Annual Report 19-20, Frea-Akshara Annual Report 19-20, FREA-AKSHARA

AKSHARA CENTRE

Dhuru Building, 2nd Floor, [Opposite Bank of ] Gokhale Road, Dadar (West), 400028, Tel: 022-24328699 Email: [email protected]

Akshara is a project of FREA-India, a registered Trust, No. F 1656 (BOM), with an exemption from Income Tax under Section 80G and with a FCRA regulation.

Acknowledgements

Report written by Sriparna Ganguly with support from Nandita Shah and designed by Sakina Sehorewala.

2 3 Table of Contents

7 11 Message from Key Achievements the Founders in 2019-2020

13 58 Strategic Partnerships Objectives

60 63 Governance Financials

4 5 Message from the Founders

We are delighted to present the Annual report for the year 2019-2020.

We made noteworthy progress this year, however the year unfortunately ended with the Covid -19 pandemic and lockdown. Our programs with youth continued to plant the seeds of and justice, our advocacy resulted in services for women and our awareness campaigns created a public splash. The annual report gives a glimpse of our achievements.

Our collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai also sawprogress.Ak- shara has been instrumental in the structuring and setting up of the Gender Advisory Com- mittee of the MCGM. Thanks to the collective work of our partners, we have been able to make greater eforts to make Mumbai city and its infrastructure safer and more accessible to women.

Over the years Akshara has always tried to stay updated and disseminate up to date infor- mation on gender equality. The launch of our research report ‘Big Small Steps’ on the ac- ceptance of gender equality and gender beliefs amongst urban youth was a big step in that direction. We surveyed a total of 6428 youth within the age of 15-29 years and were able to create a Gender Equality Acceptability Index for diferent cities. We hope the insights from this research will help other civil society organizations in their work on gender.

In 2019 we collaborated with national award-winning Director to screen her flm ‘’ for college students. We were also fortunate to launch Eve Ensler’s book ‘The Apology’ in Mumbai. Using these two events as discussion platforms we were able to engage with men to change the way they think of violence and build their partnership for moving towards an equal world. At Akshara, we recognize the need to work closely with men to build them as allies to our gender equality work.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our donors, supporters and Akshara team who have made it possible for us to undertake this work.Your partnership has given us the strength to continue with our intensive interventions to build a gender equal, gender just and a violence free world.

As we write this, we are in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. According to the National Commission for Women domestic violence has more than doubled since the lockdown began in March 2020. It has also adversely afected young women’s access to higher education, health and well-being. The lockdown has also changed the way we, as Civil Society Organiza- tions, have traditionally responded to the crisis women are facing. As we look ahead to 2020, we need to look at new ways to engage and rebuild in a more inclusive manner. We need your support more than ever now to ensure that the progress we have made in our struggle for gender equality is not lost and instead translates into meaningful change for women and girls in the coming years.

Nandita Gandhi Nandita Shah

6 7 About Akshara Akshara’s Principles

Akshara Resource Centre is a women’s Our principles are fundamental to our work. It informs the way we design and right organization committed to build- implement our programs in the community as well as partnerships with our ing a gender equal, gender just and a stakeholders. These principles guide our decision making at all levels and in- violence free society. We work together spire us in our mission to achieve gender equality. with our partners to strengthen action for transformative change at the indi- vidual, local, state and national level.

We empower young women and men from resource poor families so that 1 2 they can challenge deep rooted gender EQUALITY PARTICIPATION inequalities and claim their rights to ed- v ucation and opportunity to break out of We believe gender equality is a We will ensure that young people’s voices, their cycle of poverty and achieve their fundamental human right and we will especially young women, are represented full potential. work to ensure equal opportunity for and amplifed every person irrespective of caste, We raise awareness on existing ine- class, gender, race, disability and qualities, discrimination and violence religion and support young women and men to amplify their voices in their quest to re- defne gender norms and attitudes and prevent violence in their daily lives. We collaborate with governments and 3 4 municipalities to accelerate eforts on INCLUSION COLLABORATION making cities gender inclusive and safe for women. We will support young women and We will build fruitful partnerships and men to be allies in building a gender constructively collaborate with youth, We are a Mumbai based organization equal world governments, funders and other with national and international net- relevant stakeholders works. Akshara has been on the Civil Society Advisory Group of UN Women since 2013 and is an active organizer for World Social Forum and One Billion Rising campaigns. 5 TRANSPARENCY &

Akshara was founded in 1995 by its co-founders Nandita Gandhi and Nandita Shah in Mumbai with the intent of forging a convergence between women’s movements ACCOUNTABILITY and women’s studies in India. The idea was born out of a mission for creating a gender equal and gender just society where all women can live a dignifed life; free We are committed to transparency and accountability in our work from violence and discrimination. in building gender equality

8 9 2019 - 2020 at a Glance Key Achievements in 2019-2020

Akshara has identifed fve key strategic objectives which form the focus of its work. This section highlights its achievements in each of these areas in FY 2019-2020 REACHING ACROSS IN 5 LAKH 14 19 PEOPLE WARDS IN COLLEGES MUMBAI OF MUMBAI

342 GENDER PLEDGE TO BUILD CHAMPIONS AN EQUAL WORLD

2000 THROUGH YOUNG WOMEN & MEN PARTICIPATE 6 TO MAKE PUBLIC PUBLIC SPACES SAFE CAMPAIGNS

94 MOU SIGNED SAFETY AUDITS WITH WESTERN UNDERTAKEN RAILWAY POLICE

45 39 POSTERS PARTNERSHIPS & PUBLISHED ALLIANCES BUILT & SUSTAINED

1010 11 Strategic Objectives

Our work is underpinned by fve strategic objectives:

OBJECTIVE 1

Empower young women and men with leadership skills to be gender champions and take action to access education, employment and overcome violence

