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Sakhi celebrates 20 years of transformations
to build a stronger community and end violence
(New York, New York) – As they watched talented performers, heard luminary speakers, and mingled at the historic Prince George Ballroom, more than 270 supporters celebrated Sakhi for South Asian Women’s mission to end violence against women at the organization’s 7th gala benefit on Friday, Oct. 2 evening.
The evening, with the theme 20 Years One Vision: Ending Violence Against Women, depicted the profound individual and community transformations Sakhi has made possible over its history. “We started out as a grassroots organization to end domestic violence in our communities based on individual instances of women needing help. Twenty years later we’re still here in terms of assisting individuals, but now we have a deeper impact in our community,” reflected Tamseela Tayyabkhan, Sakhi’s Board Chair.
Through its 20 years of groundbreaking work, Sakhi’s reach with survivors of abuse and the community has increased dramatically. In the past 7 years, Sakhi’s call volume of new requests for assistance has more than tripled from 201 in 2001 to 731 in 2008 and the organization’s website currently gets more than 17,000 hits per month on average.
In 20 years, Sakhi has broken the silence on abuse in the South Asian community. Benefit Co-Chair and author of Speaking the Unspeakable Margaret Abraham noted, “Sakhi has taken big steps to make a difference. If we talked about abuse 20 years ago, it was seen as an issue that was taboo. Now we can talk about it, survivors have a place to go and address these issues, and we have institutions that actually know of the work. One of the greatest joys is that we have not only transformed our communities, but we are also able to celebrate the work that we do.”
The evening featured comments by talented filmmaker Mira Nair, who has been a long-time Sakhi supporter. Advancing a spirit of carpe diem, Nair emphasized the ability community members have in making a difference, declaring, “Life is short. Seize the moment, because really all we have is now. Sakhi is an activist organization: get involved, and if you can’t seize the moment in your life in an activist way, then send a check. Honestly, there is no two living, there is no two lives. It is a waste of happiness to think that we need our own before we extend ourselves to others, because in the extension to others, there is happiness.”
Nair’s words were received with great applause by an appreciative audience. Community supporter David Rheingold commented, “I had a spectacular time: the food, the speeches, the pacing were perfect. Mira Nair gave the best keynote speech I have heard at a Sakhi dinner; I would describe her words as electrifying.”
Sakhi’s work and impact over its 20 years were highlighted through short films as well as in a celebration of outgoing Executive Director Purvi Shah’s leadership. After 7.5 years at Sakhi’s helm – and 6 prior years as a volunteer – Shah will be transitioning from her role at the close of October. In speaking to the power of Sakhi’s innovative vision, Shah ruminated, “It still strikes me to this day how the founders of Sakhi had the vision not only to see the world as it is and to see that it is unacceptable, but to see that we can do something about it. Here at Sakhi we transform lives, we transform our communities, and we transform institutions. We’re all so used to thinking about outcomes in a few months or a year or some small basis of time, but when you’ve been involved in something for more than a decade, you can really see change in front of your eyes. Today we get to celebrate how far we’ve come. But tomorrow, the work starts anew so we can make sure that generations from now that there is a world without abuse. Together we can create change – for 20 years, we already have.”
Mistress of Ceremonies Bhavna Toor opened the evening by introducing the dynamic Sa Dance Company who performed an innovative take on Madonna’s “Vogue.” Before the evening climaxed with music by DJ Rekha, actress Reshma Shetty led a pledge drive. She commented, “What I’m realizing being a first generation South Asian is we don’t talk about this. Even now we don’t talk about violence against women. We are fighting against silence, against fear.” She added, “Sakhi is using its resources well. It is great to celebrate something like this, because it’s such a serious topic. You have to find a cause bigger than yourself.”
Through corporate sponsorship and individual major gifts, ticket and auction sales, as well as donations, Sakhi raised more than $200,000. These funds make possible Sakhi’s vital programs to support survivors of abuse, engage communities through innovative outreach and media work, and enhance language access in the courts through policy advocacy. In the first half of 2009, Sakhi has already responded to 403 new requests for support and conducted 39 outreach presentations. At this rate, Sakhi will shatter its previous record of new requests for assistance, demonstrating how critical a community resource Sakhi is – especially in our current difficult climate.
“Sakhi has such a powerful story to tell. It also has many articulate spokespersons,” indicated long-time community supporter Kislaya Prasad. “I feel privileged to be able to support Sakhi.”
To contact Sakhi, please call (212) 714-9153, or e-mail
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Sakhi for South Asian Women, fulfills its mission through a full range of culturally-sensitive, language-specific information, services, and advocacy to women facing abuse in their lives. The organization mobilizes the South Asian community in its endeavor to end violence against women forever. Sakhi uses an integrated approach that combines support and empowerment through service delivery, community engagement, media advocacy, and policy initiatives. A friend indeed!!
As we all know violence and oppression have no room in this modern, free world and this is what Sakhi stands for- helping women who have crossed oceans to make their home in a foreign land, far away from the near and dear ones and face violence of untold nature.
Sakhi’s war cry is that violence, and oppression must be eliminated at the heart and root of our communities so that families to be healthy and happy - a noble cause, a rewarding mission and an enlightening future for many in need.
Sakhi works on four levels -
Domestic Violence Program
Community Engagement and Media Program
Economic Empowerment Program
Women’s Health Initiative
Let us do our little bit for the distressed - support Sakhi and raise awareness about domestic violence! Yes you, just you, can do something - Host a gathering for Sakhi – a tea party, dinner, brunch - whatever you want - it's your party –spread the word and plenty of goodness while enjoying the company of your friends and family.
Give back to the community what you have received form it – let me put what John F. Kennedy said a little differently - ‘Ask not what your community can do for you; ask what you can do for your community’.
You can make a critical difference, a big difference – donate for a noble cause!
On Sakhi’s 20th anniversary let us join in the celebration of freedom from violence and oppression for the South Asian Woman.
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