WHAT WE DO Copy - NGO for women and children

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 aksharacentre@vsnl.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.

HOW WE DO IT

Akshara provides scholarships for education, training in life and technical skills, and job placement for socially and economically disadvantaged young women between the ages of 14 and 20.

Akshara trains young men to become supporters of gender equality and take up personal and social action

Akshara creates gender oriented educational material online certificate course on violence against women manuals and training materialvideos and documentaries provides a reference facility and reading room

Akshara lobbies with the State

in the city, we lobby with the police for a better emergency helpline for women
with the Municipal bodies for open spaces and safety of women
with public transport authorities for the safety of women
joins in networking with city based and national women’s and other groups for legislation and policies

OUR VISION

Our vision is to establish a gender just and violence free society.

OUR GOALS

To raise women’s and public consciousness on gender inequality
To work towards empowerment of women and youth
To prevent violence on women
To build partnerships for gender equality, laws and policies

We also utilize a variety of approaches in order to make this vision a reality. These approaches are:

Information dissemination and participatory research
Training and mobilization of youth and women
Promoting solutions through lobbying with local authorities and institutions
Mobilising public support through campaigns

THE BOARD AND GENERAL BODY

Mr A K Roy is one of the first secretaries of FREA India. He is the founder of the Hazards Centre, New Delhi and works on issues of technology and environment.
Ms Nina Kapasi is a chartered accountant and concerned citizen. She is involved with setting up and streamlining Akshara’s financial systems
Ms Nandita Gandhi is the Co-Director and Managing Trustee who has played an active role in the women’s movement for the the last two and a half decades.
Ms Nandita Shah is the Co-Director, Managing Trustee is a professional social worker, activist of the women’s movement and a gender trainer. She is one of the many backbones of Akshara.
Ms Abha Bhaiya is the founder member of Jagori, New Delhi, and Jagori Rural in Himachal Pradesh. She is also an activist of the women’s movement, a gender trainer and a consultant.
Ms Anjali Dave has been working for over 15 years with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ Special Cell for Women and Children along with the Mumbai Police.
Mr Pravin Gandhi is an Information Technology professional. He is the director of several companies and has been associated with FREA and Akshara for over 20 years.
Ms Shimul Javeri Kadri is an architect who works on numerous public and private constructions. It’s her vision that has helped create the space that Akshara functions out of.
Mr Gagan Sethi is a Founder of Jan Vikas in Ahmedabad. He is also an OD consultant who has helped develop numerous organisations.
Ms Sudipta Druv is the Creative head of Ideas Box, IV production house which brings out programs for children.

THE TEAM

Nandita Gandhi, Co-Director
Nandita Shah, Co-Director
Sunita Bagal, Sr Co-ordinator- EDP
Snehal Velkar, Co-ordinator- Safe City & YCP
Ujjwala Mhatre, Librarian
Sakina, Financial Consultant
Urmila Salunkhe, Training Officer

Samata Jhadav, Media Officer
Deepali Jangam, Community Organiser, EDP
Roshani Kadam, P O-YCP
Poornima Mandpe, P O-YCP
Savita Shinde, Accountant
Kimaya Vartak, Secretary and Admin
Vitthal Agwale, Office Support

OUR JOURNEY

The 1960-70s were the harbinger of a counter-culture. A time when there was a search for alternatives and new ideas. Different people came together to experiment, march and bring forward new hopes and actions. Fast forward to the decade of the 1980s and you have the women’s movement. New revolutionary ideas and women marching for them. New dreams of people who wanted to – needed to – transform the world into a safer, more loving and equal place.