Sakshi

Over three decades, Sakshi has been an advocate and catalyst for change in the realm of gender-based violence (GBV. Since its inception in the early 1990s, Sakshi has been committed to empowering generations and effecting change through legislative advocacy against sexual harassment at the workplace and child sexual abuse in India. Spearheading efforts that led to pivotal laws such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act and landmark legal precedents like Vishakha & others v/s State of Rajasthan, Sakshi laid the foundation for transformative shifts in workplace safety impacting on over 1.51 million workplaces in India. child protection. Transitioning into the 2000s, Sakshi expanded its scope and influence by championing judicial education on gender equality across five countries in the Asia-Pacific region. By engaging with judges at various levels, including the Supreme Court, High Court, and District Court, Sakshi aimed to foster a deeper understanding of gender issues within the legal system, promoting a culture of gender-sensitive adjudication and jurisprudence. Sakshi also developed resources like the Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes that played a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable legal framework. A pivotal moment in Sakshi's trajectory came with the launch of The Rakshin Project in March 2018. This groundbreaking initiative has made substantial strides in mainstreaming conversations surrounding child sexual abuse and gender-based violence, reaching over 915 colleges and educating more than 59,866 NSS student volunteers across 32 states and Union Territories. The Rakshin Project seeks to dismantle barriers such as denial, silence, shame, and stigma, fostering a rights-based enabling environment within families and workplaces by providing a platform for dialogue, intervention, and empowerment. Along with other Implementing Partners, Sakshi has helped to carry forward the Women Safety Accelerator Fund’s (WSAF) mandate of creating an enabling ecosystem for women's safety in the Indian tea sector. By reaching out to about 15000 workers, 200 management staff, and 395 Change Agents, Sakshi continues to further the program’s commitment towards building multi-sectoral engagement in the tea estates. As Sakshi embarks on the next phase of its journey, its legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and intervention will continue to shape the landscape of gender equality and social justice for generations. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative approaches, and steadfast dedication, Sakshi remains at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence, striving to create a world where all individuals can thrive with dignity, equality, and respect.