OBJECTIVE 2

Infuence public opinion with ‘new gender narrative’ campaigns for making public spaces free from violence and sexual harassment of women and girls

OBJECTIVE 3

Collaborate with the government to encourage action on making public infrastructure safe and accessible to women and girls

OBJECTIVE 4

Be an unique resource centre by increas- ing the evidence base on gender dis- crimination and violence against women and creating communication material on gender equality

OBJECTIVE 5

Support the women’s rights movement nationally and internationally to build a gender equal society

12 13 Pathway To Empowerment Self Esteem & Resilience Informed Voice & Choice

Gains confdence Seeks information Builds relationships based on trust Negotiates relationships Has a positive self-image Challenges gender & social norms Asserts independence Asserts opinion with friends & family Builds problem solving skills Participates in discussions Respects self & others Pursues higher studies & career Is able to assess risk Takes social action Speaks openly to elders Understands rights and laws

Improved Mobility Aspiration & Goal Setting Objective 1 Identifes and avoids unsafe areas Believes in dreams Is able to travel alone Articulates needs & wants Empower young women and men with leadership skills to be ‘Gender Champions’ Uses public transport without fear Trusts adults and take action to access education, employment and overcome violence Relies on peers Sets goals Builds networks Forms networks Accesses public spaces Builds technical skills To create a gender equal society, Akshara’s Stands up for violence, sexual Makes life & career plans strategy has been to work closely with harassment & discrimination Has a long term perspective young women and men from resource poor backgrounds and empower them to become gender champions so that they are able to demand gender equality and seek gender justice. Through the Empowering Dreams Program (EDP) Akshara works with under- privileged young women from Bastis across Mumbai and through the Youth for Change Program (YCP) Akshara engages with both young women and men from 19 resource poor colleges in Mumbai. This year 342 students took the pledge to become Gender Champions.

14 15 Empowering Dreams Breaking Barriers

Akshara works with young under- and workshops, 2 public events, 2 privileged women from marginalized exposure visits and 6 open space backgrounds living in Bastis to build activities. We partnered with Quest Dialogue with parents their aspirations and capacities for Alliance, Regional Vocational Train- accessing higher education, employ- ing Centre, Mumbai, FICCI FLO, TISS, ability and work place readiness. SNDT College, Savitribai Phule Gen- Coming from resource poor back- der Resource Centre and EDP Alum- grounds, girls often drop out after ni to conduct the trainings and with Capacity Building Programs in 2019-2020 Class 12 as their education is usually ISME, Accenture and Tyco Johnson not prioritized by their families. By Control for their mentoring and in- EMPLOYABILITY AND WORKPLACE READINESS WORKSHOP providing financial assistance and ternship programs. These trainings, VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES conducting trainings, workshops workshops, discussions, mentoring EXPOSURE VISITS and discussions Akshara focuses and creation of safe meeting spaces on building life skills by enhancing have helped the young girls to prior- LIFE SKILLS TRAINING ON GENDER, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, SELF-DEFENCE, understanding of self, gender and itize learning and higher education, HEALTH AND RIGHTS violence against women, workplace increased their ability to assess risk, DIALOGUES WITH PARENTS TO CREATE SUPPORT SYSTEMS readiness, leadership, rights and challenge social norms and re- MENTORING & BUDDY PROGRAM and agency. strictions on their mobility. The girls have reported increased confidence, NON-TRADITIONAL CAREERS 112 girls between the age group of ability to deal with their own fears, 15-24 received financial assistance awareness of rights and laws and amounting to a total of INR 4,39,134. the ability to recognize and deal with Akshara conducted nine trainings sexual harassment in public spaces.

16 17 I was born and brought up in Mumbai by my mother who is a single parent and works as a do- mestic helper. I joined Akshara in my frst year of college (2013) and got the opportunity to work as a volunteer. Attending Akshara’s workshops and discussions, I learnt about women’s rights and the violence that is perpetuated against women. I became aware about what is happening with me, around me and understood the reasons behind it.

It was only then I realised that my boyfriend was controlling me. He would tell me what I should wear, whom I should talk to and what path I should pursue in life. I realized this control was also a form of violence. I gathered the courage to move on as I wanted to be in charge of my own One of the highlights this year has been amazing experience; we learnt so many life. Once I did so I felt empowered. I could see the launch of the Buddy Program in things from them about discrimination, what was possible by being independent. collaboration with the International hardship, inequality and about valuing School of Management and Entrepre- life. The EDP girls are a delight, they I decided to work in the social sector. I understood neurship (ISME). While we continued are bursting with the desire to explore, Sara Surekha Tandal the ground realities and I felt I could bring positive the one-on-one mentoring sessions with experience and learn. They just need- gets into the Prestigious ISDM change in the lives of young people. My passion the girls enrolled in EDP, we also creat- ed a little bit of direction to reach their drove me to complete my MA in Social Work. ed and implemented a buddy learning goals.’ A role model to young girls Thereafter, I started working as a trainer and program in which a young EDP girl fnds counsellor with an NGO working on prevention of a learning partner amongst girls from Another highlight has been the forma- child sexual abuse. Being a survivor of child sexual privileged backgrounds studying in the tion of the EDP Core Group who have abuse myself, I know how strongly this impacts a prestigious ISME. As both groups are in undergone leadership training to un- child and I was therefore able to deal with their the same age group, they found it easy to dertake social action in public spaces. issues sensitively. build rapport. This peer to peer learning This year the Core Group launched established a non-hierarchical and ena- a campaign to improve mobility and Akshara had taught me to think long-term so I bling environment, and was a successful increase girls’ access to public spaces. decided to get a management degree. I got admis- platform for mutual learning, sharing Called ‘Chai ki Tapri’ they targeted tea sion in the prestigious Indian School of and building respect. The program was stalls and playgrounds to occupy and Development Management, Noida (ISDM). This created based on the understanding reclaim these public spaces by organ- course will help me in developing my capabilities that while EDP girls would gain various izing a sports day and visiting multiple and skills to contribute towards the social technical skills, it would also provide the tea stalls in diferent parts of the city. development of my country. management students with an insider’s They also interviewed several chai- view of life and its hardships. This in walas and their customers to better In my journey of seven years, I have impacted turn would help them learn empathy understand what makes a public space thousands of families in both urban and rural and make them better communicators safe or unsafe. Their fndings have areas through my work. My long-term goal is to and managers. ISME students sum it up been insightful and have helped them impact 10 million families in the coming very well when they say, ‘The interaction to overcome their own fears as well as nine years. between the EDP girls and us was an improve their communication skills.

