Manushi

Center for Developing Societies

Madhu Kishwar

Manushi founded in 1978 is a journal on how existing laws in India
fail to address and provide relief to women on issues such as dowry,
child brides, and caste. It aims to seek solutions through societal,
political and economic channels.

Education system doesn't help Indians help India. Curriculum focused
on the issues of the elite. Need to put the focus on women from all
backgrounds -- religions, geographies, financial status, etc. See
issues through the eyes of the marginalized, not from the perceptions
of the elite.

Intense focus on specific groups with specific problems. Better able
to understand what the real issues are -- bottom up vs. top down.
Looking at issues through women's eyes.

Generate immediate response. Women were looking for help. Farmers
movement enabled transfer of land to women as heirs. Recognized that
these farm women needed to be empowered.

Creates strong links to communities by focusing on their issues, e.g.,
Sikhs, Muslems etc.

Victim raped by her father who preyed upon her when she objected to
his advances to her friend. Abuse continued Got pregnant and then was
forced to get an abortion. Her father was a district magistrate so it
was difficult to get retribution from the authorities. She came to
Manushi and is starting to get her dignity back. Proud to stand up for
herself in front of cameras despite social taboos. She is becoming
empowered.

Madhu and her staff have been repeatedly threatened and have faced
false lawsuits.

Police have been no help. Too much corruption

This publication is available online at

www.manushi.in