Ziverny Warrior
We at Ziverny are thrilled to introduce Saaniya Mehra, a remarkable young advocate from India who has made significant contributions to the cause of women’s rights and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
It was during our recent visit to Delhi that we had the privilege of connecting with Saaniya Mehra and learning about her important work in the field of women’s rights and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Her efforts resonated with our own personal mission to work towards ending domestic violence.
As the founder of Torchbearers Foundation, Saaniya and her team have been leading the charge in raising awareness and providing support to victims of domestic violence by working with the public health and education systems in India.
What sets her apart is her innovative, design-thinking which has enabled her to identify the root causes of SGBV and develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
We are grateful to Saaniya for taking the time to share her personal experiences and insights on the issue, and explore the possibilities of collaborating to tackle issues of domestic violence in India.
Founder: Torchbearers Foundation
“Saaniya Mehra, New Delhi, February 2023
The high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in India is a heart-wrenching and unacceptable reality. Rooted in cultural norms, stereotypes, unequal power dynamics, and a lack of effective legal protections, SGBV tears apart the lives of women, children, and men and violates their basic human rights. The impact is devastating and long-lasting.
That’s why I founded Torchbearers Foundation in 2020 – a passionate, driven, and purpose-led Indian NGO dedicated to addressing SGBV and empowering women. With my background in product and systems design, I bring a unique perspective to this critical issue.
Using a design-thinking approach, I have worked to identify the root causes of SGBV and create solutions that are holistic and sustainable. Our organization is at the forefront of creating change through:
- Awareness and education programs: We use Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a tool to educate individuals and communities about the impact of violence and how to prevent it.
- Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits: In partnership with government agencies and organizations, we are improving the availability and use of rape kits in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases.
- Advocacy and policy change: We are advocating for changes in laws and policies that better protect survivors of SGBV and bring perpetrators to justice.
Through our work, we have learned the importance of involving communities and survivors in the design and implementation of programs and interventions.
We have also gained a firsthand understanding of the major challenges faced by women in terms of their general position in society and experiences of SGBV, including:
-
Gender inequality
-
Stereotypes and gender-based violence
-
Lack of access to justice and support services
-
Socio-economic factors
-
Systemic barriers
These challenges require a multi-faceted and coordinated approach, including addressing the root causes of gender inequality, improving access to justice and support services, and empowering women and girls to assert their rights and protect themselves from violence.
The thought of women, children, and men suffering from such brutal violence simply because of their gender, angers and saddens me. SGBV violates the basic human rights of survivors and has long-lasting physical, psychological, and emotional effects.
I am motivated to do everything in my power to support survivors, raise awareness, and work towards a world where everyone can live free from fear and violence, regardless of their gender.
The journey ahead is challenging, but with a multi-pronged approach and sustained efforts from a variety of stakeholders, I am confident that we can create a safer, more equitable society, free from SGBV.a
The fight against domestic violence just got a powerful ally in Ziverny, a novel initiative aimed at empowering women through financial literacy. With a mission to provide education and resources on financial management and independence, women are given the tools they need to take control of their financial future and break free from abusive relationships.
It is heartening to see our organizations come together, united in our concern for issues like violence and abuse, to pool resources and expertise in creating a comprehensive and impactful solution.
I am elated at the prospect of joining forces with Ziverny as a Woman Warrior to create an even bigger impact. Our shared goal is to reach as many people as possible and provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome domestic violence. And what better place to start than in schools and colleges, where we can educate and empower future generations?
Ziverny X Torchbearers Foundation
Together, we can create a powerful impact that will help empower and support victims of domestic violence in India. I look forward to working together to make a real difference in the lives of women and families affected by this issue.
With both organizations sharing a common concern for issues such as violence and abuse, it makes sense to pool resources and expertise to create a comprehensive and impactful resource.
I believe that the development of educational resources and conducting workshops in schools and colleges is a strong starting point and a collaborative effort with TBF could help further amplify the reach and impact of these efforts.
I am excited at the prospect of working together to create a resource that will help empower and support victims of domestic violence in India.
Torchbearers' Resources on SGBV in India
Saaniya training the state Forensic Team on the AASHA Kit’s applications in Hisar, Haryana, India
The AASHA Kit: revolutionizing Forensic Medico-Legal investigations in India