18 19 Youth for Change From awareness to action

Over the years, Akshara has success- fully used this approach to reach out to young people in colleges in Mumbai. Partnering with the college National Social Service (NSS) program, Akshara conducts trainings for both young women and men from diverse socio cultural and religious backgrounds to raise their understanding and aware- ness of gender equality so that they can bring about personal change as well as roll out public awareness campaigns to motivate others to reduce gender based discrimination, sexual harassment and violence in public spaces. Very recently, we have also started to engage with relevant stakeholders and authorities in four new cities with the aim of expanding our Youth for Change program.

In this reporting period, 342 young women and men have been trained from 19 colleges in Mumbai. They have formed 19 gender equality clubs. They in turn have oriented and mobilized volunteer students, motivated them to be active, and together have taken up activities and campaigns through the year. This year, students held dialogues and campaigns on women’s safety, restrictions on mobility and sexual har- assment in public spaces.

20 21 Akshara’s Yuvak Yuvati Gender melas reached out to 3724 youth in Mumbai and 2600 youth and 7500 children in Aurangabad. An unique game based training, each game addresses a specifc gender issue such as masculinity, gendered division of labour, beauty, and sexual harassment and violence against women. It allows young people to give voice to their experiences and together seek for solutions. Akshara has successfully used the Yuvak Yuvati Melas for the last 9 years.

Capacity Building Programs in 2019-2020

Perspective Building Workshop Gender Yuvak - Yuvati Mela Training Film Screening Workshops Safety Audit Training

Initiating Social Action

Trained to undertake flm screenings and 163 volunteers were trained to initiate discussions on gender around conduct safety audits. The focus was flms, 37 student leaders successfully on viewing the public space with a screened #UNGENDERSPACES and ‘safety lens’. They conducted 94 conducted thematic discussions in 18 safety audit of their colleges using the colleges and 3 NSS Camps reaching out six safety audit parameters that they to over 1300 students. It was an excel- had been trained in by Akshara. The lent medium to spark conversations on safety audit reports focused on areas otherwise difcult topics such as vio- that required immediate as well as long lence and sexual harassment. During the term solutions. A common recommen- discussions, students shared their own dation was the need for common room experiences around restrictions put on for girls as well as increase of CCTV Youth Leaders their mobility because of their gender by cameras covering the college campus. society and their families.

22 23 Claiming Negotiating Public Spaces Gender Equality

I remember being stalked by two men as I live in Mumbai with my mother and elder my friend and I were returning home. I sister. Growing up around strong and work- remember the panic and all we could think ing women, I never saw gender discrimina- of was how to evade the stalkers and reach tion at home. I don’t remember ever being home. I grew up in a protected environ- prvessured to be a boy and women in my ment and till then had always been accom- family could choose to do whatever they panied. This was the frst time I had to think wanted. of my own safety. I started volunteering with Akshara when When I joined college, Akshara’s work on I joined college. Watching two flms - ‘Son women’s issues drew me to their Youth for Rise’ and ‘#UngenderedSpaces’ - screened Change program. As they started to unpack by Akshara opened my eyes. The discus- Isha Kadam diferences between sex and gender, my sions they held afterwards helped me Aditya Chavan world grew. I began to understand terms realise the oppression of women in India, SIES College of Arts, Science like LGBTQ. I also got an opportunity to subtle ways in which men enable patriarchy Sathaye College and Commerce, conduct a survey on women’s safety. I was and why it is also a man’s responsibility to Third Year B. Com Third Year, BA thrilled to represent Akshara and talk about fght for gender equality. It changed my life women’s safety to those who would listen. and has broadened my thinking. I now want to be an active ally and an enabler of gen- After a year with Akshara I have become der justice. confdent, and according to my friends, talk- ative and opiniated. Why not? I have now I have been helping my friend negotiate also started questioning social norms. with her family. She wants to study archi- tecture but her father didn’t want to invest I think it is not about knowing it all but in her education as the family felt it would being open to learning. As I became a peer not beneft from that investment. She leader in my second year with Akshara I would get married and move out. I started was initially overwhelmed at the prospect talking to her father regularly, pointing out of being a leader. I wanted their journey to a world of possibilities and tabling diverse be as meaningful as mine. The leadership perspectives. I did all this with great respect workshop and the 1:1 inputs that I got from so that he would not dismiss me. It really Akshara helped me greatly in my leadership helped. My friend was able to convince her journey. father about her choice of career. She is now studying architecture. I think a gender My view of the world has changed. I now just world is a possibility if we as men be- look at it with a gender and safety lens. come better allies. As I travel alone these days I cannot help but look at public spaces from the point of women’s safety and what can be done to improve it. I am sure I will carry this think- ing throughout my life.

