Sakhi for South Asian Survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; it's time for a new movement. Survivors of gender-based violence are too often overlooked in the broader fight for gender justice. In an article published in Ms. Magazine titled "We Can't Keep Sidelining Survivor Justice," our Executive Director, Kavita Mehra, calls for a bold shift: building a survivor justice movement that centers healing, visibility, and real support. Read the full article below and learn more about how we can prioritize survivors. ------ Beesham A. Seecharan Sabrin Chowdhury Radhika Nayar Bushra Mannan Nilufer Shaikh Vasanta Pundarika Rupal Patel, MBA Leela Ramnath Shaheen Rushd Sumeet Salwan Dina Siddiqi Nalini Tiwari Greenan

See what we've been up to!✨ Recently, we hosted in-person programs connecting survivors with critical tools to regain financial control, housing support, or healing through creative expression. Survivor-centered spaces like these allow for open dialogue and the building of solid support networks, which are crucial in fostering community strength and resilience. Learn more about our innovative programming-"Strength in Stories," the “Wellness Day Series,” “Flowers and Fabric,” and “Tenants Rights” workshops.

In partnership with Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, please join us on Thursday, September 26 at 6 PM ET for a special, virtual #BehindtheBook with award-winning journalist and author Prachi Gupta. Prachi’s debut memoir, They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us, has been named one of the best books of 2023 by Amazon, one of the best memoirs of the year by Audible, and nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award. Her writing has earned acclaim for its depth and insight, with her investigative essay, “Stories About My Brother,” winning a 2020 Writers Guild Award and being named one of the best essays of 2019 by Longform and Longreads. Prachi has covered a wide range of issues, from the presidential election for Cosmopolitan.com to reporting on the refugee crisis in Jordan. Her work has appeared in publications like The Atlantic, The Washington Post Magazine, The Guardian, and Harper's Bazaar. She frequently offers commentary on race, gender, mental health, and politics on MSNBC and NPR. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from a bold voice in journalism and literature! Please note that this event is exclusively for SALUTE members. #SALUTEEvent #BehindTheBook #PrachiGupta #WomenInJournalism #Memoir #AuthorEvent #SouthAsianVoices

Join Sakhi for a special "Girls Will Be Girls" screening on September 14th at 7:40 PM at Film Forum! The groundbreaking film explores gender, sexuality, and South Asian identity. A Q&A with director Shuchi Talati will follow the screening. Pooja Raj-Green, Sakhi's Director of Programs, will introduce the conversation moderated by critic Sucharita Tyagi. Use promo code ✨SAKHIXGIRLS✨ before checkout for discounted tickets. Seats are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to have an inspiring evening of conversation and community. Purchase tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eTKgUdJy and share with your network. 🎟️ We hope to see you there!

We are devastated by the loss of Muna Pandey, a Nepali nursing student tragically killed in her Houston home. Her loss of life highlights the urgent need to address gender-based gun violence in our communities. We stand with her family, loved ones, and community in their pursuit of justice and remain committed to supporting survivors through culturally competent services. #JusticeforMunaPandey #SakhiStandsWithYou #EndViolence

Our hearts are heavy as we stand in solidarity with the family and community of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a cherished member of the Nepalese community who has been missing since July 27, 2024. We will continue to fight for justice, safety, and dignity for all survivors of violence. #JusticeforMamtaBhatt #SakhiStandsWithYou Read our statement:

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors recognizes the resilience and determination of Bangladesh’s youth, who persevered in the face of overwhelming state-sanctioned violence and brutal repression. We stand with our community as Bangladesh enters this crucial phase in its pursuit of justice and liberation. Although the future of Bangladesh remains uncertain, it carries the potential for a transformative new beginning—one where the voices of the oppressed can rise and lead the nation toward a brighter and more equitable future for all. Read our full statement:

From August 26th to September 3rd, Sakhi will take a much-needed restorative break. Please note that our offices and helpline will be unavailable as we recharge and prepare to continue serving our community with renewed energy. If you need support while we are away, please get in touch with the resources listed below: ⋆ National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-621-HOPE ⋆ Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-212-227-3000 ⋆ LGBTQIA+ Hotline: Text START to 678-678 or Call 1-866-488-7386 ⋆ Mental Health Support: Text WELL to 65173 or Call 1-888-NYC-WELL We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reconnecting when we return on September 3rd. Thank you for your continued support! 💜

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors strongly condemns the recent wave of far-right violence in the United Kingdom, which has targeted South Asian, Muslim, migrant, and other minority communities. This violence is not an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a broader pattern of communal violence that has deep historical roots and far-reaching consequences, particularly when intertwined with gender-based violence (GBV). Read the full article:

We stand in solidarity with the Debnath family and the medical community; we demand justice and accountability. The inspiring protests across India demanding justice for Dr. Moumita Debnath and systemic reforms that address the root causes of sexual violence and rape culture cannot be in vain. Their voices are a powerful force for change, calling for a future where the rights of all are upheld, where survivors receive meaningful support, and where violence in all forms is unequivocally rejected. Rest in Power, Moumita.