The term ‘Vagina Warrior’ was coined by Eve Ensler, the writer of the ‘Vagina Monologues’, to signify a person who’s fighting to end violence against women. This Women’s Day, here are some Indian vagina warriors who’re tirelessly fighting to build a more socially just and gender-just society, free of violence and discrimination.
1. Swati Maliwal, Chief – Delhi Commission for Women
The DCW Chief is known for not mincing her words and holding systems and authorities severely accountable when it comes to gender-based violence. She recently launched #RapeRoko, a campaign to demand swift action against perpetrators of sexual crimes against children. The movement has gained international support and recognition.
[To know more about Ms. Maliwal’s relentless efforts, read: “I Think I Am The Most Angry Person Right Now”: The Swati Maliwal Interview]
2. Bela Bhatia, Human rights activist
Bela Bhatia has been instrumental in unraveling state oppression against adivasi women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Her work has led to the first ever FIR filed under Section 376(2)(c) of the IPC in the Bastar region – against security personnel for gang rape. In January 2017, her home near Jagdalpur was also attacked, with a mob demanding that she evacuate immediately. Her fight for the rights of adivasi women indicates the shameful layers of oppression that exist in Indian society, albeit under a thick blanket of silence.
[Read more about atrocities faced by tribal women in Bastar: “Will Put Chilli Up Your Vagina”: That’s How Tribals In Bastar Are Threatened By Police]
3. Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder – Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
In a state ridden with conflict and the oppressive AFSPA, Binalakshmi Nepram works to empower survivors of violence, and has spearheaded a movement towards disarmament and peace, with women voices at the centre of it. She has been conferred with the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship for her work, and has made the issue important for policy makers. She continues to speak boldly against violence in the region, on issues like rape at gunpoint, gun control and more.
4. Ashif Shaikh, Founder – Jan Sahas
One of the most inhuman forms of treating women in India is shown by the sickening practice of manual scavenging. It is a form of violence where hundreds of women – Dalit women in particular – are engaged, and oppressed every day. Ashif Shaikh’s Jan Sahas has led a nationwide movement against this practice, liberating over 14,000 women, and training over 200 female survivors of sexual violence as ‘barefoot lawyers’, to help others.
[Also read: In The Case Of Dry Toilets, 95% Manual Scavengers Are Women: Interview With Ashif Shaikh]
5. Akkai Padmashali, Trans rights activist
Firebrand trans activist Akkai Padmashali has been at the forefront of the fight for equal rights for trans people in India. A survivor of sexual violence herself, she has empowered hundreds of others through her work and organisation ‘Ondede’, and openly speaks against the violence trans women face in toilets, public spaces, offices, and more. She has broken several norms and has been conferred with a prestigious Karnataka State Award, as well as the Ashoka Fellowship.
[Also read: Interview With Firebrand Trans Activist Akkai Padmashali]
6. Zakia Soman, Co-Founder – Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA)
Zakia Soman and her team at BMMA have done pathbreaking work towards empowering Muslim women in India, as well as against oppressive laws. She has brought to light the violence and discrimination faced by thousands of Muslim women in India, and openly speaks out against the patriarchy that puts down women in the name of culture and religion.
[Also read: ‘Triple Talaq Qurani Nahi Hai’: Zakia Soman On The Change That 92% Muslim Women Want]
7. Robin Chaurasiya, Founder – Kranti
Robin Chaurasiya was forced to quit the U.S. Air Force because of her sexuality, after which she campaigned to change the oppressive ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy. Her experience inspired her to come to India and start an NGO for children of sex workers and victims of trafficking to empower them to become leaders. She is a bold voice against the discrimination and violence faced by sex workers, and has impacted thousands with her work.
[Watch: Robin Chaurasiya speaks at Youth Ki Awaaz’s flagship event, CONVERGE]
8. Svati Chakravarty, Film-maker, Storyteller and Co-Director – Satyamev Jayate
In 2012, Satyamev Jayate’s first ever episode – on female foeticide – shook the world, became a global trend on Twitter, started nationwide conversations, protests and massive mindset change and impact. The power behind such episodes that fought for gender justice, told unheard stories, and shook our conscience is Svati Chakravarty, the show’s co-director and head of field research. Her work has furthered the fight against gender-based violence, and helped many grassroots heroes gain the recognition they deserve.
[Also read: Manju Fights To Change The Script, a story of fighting sex-selective abortion in Haryana, written by Svati Chakravarty]
9. Vrinda Grover, Lawyer and human rights activist
A part of drafting the 2013 Criminal Law Amendment in India, as well as the 2012 POCSO Act against child sexual abuse, Vrinda Grover is a powerhouse lawyer and human rights activist who has relentlessly fought for the survivors of sexual and domestic violence. She has also been a part of TIME Magazine’s 2013 list of 100 Most Influential People.
[Also read: Vrinda Grover On How The State Failed The Rape Survivors Of Muzaffarnagar]
10. Meenu Vadera, Founder – Azad Foundation and Sakha Cabs for Women
A feminist and social entrepreneur, Meenu Vadera’s work has empowered survivors of domestic abuse to break free from violence, and train as cab drivers. She has started Delhi’s first cab service run by women, and has pioneered the concept of ‘Women in Wheels’. She also writes and engages frequently on various issues surrounding women’s rights.
[Also read: 5 Women Entrepreneurs Talk About Their Work That’s Empowering Hundreds Of Women]
11. Alok Dixit and Laxmi Agarwal, Campaigners – Stop Acid Attacks
Attacked with acid at the age of 16 because she rejected a man’s advances, Laxmi refused to bow down and instead dedicated her life to fighting acid attacks. With her partner Alok, she has worked to empower many survivors of acid attacks and their work has also been instrumental in pushing for the ban of over-the-counter acid sales in India. Laxmi and Alok’s work is a victory against the sick notions of toxic masculinity that make a man feel that he ‘owns’ a woman, and it’s his right to ‘have her’.
[Also read: When Acid Is Thrown On Someone’s Face, The Attempt Is A Lot More Than To ‘Disfigure’ Them]
By no means is this an exhaustive list – there are so many other inspiring Indians fighting against gender-based violence. Help me add to this list. Who are the vagina warriors whose stories you’d like to tell? or publish your story on Youth Ki Awaaz today with ‘My Vagina Warrior’ in the title!
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