24 25 Voices of Youth Voices of Youth Becoming Gender Champions Becoming Gender Champions

Gulshan Mohammed Khan Pooja Dubey Sayali Morse

“ I enrolled in Akshara to learn something “I share the knowledge gained from Akshara “ Earlier, I was not comfortable mingling more confdent. This has helped me to new which would help me live my life with with my family and friends. My relationship with boys. After attending the self defence speak up at home, take a stand for myself confdence. After learning about gender, I with my father has become stronger. My workshop at Akshara, I now have conf- and also travel on my own. “ talked to my mother about gender discrim- family supports my studies but my mother dence to understand good and bad friends. ination and society’s mindset. I asked her if discriminates between my brother and me. I have also attended their menstruation we really need to behave as society expects? I know it is wrong. Akshara has helped me workshop and I understand that there Vijaylaxmi Biradar Akshara changed the way I look at myself understand the gender inequalities in are so many restrictions and myths which and helped me to make my goals and plan my life. ” control a girl’s life. Now I do not follow such for my future. ” restrictions “ “ I felt guilty and never shared my eve teasing incidents with anyone. Akshara has taught me that I don’t have to be ashamed. Sana Khan It is not my fault. Those who are molesting Nikhil Gole Shirin Ansari the girls should be ashamed. When others “ I refect on the discrimination that we face shared such incidents at the workshops, I “ My friends and I knew about sexual har- as girls only because of the discussions at “ My family has always been supportive of realized that this happened with most girls, assment. We noticed it but never under- Akshara. I have learnt how to raise my voice my education but I faced difculties when not just with me. This has really helped me. stood the severity of it. I now know that it for my rights. Earlier I was confused about it came to convincing my family to give me I no longer think of what others will say. is a crime and has various forms. The flm my career but Akshara taught me to be permission to work . At Akshara, I realized Instead I focus on my studies and on screenings by Akshara helped me realize confdent, present myself well and gave me how important it is to work and that every having fun. I feel free. ” that what we think is ‘fun’ is actually not exposure to technical courses. This helped girl should work. Because of all the work- okay. Most importantly, I understood not to me to get a job. It changed my life. Now my shops I attended, I am now more open with ignore it. The more activities I participated family respects me more. ” my parents regarding my career. “ Janmesh in, I realized that men and women should and can work at the same level. During my college festival, I was part of organizing an Archies Gurav Shreya Mishra “ I didn’t know about gender inequality inter college football match. The festival and women’s empowerment. After joining leader said that referees should be boys but Akshara, I saw the inequalities a girl has to I opposed it as I felt girls should get an equal “ I had no idea about the problems “ I live in Dharavi, where there is a lot of face. Through Akshara’s games, activities chance to be a referee. Everyone opposed women face in our society. Only after join- sexual harassment. I used to swear a lot and discussions I understood why there is my suggestion saying girls are weak and will ing Akshara I understood that women are when someone insulted me or teased me, so much fear when a girl comes home late. faint in the sun. But I persisted and now not lesser than men. I now see the burden not realizing that it could worsen the situ- I used to think cities were safe and women every year we have both girls and boys as of housework my mother has and have ation. After joining Akshara, I have learnt were unsafe only in rural areas. But now I referees in our football matches. ” started to help her out by doing to strategically answer back. Performing notice the inequality in cities. ” the dishes. ” in many activities in college has made me

26 27 Objective 2

Infuence public opinion with ‘new gender narrative’ campaigns for making public spaces free from violence and sexual harassment of women and girls

Over the years Akshara has used the strategy of public campaigns to generate awareness and initiate dialogues around gender based discrimination and harassment of girls and women in public spaces. The campaigns are designed to change the way people think and act when they witness sexual harassment and violence. Working closely with Gender Champions from diferent colleges, we create and organize events which challenge gender and masculinity norms and provide alternate perspectives focusing on gender equality, en- gaging men as allies, ensuring women’s safety and preventing sexual harassment in the city. Every campaign is an attempt to maximize engagement and impact diverse groups of people.

Award by DEF India Article in Forbes

28 29 #BornEquAll This year Akshara created an online #LetsTalkPinkTax #LetsTalkPinkTax is yet another cam- campaign with the hashtag #BornE- paign undertaken by Akshara this year. quAll. Several of our campaigns and The campaign highlighted how wom- events undertaken throughout the year en’s products are priced much higher have used this hashtag. #BornEquAll than that of men’s. Akshara tweeted aims to develop our understanding of with this hashtag to raise awareness on gender equality and at the same time the invisible cost women paid for prod- highlights the multiple forms of ine- ucts that are designed and marketed quality such as caste, class, sexuality, specifcally to them. disability etc. that exists in our society. Akshara has created more than 170 posts with this hashtag and highlight- ed issues of unequal opportunities for women and men, unequal wages for women and men, burden of unpaid work, gendered roles etc.

30 31 Men As Allies Son Rise

Engaging Men To Akshara held a special screening of the Advance Gender Equality flm Son Rise in collaboration with RD & SH National College Bandra, National We recognize that engaging men as al- Social Service (NSS) and national award lies is a critical component of advancing winning director Vibha Bakshi. The flm our gender equality work. Many young explores the actions of ‘ordinary’ men men want to embrace change, support doing ‘extraordinary’ work for women’s women in their families and prevent rights and gender justice in . violence perpetuated by other men. The screening was preceded by a short But evidence from our work indicate session on myths and facts around sex- that there is a need for greater aware- ual harassment. It was followed by a dis- ness amongst men not only about the cussion on gender equality and the role challenges women face and how they men can play to advance gender justice. can support them but also to under- 630 students from 97 colleges attended stand how patriarchy limits their own the screening and participated in the experiences and emotions. This year discussions held on issues of gender Akshara’s public campaigns and discus- equality, masculinity, women’s safety sion platforms have been designed to and how men can become allies. While generate awareness on how men can several students were keen to hear be allies. from the Director regarding her jour- ney and the challenges she faced while making the flm, others shared their personal stories of abuse, harassment and violence and the diferent ways in which they coped and overcame their traumas. Student volunteers found the screening and the discussions insightful and said that it exposed them to issues which they scarcely thought about. They have suggested that the flm should be screened for every batch of students.

