Gender Equality

Women taking oath to fight against sex-selective abortions, dowry and patriarchy during International Women's Day

During counseling, the accused returning all the valuables received as dowry back to the victim

The origin of SPANDHANA is enrooted in the struggle for gender justice. Hence ‘Gender Equality’ is a major component of our interventions and we have been active in rural areas and slums with a broad vision to establish a society which understands the need and significance of gender equality and is sensible towards the women’s human rights. The major activities we undertake to materialize this vision are:

Creation of groups: We organize people at the grassroots through groups among women, men, children and families. These groups not only focus on self-help and financial inclusion, but also ensure the participation of every group member in the process of social change. This objective is met through effective discussion on several social-cultural and political issues in the group and by conducting several activities involving the group members to enlighten them about sensitive issues like caste, class and gender inequalities which are reactionary elements appearing as hurdle for their holistic development.

Social and Political Sensitizing: Weekly study circles and awareness campaigns are conducted at the grassroots to sensitize women about status of women, women legal rights and other provisions available from the government towards women empowerment. Women are also encouraged to contest in elections.

Leadership Training and Awareness Building: Women are also oriented to take up leadership within families and in communities by gradually parting from their secondary status by taking familial, community and electoral decisions. Women who are encouraged to contest in elections are also given focused leadership training. Monthly and quarterly awareness workshops, training programmes and conferences are also conducted to enhance their knowledge level.

Bembala (The Support): Bembala is a counseling center and rehabilitation program initiated by SPANDHANA which is exclusively handling individual cases pertaining to human rights violation. SPANDHANA follows a unique approach towards handling cases. In much of marital disputes, we attempt to resolve or try to reconcile. However, if any incident found to be a grievance offence we back victims with all essential legal aid to combat legally for justice and also try for an effective rehabilitation.