Olakh (means ‘Identity’), is a feminist organisation established in 1993 to create a warm, safe, confidential, non-judgmental, non-sectarian, knowledge based democratic physical and emotional space to mutually share, learn, grow, heal and inspire to develop with full potential. It is a space to have dialogue, to nurture joy, to give and get inspiration and support in moments of helplessness and isolation to assert one’s identity with pride and dignity. The work of Olakh revolves around the two concepts: ‘Jagya’ (Space) and ‘Samvad’ (Dialogue).
Olakh is open to everyone seeking to raise voice against discrimination, violence and injustice for humane (equal and just) Society.
voice, visibility and identity often get buried beneath our never-ending work, predetermined roles and responsibilities. In the maze of relationships, we are neither able to discover and recreate the essence of our “self”, nor are we able to create images, weaving into them colors that reflect our own selves and sensibilities.
Since history irrespective of varied backgrounds women face violence and discrimination right from their wombs to their tombs! Domestic violence from their matrimonial and parental families is a daily phenomenon. Women are not safe in their own homes – their right to be born as women are killed; their dignity and pride are demeaned by day-to-day violence and harassment in private and public lives. Women are used as battlefields to insult men, community, religion, and nations.
In patriarchal society men are consider superior. They have been given more privileges, resources and opportunities. In patriarchal society women are consider inferior and men’s property. They are systematically discriminated and given secondary status; women’s identity derives from their fathers, brothers, and husbands but not from their own qualities, abilities and achievements. And this is justified by patriarchal mindset with social, cultural, religious, political institutions – leaving women alone with full of misery.
Olakh was established in 1993 from these humble meanderings to create a space of our own — for each one of us – to share our joys and sorrows – giving expression to the said and unsaid poems of our hearts by extending boundaries of our lives. we envision new environs for our hopes, which will make us break away from the shackles and suffocation of ‘bound’ spaces – to venture into new paths for empowerment and develop friendships we often dream about.
After much exhaustive voluntary spirit of 3 years, in 1996 the foundation stone was laid in Vadodara, Gujarat with the long term vision to create humane (equal, just and peaceful) society for all. Slowly and steadily our efforts took the shape of a Feminist Resource, Counseling and Training Center
Feminist Ideology, Inclusive Perspective, Empowerment Approach and Humane Outlook are the pillars of our work and a source of inspiration to continue our struggle for liberation where everyone irrespective of her_his* background or birth can avail an equal opportunity to grow and develop to unfold their innate potential with pride and dignity.
As feminists we challenge the patriarchal system that restrains women from controlling their own lives and limits their opportunities and choices. It does not mean replacing patriarchy with matriarchy, an aversion towards men or women taking over oppressive values. But simply a demand for a society where everyone can have the equal opportunity to make their choices freely as per their inspiration and dream without their social identity and background being the determining factor. The core of our ideology is that all humans, irrespective of their background are equal and should have equal access to socio-cultural, economical, political, environmental, fundamental and constitutional rights.
As feminists we promote the culture of co–existence and non–violence that celebrates diversity of beliefs and practices which is gender sensitive and inclusive. It seeks to validate personal experiences as we believe that ‘personal is political and political is personal’
Feminism for us, is a path of empowerment primarily wo_men and underprivileged so that they fearlessly challenge discrimination and injustice to exert rights and responsibilities of their own and other’s surrounding. Feminism means equality and freedom for all.
According to the 1995 Beijing Conference, feminism means “looking at the world through women’s eyes”. We at Olakh have adopted this definition
and it forms the basis of our logo that represents the eye looking through the outer world. We believe all issues are women’s issues and it is important to “look at the world through women’s eyes” too. Be it issues that are economic, war or ethnic, communal or domestic conflicts; women have a point of view on everything.
Olakh promotes the culture of co–existence and non–violence . Olakh is open to everyone seeking to raise voice against discrimination, violence and injustice for the betterment of the society.
OUR CONSTITUENCY
YOU AND US!
Olakh is YOUR SPACE Come, Participate, Feel Enriched, Recharged and Empowered
*The underscor signifies ‘gender gap’ to include all people who don’t identify themselves as either man or woman.
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