Son Rise is flmed in rural Haryana, a patriarchal and land owning state bordering . Though illegal, the state has practiced rampant female foeticide giving it the notorious label of ‘the land of daughter killers (kuri mar khsetra)’. This has led to the eerie absence of girls in the region and the imbalance in the sex – ratio has resulted in the dangerous increase of unmarried men and trafcking of ‘brides’ from oth- er parts of India. The flm links it to the worsening law and order situation and the unprecedented rise of crimes against women. The flm explores the actions of ‘ordi- nary’ men doing ‘extraordinary’ work for women’s rights and gender justice.

32 33 Launching ‘The Apology’ Book By Eve Ensler

One of the biggest milestones of this year was the India launch and book reading of Eve Ensler’s book ‘ The Apology’ by Akshara at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Over 500 delegates including artists, journalists, thea- tre persons and actors attended the launch. Award winning actor and long- time supporter of Akshara, Rahul Bose read six excerpts from ‘The Apology’. The book, based on a letter which the author thinks her father should have written to her as an apology for sexual- ly assaulting her in her childhood, asks men to refect and apologize to anyone whom they might have abused or hurt even in small ways.

At the launch, well known journalist Faye D’Souza engaged Eve Ensler in a scintillating conversation about the book, Eve’s life experiences around gender inequality and the current global socio-political scenario that aims to marginalize women. The event was covered by 18 media houses and over 100 copies of the book were sold. This platform also launched the 2019-2020 actions for the One Billion Rising (OBR) in the presence of Eve Ensler, Monique Wilson the international coordinator and Abha Bhaiya the national coordina- tor for One Billion Rising.

Launch event in Royal Opera House

34 35 Objective 3

Collaborate with the government and to encourage action on making public infrastructure safe and accessible to women and girls

Women experience cities diferently to men. They experience sexual violence and harass- ment in public spaces every day. This chang- es the way they access certain spaces in the Collaborating With Western Railways cities, sometimes doubling their commuting time to avoid unsafe spaces. In addition, As part of the 16 Days of Activism action by signing a pledge to speak up public amenities and infrastructure such as Against Gender Based Violence, and not turn a blind eye when they wit- safe and clean public toilets, walkways, care Akshara signed an MOU with Western ness any form of violence against wom- centres for children etc are not designed and Suburban Railways and the Railway en. 251 commuters signed the pledge. built for women. All these factors have result- Protection Force to launch a campaign The commuters were also asked to ed in low work force participation of women. to create awareness and start conver- write down the diferent changes that By working closely with the State government sations on safe travel for women and they would want to see in the western and the MCGM, Akshara uses two strategies children on trains. An interactive aware- suburban railways. More than 200 com- to ensure quality and safe infrastructure and ness session was held with Railway Pro- muters put up their suggestions on the public services to women and girls. We col- tection Force (RPF) security personnel on wish tree. These conversations helped laborate with the city transportation system combatting sexual harassment faced the Railways to understand the expec- and the police to make buses, and railways by women commuters. The session tations of the commuters and how they safe for women by training and sensitizing highlighted how RPF personnel hold a can make trains safe for women. them so that they are responsive to women’s stake in this change by ensuring safer safety concerns. We also partner with the Ur- public transport for women. 28 RPF Over 1600 stickers conceptualized and ban and Spatial Planning Department for the personnel participated in the session. printed by Akshara were put up by the inclusion of gender concerns in the Develop- Western Railways in train compart- ment Plan of the city and help them recreate We also initiated a campaign with the ments and ticket windows at stations. public spaces that can enhance women’s Western Railways and reached out to The stickers urged the commuters to safety and a feeling of security. their commuters to understand their call the helpline number and report experiences on trains. The campaign harassment that they witness on trains raised awareness on public harassment and stations. as well as asked commuters to commit

36 37 Mumbai Metro One Campaign

Akshara collaborated with Giving Tues- day India and Daanutsav to hold a public awareness campaign on ‘Women Commuters’ Safety’ during the Daa- nutsav week from 2-8 October 2020 at the Chakala Metro Station. We collected suggestions from commuter on post – its and put them on the wish tree. We also held a signature campaign to promote bystander intervention to stop violence against women in public spac- es. 17 student volunteers and four staf members conducted the campaign for two days. 403 commuters took the pledge to take action and not be a bystander. 139 commuters also posted their suggestions. Our Gaana Rewrite videos which focussed on safety of women were played in Metro coaches for over a week reaching out to an au- dience of more than 5 lakh people.

Wish Tree – The Commuters Speak!

The current ridership of Mumbai Metro during weekdays is 4 lakhs. The wish tree acted as a platform where com- muters could hang their wishes regard- ing better safety on trains as well as share some basic grievances faced by them. The wish tree helped commuters understand the importance of urban infrastructure being gender inclusive as well as gender sensitive.

