We are the million Freedom fireflies that shatter the endless night into morning
Champions women’s rights and combating violence through diverse actions, focusing on personal and societal change.
About Vimochana
Vimochana, a women’s collective established in 1979 during the autonomous women’s movement, champions the principle of “the personal is political.” With a core focus on personal forms of violence against women, including domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, they recognize the inextricable link between individual suffering and broader societal injustices. Vimochana’s unwavering commitment extends beyond individual cases, aiming to dismantle systemic forces that perpetuate violence and inequality.
About Us
OUR VISION
Our vision is to inspire and empower women to resist and reject violence within the confines of home, communities, and society. We aspire to foster a collective consciousness that compels families, communities, and the State to actively respond to and take responsibility for the escalating violence against women. Additionally, we seek to envision a future where instruments and institutions within systems of justice and governance are held accountable, working tirelessly to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination.
OUR MISSION
In line with the ethos of the autonomous women’s movement, Vimochana, established in 1979, is dedicated to upholding the principle that “the personal is political.” Our mission centers on addressing personal forms of violence against women, such as domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. We deeply acknowledge the interconnectedness of individual suffering with larger societal injustices. Vimochana’s unwavering commitment extends beyond isolated cases, aiming to systematically dismantle the root causes that perpetuate violence and inequality. Through advocacy, awareness, and transformative action, our mission is to create a society where women are liberated from the pervasive grips of violence and discrimination.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Marmara
Marmara, derived from the Kannada term for “tree,” encapsulates the murmurs beneath the trees – whispers that break new ground, forming the basis for “Little India” gatherings across Karnataka. What starts as a murmur may one day grow into a collective hubbub, challenging established norms and narratives.
Courts Of Women
World Courts of Women prioritizes healing. 50 global events later, they tackle the impact on marginalised voices, urging justice through healing, not retribution.
Open University
A space for deep reflection for the young in spirits, to analyze the dominant discourse on war, human rights, and development outside the college syllabus.
Angala
Angala, derived from the word ‘aangan,’ meaning courtyard, was founded in 1993 to systematically extend support by providing moral, social, and legal assistance to women who have become victims of violence and abuse, both within and outside the confines of marriage.
Rural Communities
The years of our work with issues related to domestic and personal violence that took an institutional form with Angala, the crisis centre in 1993 further led to the setting up of Kuteera (The Refuge) in 2001. Kuteera, a safe and secure shelter for women victims / survivors of violence is located at Vemgal, in Kolar, about 60 kms away from the city of Bangalore.
Women in Black
Women in Black (WiB) represents a global network of women united in their dedication to peace, justice, and opposition to violence, militarism, and injustice. Operating informally, they advocate for mutual support among women experiencing various forms of adversity worldwide. Their focus includes challenging their governments’ militaristic policies.
Tarangagalu
Tarangagalu’ is a monthly speaker series that invites guests from the LGBTQIA+ and sexual/sexuality minority communities to the Vimochana office for a session of safe discussion. The speakers are welcomed to share their personal stories of challenges, triumphs, advocacy, and more, and talk about how organisations can become more diverse and more inclusive
Mental Health Interventions
New Possibilities, New Paths
Our current project is to create for and healing, particularly addressing the trauma faced by the survivors of abuse, aiming to offer holistic support with a multidisciplinary care practice towards their physical, legal & emotional needs.
Gender Sensitization Training
The concept of Safe City Police Training is an innovative and essential initiative designed to equip law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively protect and serve urban populations. This training focuses on several key areas to ensure that police officers can address the unique challenges of maintaining safety in a city environment.
Urban Communities
We work closely with women and families to build awareness on rights and access to justice. Through the creation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women gain collective strength, economic independence, and leadership. These platforms also support early identification and resolution of domestic and community disputes, enabling the settlement of cases through dialogue, support networks, and local interventions.
Female Foeticide and the PCPNDT
Mandya and Ramanagaram Vimochana
A women’s rights organization, is actively working in Mandya and Ramanagaram districts to raise awareness about the PCPNDT Act, sensitize communities against gender-biased sex selection, and build local vigilance systems. Their efforts include community outreach, training health workers, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure accountability and uphold the rights of the girl child.
Female foeticide—the selective abortion of female fetuses—remains a deep-rooted issue driven by societal preference for sons. To combat this, the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was enacted to prevent sex determination and regulate the use of diagnostic techniques.