Support Manisha Mashaal's Swabhiman Society to end caste-based oppression in Haryana through legal aid, education, and empowerment for Dalit women and girls. Your contribution can bring significant change and justice to marginalized communities.

Photography: Vinta Nanda

EMPOWER DALIT WOMEN: SUPPORT SWABHIMAN SOCIETY LED BY MANISHA MASHAAL

Manisha Mashaal, a distinguished human rights leader, lawyer, and eloquent speaker, founded the Swabhimaan Society, the first platform in Haryana created by young Dalit, Mahadalit, and oppressed women. This non-profit organization supports and organizes Dalit women with the aim to end caste-based oppression, offering legal and support services to survivors of caste-based sexual violence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MANISHA MASHAAL ON WIKIPEDIA

Manisha has been a pro bono advocate for economically disadvantaged Dalit women and girls for over 20 years, handling more than 2050 documented and undocumented cases of sexual violence against Dalit women. As a first-generation learner and movement builder, she is reshaping society by making due process accessible to those deprived of justice.

In Haryana, efforts to combat gender and caste-based sexual harassment are crucial to eradicating the culture of violence. The caste system has created a complex and challenging scenario in contemporary society. Confronting this formidable system is daunting and requires the establishment of a secure framework, even at personal peril. Manisha's work extends beyond delivering justice to victims; she empowers them to become role models for other victimized women. Her organization also encourages community involvement in this endeavour.

The social work Manisha engages in to drive social change includes:

• Offering educational assistance to marginalized girls.
• Providing capacity-building training to young girls.
• Offering complimentary legal assistance to women who have been victimized.
• Counselling for victimized survivors and women.
• Providing a secure haven for women and rape survivors.
• Coordinating complimentary legal aid events in the community for underprivileged individuals.
• Offering prompt healthcare assistance to Dalit women.

Manisha's journey is deeply personal. Born into a Dalit family, she faced the harsh realities of the caste system early in life. Her father's tragic death due to caste violence fuelled her determination to pursue a career in law and engage in activism to reform the caste system and provide legal assistance within the judicial framework. Cooperation is essential for this social change. Each individual is impacted by this flawed system, making social change a collective responsibility requiring everyone's contribution.

When Manisha has assisted 10 victimized girls to achieve law degrees despite limited financial resources, your contribution can help many more young girls become lawyers and professionals to bring change to their communities.

You can contribute directly to Swabhiman Society using the details below. Donations are eligible for income tax rebate under Section 80G.

ACCOUNT DETAILS:

• Name: Swabhiman Society
• Bank: Punjab National Bank
• Account Number: 8818002100000044
• IFSC: PUNB0881800

Support Manisha Mashaal's mission to empower Dalit women and end caste-based oppression. Your donation can make a significant difference in the fight for justice and equality.

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For more information on the challenges faced by Dalit women, visit Dalit Women Fight for Justice by Human Rights Watch. Additionally, learn about ongoing efforts at National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights and support initiatives by Amnesty International India and UN Women.