38 39 Gendering Mumbai’s Development Plan 2014 - 2034

Akshara received huge success in the inclu- sion of gender gender concerns in land-use planning component in the Revised Draft Development Plan [DP] at the Municipal level. In the previous year, the Gender chapter was Collaborating with To institutionalize the Yuvak Yuvati approved by the State Government and was Melas, Akshara worked closely with the included in the plan. MCGM had also approved Ahmednagar Police Ahmednagar Police to train 27 of their setting up of the Advisory Committee on Gen- police personnel, both men and women. der (ACG). In this reporting period, the ACG “It was innovative and interactive for The police were trained over fve days has been structured and set up based on sug- us too; it also helped us to reflect on to conduct these melas in schools and gestions by Akshara which included appoint- ourselves and make changes in colleges. The objective was to help police ment of a retired IAS woman ofcer as the our life ” reach out to the young people and build chairperson of the committee, gender expert, architect, academic, urban planner, lawyer and - Ahmednagar Police a collaborative relationship based on mutual trust. The Yuvak Yuvati mela is an a communication expert. Akshara is an integral unique game based training on gender part of this committee. Seven meetings have that highlights gender discrimination and been held by the committee in this fnancial stereotypes and focuses on building gen- year and have passed the policies around der equality. Even though many of the multipurpose housing and care centres. The concepts were new for the police, post meetings also discussed principles of design this training of trainers they conducted of these amenities. Meetings were also held 18 melas and interacted with 2600 youth with Municipal Architect ofces to fnalize the and 7500 girls and boys in Ahmednagar. detailed designs of the multipurpose housing According to the trained police person- unit in P East ward. nel, the games and the training helped them to communicate with youth and understand the problems women face from their perspective.

40 41 Multi-Purpose Reclaiming Housing for Shakti Mills Lane

Working Women Shakti Mills Lane is a nondescript street in South Mumbai that leads up to the & Neighbourhood decrepit and deserted Shakti Mills compound. The area is considered unsafe because of the history of gang Care Centres rape that has taken place inside its compound. This year, Akshara has The proposal, submitted by worked closely with the Mumbai Advisory Committee on Gender, Commission for Art, Music and Culture of multi-purpose housing for working to make the street safe and accessible women by the Gender Group led to by women and girls through art and 27 allocations in the land use plan of culture. Akshara has been awarded the Mumbai. It suggested a mix between project for the redevelopment of the a working women’s hostel, dormitory, Shakti Mills lane and for making the studio apartments, and guest house area more accessible, safe, gender Objective 4 rooms on a rental basis with amenities inclusive, proactive and culturally such as rooms for meetings, lectures, vibrant. Towards this, Akshara has and skill learning. It also included involved G5A and ALM as local shelter for women in emergency. institutions with ofces and business The policy made provision for day interests in the area to be collaborating Be an unique resource centre by increasing the evidence base on gender care for elderly women including a partners. The safety audits conducted discrimination and violence against women and creating communication physiotherapy room etc. and also for by Akshara, MCGM and PWC have material on gender equality fexible mess payment methods. recommended installation of efective lightening, installation of CC TV The government has also made 129 Cameras, conserving the street, build- allocations for Care Centres in the land ing a façade and the creation of a cul- A hub of information on gender equality, use plan for Mumbai which would have turally vibrant walking pavement. Akshara has always focused on developing, child care facilities as well as reading documenting and archiving data, case stud- rooms.The policy has proposed two to ies, videos, books and booklets that provide three Care Centre in every municipal perspectives and strategies on advancing ward. The policy proposes that these gender equality. It uses research as a tool may be attached or detached to the pro- to stay updated with the latest insights that posed Multi-Purpose Housing complex. inform its programming with youth and bol- ster its public campaigns and alliance build- ing eforts.

42 43 Resource Centre Social Media Outreach Library and Akshara Website Visits other Facilities 583790

Akshara started as a Library Program to Standup Against Violence Visits disseminate feminist theory and praxis to activists and students. This has grown 1246205 into an unique resource centre with a library hosting over 7000 books and Facebook Reach published material in Hindi, English and Stand Up Marathi. The library is a joint collabora- 609000 tion between Akshara and MCGM. While Against Violence Akshara maintains the library and maxi- Facebook total followers mizes its outreach, MCGM has provided 6606 Stand up Against Violence is an online a repository of information on organ- the required space and other infrastruc- resource centre hosted by Akshara. It izations that provide shelter, counsel- tural needs. This partnership between provides information on diferent forms ling and other forms of support. This Akshara and MCGM is one of its kind in Twitter Impressions of violence and specifc actions that a site has been visited by 1.3 million Mumbai. The reading room of the library 48800 woman can take to mitigate it. The web- people in the last one year. Till date, is accessed daily by at least seven to ten site gives detailed and updated infor- 12 million people have visited the site. girls. The library is seen by the girls as a mation on laws and is like a self – help safe, comfortable, informative and legit- Instagram total reach manual which help people understand imate space to learn and refect. Most 8722 the diferent types of violence. It is also do not have this opportunity and space at home. The young girls who access the Youtube subscribers library spend upwards of fve hours daily in the reading room. Evidence shows 22489 Publications that libraries play an important role in Akshara has always conceptualized gap, masculinity and how patriarchy improving lives in areas like health, ed- Youtube views till March 2020 ucation, social inclusion, citizen empow- publications such as success stories, impacts men. We have also developed erment and mental health. A cyber café 6700000 research reports, posters and ban- banners on myths and facts around with computer facilities, an Information ners as resources to engage young sexual harassment of women. Four Hub and a job placement cell is attached Print and online news coverage women and men on gender equality video stories of change have also been to the library. In this reporting period, and violence against women. We also shared by youth. These publications more than 2000 girls between the age 107 share key messages with others work- have been disseminated to other civil group of 15-24 years have accessed the ing in this feld and amplify the social society organizations and youth in col- library and other facilities. action undertaken by youth. This re- leges through Akshara’s Facebook and porting period we have developed 45 Instagram pages and used in diferent insightful posters on gendered roles, campaigns and events such as the Son gender division of labour, gender pay Rise Campaign.

