Sambhali Trust: Sambhali’s Celebrates International Women’s Day

“Nari Shakti, Zindabad!, Long Live Women’s Power!” The words are still ringing in my ears.

International Women’s Day honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of every woman on the planet and since the early 1900s it has been a day to celebrate progress but also highlight the issues that women still face. Our staff, volunteers and students demonstrated the strength, empowerment, and rights for every woman, whoever and wherever she may be.

Photo credit: Sophie Levens

Photo credit: Jess Lehmann

We marched for the girls who don’t have access to the same education as their brothers.

We marched for the women who don’t have the means to earn their own money.

We marched for the women who aren't allowed to divorce their abusive husbands.

We marched for the widows who aren’t accepted back into society.

We marched for the women who couldn't.

In reality, women in general and specifically women within the Dalit community aren’t considered as equals in Indian society. They are often marginalised, socially restricted and lack freedom in every aspect of their lives. Sambhali’s main focus is to empower these women at 17 centres around Jodhpur through education in English and Maths, vocational training and self-help groups. Find out more about Sambhali's mission.

Photo credit: Leonie Schoen.

Photo credit: Sophie Levens

Think Globally, Act Locally.

We set off on the right foot from Sambhali headquarters with a speech from Jodhpur Development Association’s chairperson, Dr. Mahendra Singh Rathore. Carrying the banners that our European volunteers had designed we walked for 1.5kms through traffic, along main roads and into the bustling city centre. Our march may have been short, but we made an impact: jaws dropped, cars stopped and we shouted “Nari Shakti!” ‘til our lungs burst.

Photo credit: Jess Lehmann

Our main banner read “Nari Shakti”, or “Women’s Power” in Hindi. We also supported the 2017 theme to #BEBOLDFORCHANGE

Empowerment All Around

It was a true honour to be united with the women and girls on this march, and I know that I speak for all of the volunteers when I say that it was a memorable and emotional experience for everyone! The strength and power within the women and girls of Sambhali is inspirational and humbling. As I marched I felt an air of solidarity between every single person, regardless of religion, gender or age. It was a sight to see senior volunteers, staff members, mothers carrying children and men standing together in the name of gender equality and we will be doing it all again next year!

Whatever International Women’s Day means to you, we hope you were bold, brave and marched for those without a voice.

While you're here... why not take a scroll through some of the photos from our march?