be called upon to offer our obeisance with the oil-lit lamps amidst the age-old Sanskrit chants.

My gratitude for the opportunity to both JOSH TALKS and TVS Radar, for conducting these sessions. Vanshika (Interning with JOSH TALKS ) continues to manage and coordinate with the colleges ensuring all goes smoothly. She also adds the much-needed perspective of a student herself which further connects with the audience we are addressing.

The united group of institutes is an hour and a half from the main city. And since this time we were taking the train back (Bande Matram Express is the fastest train in India replete with large windows and some delectable knick-knacks) the agent booked us a hotel that was quite literally at the station. The whole night was spent listening to the arrival and departure of the trains with the automated nasal announcements.

The session the next day, more than made up for the uncomfortable night before.

We arrived early and spent a good couple of hours with the faculty before the actual session. Most were from the Human Value (a course introduced in engineering colleges in 2018) or soft skills & communication department. They shared stories of how dowry demands and domestic violence are commonplace across the belt. Stories that are actively played out in the neighbourhood or with friends and family.

The session at the UGI campus was special in more ways than one. 400 Students from the foundation course to fourth year BTech were in rapt attention through the Workshop that continued beyond the designated time to over 2.5 hours. Personal stories and anecdotes were shared and it was an emotionally charged interaction for all involved.

The fact is that after each session that we have conducted so far, the students feel comfortable enough to share their intimate experiences or unresolved queries. This time too at UGI a young girl took to the mike and shared an unfortunate incident that she had to encounter. While the B Tech students and their faculty audience seemed taken aback by the narration but this stands as a testimony both to the importance of sessions like these and the safe space that we manage to create within a short span of time. Sharing a personal unfortunate saga amidst peers who had no clue indeed takes courage.

We had a comfortable journey back on the Bande Matram Express and got the weekend to recoup as Monday we were back on the road to conduct the next session in the tribal belt of Assam, Boko.

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the prefered dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea, Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) jury is looking for you Register here>>

The post Standup for what’s Right I Prayagraj Chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Shakti continues to be our guiding force, it was but natural for us to pay our obeisance to her in Kamakhya as soon as we landed in Guwahati. Being a Shakti (energy) devout, it was my long-standing desire to visit Kamakhya Devi which was fulfilled thanks to the sessions that are taking us across the remotest corners of the country.

Grateful for the opportunity to both JOSH TALKS and TVS Radar, for conducting these sessions. Vanshika (Interning with JOSH TALKS is a bright student of sociology and diligently manages all coordination for this project) and I are grasping the sights, sounds and cuisines of the beauty that our country holds across its length and breadth. The cherry on this particular trip was the view of the majestic Himalayan peak of Mount Everest on the flight!

Boko is a tribal belt in Assam, a couple of hours on road from Guwahati. The road winds through virgin forests, sparse native dwellings and paddy fields. The Brahmaputra flows in its full glory along these roads and our cab driver further entertained us with Assamese popular songs.

We were pleasantly greeted by a large banner announcing our session at the Jawaharlal Nehru college premises and were promptly escorted to the Dean, Mr Tapan Dutta’s office by the student coordinators. Here we also exchanged notes with the head of the Gender equity cell and the Vice Principal. While they shared the unique challenges of the state including witch hunting (!), I increasingly became aware of the different dialects and felt uncertain if the students would be able to grasp all that we had come to share. My apprehensions grew stronger as we were apprised that the majority of students were from the different tribes of the region including Rabha, Karbi, Garo, Hajhong, Bodo and Damaso just to name a few.

I was requested to go slow and speak predominantly in Hindi (am sure I breathed a sigh of relief at this point) as the students were well versed in Hindi, English and Assamese.

300 students from undergraduate and postgraduate courses attended with an equal number of attendees from both genders. The principal’s endeavour is to include other genders in the near future as well.

While the internet played truant so did the AV equipment but speaking from the heart didn’t require much beyond an honest intent to connect in spite of all stumbling blocks. The testimony to these sessions is the interaction of students. The faculty are often amazed at the honesty with which the students ask questions and share extremely personal anecdotes. So was the case that morning in Boko. We managed to create a safe space for students like Abantika to ask a question that had never been satisfactorily addressed by anyone in the past. Not even by her mother.

After a traditional Assamese thali in the canteen with the faculty, which comprised of the staple rice, Moong daal, and different vegetables (we had requested a vegetarian meal), it was time to head to the airport. Vanshika and I bid adieu to the college taking with us a host of gifts including the traditional Jappi, a headgear worn by farmers in the field, a stole woven by the Rabha tribe and Gamuchha with traditional motifs (similar to the one in Bihar). It was time for us to head home after another fulfilling session.

