Abhaya – A Grassroots Coalition of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD)
The word “Abhaya” means “one who is fearless”. Project Abhaya aims to build confidence of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in the Chittoor district of the Rayalaseema region, Andhra Pradesh state.
The project ensures that women’s rights are protected and coalitions of grassroots Women Human Right Defenders (WHRDs) are created and strengthened.
WHRDs
- Engage front line workers in the promotion and protection of human rights of all persons, including themselves
- Engage in the defence of the rights of women thereby promote gender equality, either individually or collectively
- Have the knowledge and capabilities to support the victims by way of providing them with counselling
- Have leadership qualities and are aware of Indian Police System and the respective legal procedures
- Trained to deal with the legal cases related to violations of women’s rights at open resource centres
Objectives
- Ensure that women’s rights are safeguarded and coalitions of WHRDs are created and strengthened
- Thrive to create spaces for women that are free from any form of discrimination
- Sensitize the student community about women’s rights
- Work towards identifying gaps in the legal domain and lobby for change
- Referrals to safe houses to shelter women in grave danger