Who We Are
Every once in a while, an idea comes along that changes the world forever. Making our society gender-just is one such dream. This thought, this hope gave birth to Akshara two decades ago. Today, Akshara is one organisation in a sea of many, working to make this dream a reality.
We are a not-for-profit women’s organisation and resource centre working for the empowerment of women and girls. With 14 people leading the way, we have the backing of a strong volunteer base and a number of ambassadors lending their support to our cause. To add to that, on the left, you will see our partners (Stand Up Against Violence) in this movement to make India a gender just country.
Akshara is a project of FREA-India, a registered Trust, No. F1656 (BOM), with an exemption from Income Tax under Section 80G and with a FCRA registration.
Our Latest Initiative
Instead of glorifying stalking, can Bollywood songs honor consent and celebrate women’s right to choose? Can ads show men sharing household chores instead of exalting women as super moms? And can films show outspoken women who are full of quips and retorts? The answer is a resounding yes, atleast for the participants of our Gender Rewrite competition.
Click here to know more about our campaign-cum- competition.
ENGAGE. EMPOWER. ENRICH.
Engagement and empowerment are perhaps two of the most important pillars on which Akshara stands. But, neither of these pillars would stand strong without the support of a variety of resources. Which is why we’ve created and distributed books, booklets, manuals, reports and videos for information, discussion and documentation. We’ve also made sure that these resources are nominally priced to create higher access for people from all types of backgrounds.
If you should like to get a copy of any of these, do not hesitate to write to us at akshara.frea@gmail.com
Please also remember to give us your name, address and method of payment. You can pay us by cheque or wire transfer, whichever is easier for you.
MEDIA
In the last few years, the rock beneath Mumbai’s feet – the idea of the city being one of India’s safest cities for women – has been slowly crumbling. As a matter of fact, the National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) 2013 report placed Mumbai second among major cities in the country for sexual crimes such as sexual harassment(1,163 cases) and insult to women (444 cases). The city registered an 89.4% increase over the previous year in the crime of of sexual harassment.
Two years ago, in collaboration with the Hindustan Times, Akshara had conducted a fairly comprehensive survey of sexual harassment of women in the city. The results were, to put it mildly, startling. 95% of all women said that they had experienced it. In 2013, the same year the Mumbai based photojournalist was assaulted in Shakti Mills, an average of one woman was raped every day in Mumbai.
Read that again: An average of one woman is raped every day in Mumbai. Add to this the grossly under-reported instances of street sexual abuse that young women face on a daily basis, and you have an alarming rate of crime against women. Akshara seeks to help Mumbai regain its mantle of being a safe city for women.
MAKING MUMBAI SAFE
AKSHARA WINS AN AWARD
| No. | Name of Award | Achievement Recognized |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edelgive Innovation award- 2012 | Runners up in Innovation in Rights and Representation |
| 2 | Hindustan Times – Celebrating Change maker 2013 | Best Organization in the city |
| 3 | ENgo Award 2013 | 1st runner up for communication and outreach |
| 4 | AWID – End Gender Discrimination 2013 | International Recognition |
| 5 | Global CSR – Excellence and Leadership 2014 | Social Impact award (Women Empowerment) |
| 6 | Savitri Sanman for Right to Pee Campaign 2016 | Award at the hand of Chief minister |
| 7 | Inspire Awards 2017 | Women’s empowerment |
| 8 | Winner of Women’s safety and Empowerment short film festival, USA consultate, 2017 | Gaana Rewrite |
| 9 | 2nd prize for Women’s safety and Empowerment short film festival, USA consulate, 2018 | City is Mine |
| 10 | eNGO Challenge Awards | Special Mention as a finalist in the Enablement and Empowerment Category 2019-2020 |
INVOLVING YOUTH AND WOMEN
LOBBYING AT THE STATE LEVEL
PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
AKSHARA HT SURVEY OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN MUMBAI
GET IN TOUCH
We would love to hear from you! There are several ways we can help each other. You can volunteer with us or you can donate money. In case you would like to contact us, do drop us a line at: akshara.frea@gmail.com
If you would like to assist Akshara’s efforts by volunteering or interning with us, please get in touch by filling in the attached form and emailing it to us. Give us an idea of what sort of time and skills you have, so we can hook you up with one of our programs. Your expertise is needed for our growing organisation.
We welcome individual and organisational donations. Choose which program you would like to donate to? Read our Annual Report and decide to support youth as gender advocates, sponsor underprivileged girls’ education or make the city safer for women.
If you are looking to working with us. We offer full time and part time or freelancing possibilities. It’s a great small and friendly team. Please send us your resume.
Our postal address is:
Akshara Centre
Dhuru Bldg, 3rd floor, opp Bank of Maharashtra
Gokhale Road, Dadar West,
Mumbai 400028, India
Tel: 022 24328699
Email: akshara.frea@gmail.com