These sessions are a part of the marketing initiative of TVS Radar that JOSH TALKS is helping conduct through the help of their network with educational institutes across states that are the target segment for TVS.

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the prefered dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea, Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) jury is looking for you Register here>>

To support our initiative Woman Endangered contribute here.

The post Standup for what’s Right I Combat violence against women I Assam Chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.

I had the chance to hear some of the survivor stories in person that were interwoven through the cultural program organised at the BC Pal Auditorium in Chitranjan Park by NGO Shakti Shalini on the evening of the 27th, recently. The survivors are mostly between their early twenties or thirties. Some shared their saga through a creative storytelling format or dance drama (with the help of the pandies’ theatre group ), others through their poem or artwork. It was an emotionally charged event both for the performers as well as the audience. The underlying common thread was a breach of individual dignity which played itself out either through an extreme act of violence or a continuous abuse in relationships.

THE FOUNDING STORY
In the 1980s, Satyarani Chadha and Shahjahan Begum, two women found their daughters subjected to death by burning by their respective in-laws on the pretext of insufficient dowry. The violent loss of their daughters galvanized them to tell their story to everyone: the media, the courtroom, and the public. They committed to joining, hands and dedicating their lives to fighting gender/ sexual violence, especially domestic and dowry violence. In 1987 they established Shakti Shalini and it became a pioneer of grassroots gender equality work in India.

In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 1975-1985 as the decade for women. The global context of a feminist wave across the 1970s and 80s channelised international support and commendation toward the organisation. This was the context in which Shakti Shalini was born.

Through its early years, Shakti Shalini played a pioneering role in campaigning for anti-dowry and domestic violence laws currently prevailing on the land and it established the first shelter home for women in distress in Delhi. Through its journey full of challenges and breakthroughs alike, Shakti Shalini has strived to support countless individuals in navigating violence and discrimination toward a life of safety, freedom, and dignity.

Shakti Shalini’s Helpline numbers for Gender/Sexual violence survivors are as follows

011-24373737

Whatsapp or call 7838957810

Whatsapp or call 9654462722

Post Script

We are on a mission to Stand up for what is Right. Travelling across conducting the session on Combating Violence against Women with the youth of the country. The sessions are being facilitated by TVS Radar as their marketing outreach and are being organised by JOSH TALKS with Suparnaa Chadda as the speaker conducting these sessions.

To read about the Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea, Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you work in the focus area of gender equity – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) jury is looking for you Register here and submit criteria based information under the Initiative Category A6: लैंगिक समानता (Gender Diversity & Inclusion) 

The post Shakti Shalini Supporting Gender Violence survivors for 35 years appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The session was scheduled for the 4th of August Thursday, and we reached Kolkata airport on the 3rd evening. Being a Shakti devout, it was an opportune chance to offer obeisance to the energy that keeps me going to conduct these sessions despite all odds. Kali ghat, the cab driver assured is open till 10:30 pm. While the hotel staff shared that it shuts at 8 pm. It was 7:30 pm and I decided to take my chances and dash for her Darshan after a quick shower. How I reached and was guided is another story of faith altogether. The gates were supposed to shut by 9 pm and even though the distance was a good 2 hours from the hotel, I did manage to offer my prayers before the session scheduled for the next day.

Dream Institute of Technology is a 16-year-old dream of the Sarkar Family in West Bengal. They take pride in utilising their own resources for running the college, including the 10-acre expanse of land on which the college is established. Nestled in the by lanes of BH Road Kolkatta which is away from the main city by a couple of hours, it boasts 100 per cent placement for students offering B tech and M Tech courses. The only obvious drawback was the lack of women’s strength in the college at just about 15 odd per cent.

Vanshika continues to accompany me through these sessions and proactively coordinates and organises with the college on behalf of JOSH TALKS, such that the sessions go smoothly. Though we were supposed to start at 1:00 pm due to the distance and traffic we managed to reach by about 1:40 pm and started around 2:00 pm. It was the students’ annual sports day and despite the competitive sports excitement and delay, they sat through the whole session and proactively engaged in conversations sharing their individual persectives.

These sessions are a part of the marketing initiative of TVS Radar that JOSH TALKS is helping conduct through the help of their network with educational institutes across states that are the target segment for TVS.

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the prefered dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea, Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) jury is looking for you Register here>>

To support our initiative contribute here.

The post Combating Gender-based violence – Kolkata Chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.