About Us

Vishakha is a voluntary organization committed to the empowerment of women, girls, young people, and marginalized communities. Since 1991, we have worked with communities, institutions, and the state to challenge unjust gender norms, expand access to education and health, counter violence, and promote overall well-being.

Vishakha was born in the post-Deorala Sati protest period, founded by a group of academics and activists deeply rooted in the women’s movement and people’s rights campaigns.

We were one of the key petitioners in the landmark PIL on sexual harassment at the workplace, which led the Supreme Court of India to issue the Vishakha Guidelines (1997) — the foundation for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Our Vision
To re-establish the identity of girls and women as individuals in their own right, and to work towards the individual and collective empowerment of women, girls, youth, and communities through: Securing rights, Challenging violence and Expanding opportunities for development and wellness.
We believe that all people — especially women, girls, and young people — must have the knowledge, agency, and opportunities to challenge power relations that affect their lives. Only then is a life of dignity and equality possible.

Our Approach
We address the root causes of inequality, injustice, and discrimination through a rights-based, feminist, and holistic approach. Our work is guided by the conviction that communities and individuals are rights-holders, and must have the space to claim those rights.

• Creating accountability mechanisms at the state and institutional levels
• Advancing social inclusion across gender, identity, and marginalization
• Strengthening the voices of people in decision-making processes
• Empowering individuals and communities to demand their rights

Over the years, Vishakha has worked with a wide range of state actors, civil society organizations, and grassroots communities, providing technical assistance and building collective strategies. Our initiatives span across violence prevention, youth empowerment, counselling and well-being, sexual and reproductive health rights, and leadership development.