44 45 Research Studies Skills and Aspirations of “Unless men, women and all Big Small Steps Young Women genders have the same opportu- nities and the same access to re- What Youth Think of This research has been undertaken in sources, we will see not see the Gender Equality four cities in Maharashtra viz a viz Mum- ent cities in diferent states of India. progress and development we A Gender Equality Acceptability Index bai, Pune, Nagpur and Nasik that ofer Akshara Centre launched its Report need change, as ours is a very was designed by Akshara on the basis vocational training and higher education “Big Small Steps”, which measured the of 41 attitudinal questions in six gender for young women. The objective of the unequal and diferentiated soci- acceptance of gender equality and domains. Mumbai is usually considered research was to explore relationships ety with one group being racing gender beliefs amongst urban youth - cosmopolitan and progressive but it between low income urban young wom- ahead and the other far behind. the change makers and thought leaders had a score at the bottom end of the en’s choices of professional job - oriented Unless we know what young of tomorrow. The report was launched gender equality ladder, almost com- education, their aspirations, and the role by Actor Rahul Bose in the presence of people are thinking, how can we parable to Ludhiana. was the of familial and educational gender norms over 500 delegates comprising of youth speak about change? Research highest with a gender index of 70.3. In in enabling, constraining or limiting possi- and representatives of civil society or- an unconventional format, stand-up bilities for taking up employment. In this and knowing will give us direc- ganizations and universities. The pur- comedians Jackie Thakkar, Kajol Srini- reporting year, 48 girls were interviewed to tion and strategies..” pose of the report was to understand vasan and Pooja Ramachandran were understand their concerns and needs. The what this generation of young people - Nandita Gandhi invited to highlight some hard-hitting fndings from this was used to design the understood by gender equality and facts from the report at the launch. questionnaire for the quantitative study how much they had moved away from Akshara co-founders also presented that will be administered in the coming traditional social norms. To achieve a copy of the report to the Minister of year to 2000 girls in these four cities. this, Akshara Centre surveyed a total Women and Child in Maharashtra. The of 6428 youth within the age of 15-29 report provides key insights which can years. 3364 men and 3064 women be used for designing better gender respondents were from eight difer- equality outcomes.

46 47 Big Small Steps The Gender Index 6 Gender Domains, 41 Attitudinal Questions. In this age of interconnectedness, how does India’s 400 million young adults view gender equality? Big Small Steps is an endeavor to understand the acceptance of gender equality amongst urban youth and understand their gender beliefs.

Who did we Survey and Where?

The Report Card Index Scores for Gender Equality

High: 73.2-100 Medium: 46.5-73.2 Low: 19.8-46.5

48 49 Key Findings

Changing Views on Property & Dowry

No to Dowry Yes to Sisters having Customs property rights

50 51 52 53 Building Alliances with Networks

Akshara with Vacha, CORO, Aangan, Akshara continues to partner with YWCA, Stree Mukti Sangatana and Aman Network For Peace at Home Bright Future are part of a Learning which works on preventing domestic Community. This platform allows all violence and with men and boys to of us the opportunity to reach out to reduce gender based violence. Aman a large number of people and at the network comprises of organizations same time work with other organiza- and individuals in India and abroad tions focusing on empowerment of who work on core issues of violence young girls. This year, the learning against women, particularly domes- community conducted a fash mob tic violence. The network believes in Objective 5 and also held a Sports Day in Mum- the strength of the collective to bring bai. It was an incredible experience for about social change. the young women who are part of the Support the women’s rights movement nationally and internationally Learning Community. Akshara is also a member of the Fem- to build a gender equal society inist Network of Cities, a network of Akshara is a core committee member 30 organizations and individuals that of the Non-Traditional Livelihoods works together to co-create common Since 1995, Akshara has been at the Network (NTL) that help women break strategies and programs to impact city forefront of women’s rights movements stereotypes and challenge the gender development and planning such as and women’s studies movement both na- division of labour emerging from the safe and accessible public transport, tionally and internationally. It has been a intersections of gender, caste, class, feminist urban planning and design, Core Committee member in the planning religion, sexual orientation, disability gender responsive budgeting, gender of National Conference for Women in and other marginalities. NTL network responsive policing and gendered diferent parts of India and engaged with aims to increase a set of viable liveli- migration policies. The network shares international women’s network during hood choices available to them and and exchanges valuable ongoing work the World Social Forums and organized give them access and control over on engendering urban geographies Feminist Dialogues in Brazil, India and skills, technology, market, mobility and in India. Keeping in mind a need for Africa. The diverse alliances and partner- resources. It creates economic sta- collaboration, Akshara hired an ar- ships with networks and other civil socie- bility along with psychological, social chitect to better inform its work of ty organizations keeps Akshara inspired and economic empowerment. In this gender inclusion in Mumbai’s develop- to forge ahead with its mission of creat- reporting year, NTL undertook a peer ment plan. In January 2020, Akshara ing a gender equal and gender just soci- to peer learning journey to Kerala for participated in the ‘Women InDesign ety where all women can live a dignifed its 25 member organizations and also Conference’ hosted by HECAR Founda- life; free from violence and discrimina- organized a roundtable on Gender Sen- tion in Mumbai Akshara was part of “ tion. At Akshara, we share resources and sitive Markets. Women inDesign Conference” hosted information to strengthen the national by HECAR foundation in Mumbai and and global eforts. connected with many design prac- tioners from the feld.

54 55 Building a Akshara was the co-organizer of the Third Building a Over the last three years, Akshara Maharashtra Mahila Hinsamukti Parishad has been a campaign partner to Ariel Collective Agenda (MMHP) held in Nashik in December 2019. Joint Campaign India.The campaign #ShareTheLoad MMPH is a network of CSOs concerned with launched by Ariel India urges men to reducing gender based violence. The Pari- share the work load in their homes. shad, held every two years, provides front- This year, the campaign #ShareThe- line workers of diferent CSOs a platform Load for equal sleep highlighted the to refect, articulate and share their experi- negative impact of the unequal divi- ences, learnings and challenges. Over 250 sion of chores on the health and the delegates representing 40 CSOs attended well- being of the women in the fam- the Parishad to develop a collective agenda ily. Research shows that almost 71% around gender based violence. women sleep less than men in the same household. This year, Akshara Poornima Mandpe and Urmila Salunkhe was invited to be part of the launch of from Akshara also participated in Re-Confer- the equal sleep campaign. Co-founder ence, a platform to rethink cultural and pop- Nandita Shah was part of the launch ular narratives, and reimagine and reboot along with actors Tahira Kashyap, conversations around women’s/feminist Mandira Bedi and Josie Paul- CEO of movement work. It was hosted by CREA in 52BBDO who had designed the cam- Kathmandu in April 2019. Exhibitions were paign along with Sharad Kumar of 53 held on issues of disabled women’s sexual Procter and Gamble. rights, sex workers rights, Azadeh Aklanhi’s photo stories, transgender stories, and on women and transgender in sports.

56 57 Partnership with Alliances, Networks, Individuals & Civil Society Organizations

Ministry of Women & Child Maharashtra Partnership with Donors Aangan Mumbai Commission for Art, Music Accenture and Culture American Jewish World Service Ahmednagar Police Mumbai Metro (AJWS) ALM Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Danamojo Online Pvt Ltd Aman Network For Peace National Social Service (NSS) Empower Ariel India Non-Traditional Livelihoods Network Ford Foundation Bright Future One Billion Rising (OBR) Foresight Welfare Association Daanutsav Quest Alliance General Mills CORO Railway Protection Force Give India Foundation CREA Regional Vocational Training Centre, Mumbai Hemant Nerurkar Eve Ensler Royal Opera House in Mumbai Inorbit Mall India Pvt Limited Faye D’Souza Savitribai Phule Gender Resource Centre Misereor Feminist Network of Cities Stree Mukti Sangatana Nilima Salot FICCI FLO SNDT College Nishith Shah G5A TISS RavjiRamji Charitable trust Giving Tuesday India Tyco Johnson Control Ritika Bansal HECEAR Foundation Vacha Uactive Technology Pvt Ltd International School of Management Vibha Bakshi Vacha and Entrepreneurship (ISME) Western Suburban Railways Vday Maharashtra Mahila Hinsamukti Parishad YWCA

58 59 Governance Governing Body Members

Abha Bhaiya Anjali Dave Gagan Sethi Gita Chadha Nandita Gandhi Nandita Shah Nina Kapasi Pravin Gandhi Shimul Javeri Kadri Sudipta Dhruva

Board of Trust

Abha Bhaiya Anjali Dave Nandita Gandhi Akshara Team Poornima Mandpe Nandita Shah Rohini Desai Nina Kapasi Akhina K Roshni Kadam Shimul Javeri Kadri Gargi Khandekar Rupali Paralkar Sudipta Dhruva Kajal Singh Ketaki Tarde Sakina Bahora Auditors Madhushree Chatragadda Snehal Velkar Maroti Salve Sukanya Paradhkar CNK & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountant Thakur, Vaidyanath, Aiyar & Co., Chartered Nandita Gandhi Tarana Emmanal Accountant Nandita Shah Urmila Salunkhe Pavitra MP Vaishnavi Mahurkar

60 61 Financial Reports Front for Rapid Economic Advancement of India (FREA-AKSHARA)

Abridged Financial Statements for the Year 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020

BALANCE SHEET as at 31ST MARCH 2020

FUNDS & LIABILITIES AMOUNT (Rs.) ASSETS AMOUNT (Rs.)

Trust Fund/Corpus Fund 39,14,323 Immovable Properties 11,55,284

Other Earmarked Funds 2,79,19,611 Investments 4,52,94,197

Liabilities and Provisions 4,01,566 Movable Properties 3,58,069

Income & Expenditure 2,00,78,649 Income Outstanding 1,99,529 Account Deposit & Advances 11,96,004

Cash & Balance 41,11,066 With Banks

Total Amount 5,23,14,149 Total Amount 5,23,14,149

62 63

Income and Expenditure Statement For the Year Receipt and Payment for the Year 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020

EXPENDITURE AMOUNT (Rs.) INCOME AMOUNT (Rs.) RECEIPTS AMOUNT (Rs.) PAYMENTS AMOUNT (Rs.)

Opening cash and To Establishment 3,29,587 By Interest and 34,13,289 11,30,955 Project Expenses 1,13,91,113 Bank Balances Expenses Dividend

Grants-Indian 1,10,435 Other Funds 70,450 To Public Trust 69,478 By Donation 14,27,114 Administration Fund Grants-Foreign 1,58,17,262 FDR Investments 68,29,359 To Expenses out of 250 By Income from 2,60,645 General Fund other sources Donations 17,29,114 Establishment Expenses 3,29,587

Expenses on Object To Depreciation 88,201 Interest and Dividend 37,45,022 59,000 of the Trust To Expenses on Object 59,000 Income Tax Refund 6,05,182 Deposit and Advances 3,31,870 of the Trust Other Receipts 3,72,085 Other Payments 3,87,611 To Donation transferred 4,97,114 to respective funds Closing Balances of 41,11,066 Cash and Bank To Interest transferred 8,95,195 to respective funds Total Amount 2,35,10,055 Total Amount 2,35,10,055

To Surplus of Income 31,62,224 over Expenditure carried to Balance Sheet

Total Amount 51,01,049 Total Amount 51,01,049

64 65 Websites www.aksharacentre.org website for info on violence against women www.standupagainstwomen.org Social Media Facebook aksharacentre

Twitter aksharacentre

Instagram aksharacentreindia

Youtube Akshara Centre

Whatsapp Groups

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