Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association

Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association places a significant emphasis on gender sensitization as a means to foster empowerment. Rather than solely addressing the symptoms, Shaheen takes a proactive approach to tackle the underlying causes of issues like child marriage, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation. Recognizing that legal frameworks alone may not fully eradicate such problems, Shaheen believes in instilling sensitivity within the community. By fostering inclusive communication channels, promoting mass mobilization through community campaigns, conducting safety mapping and audits, establishing safe spaces for girls' increased mobility, and even employing sting operations to combat child marriages, Shaheen aims to cultivate an integrated and pluralistic society built upon a foundation of empathy and awareness.

In Hyderabad's Old City, Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association addresses the ongoing issue of minor girls being trafficked, often forced into child marriages due to societal pressures and illiteracy. Shaheen also uncovers cases of girls being sold into labour, both domestically and internationally, resulting in abusive experiences. These challenges are worsened by communal tensions, limited education, and economic vulnerability, making these girls susceptible to trafficking. Shaheen's interventions aim to counter these issues and provide support to these vulnerable individuals.

Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association has been diligently fostering connections with various stakeholders. In addition to addressing the needs of youth, promoting awareness within the community, and advocating for gender equality, Shaheen actively engages with Government departments to garner essential support for societal improvements. This involves organised visits to Government offices, meetings with local complaint committees, and regular interactions with religious leaders. Collaborative efforts with ASHA workers, school boards, law enforcement, legal services authorities, healthcare departments, and women and child welfare agencies are integral to Shaheen's approach.

Empowering women in Old City through economic initiatives. Shaheen challenges traditional gender norms that limit women's opportunities and aims to dismantle patriarchal notions. The organisation focuses on breaking down barriers by providing training and awareness programmes, and offering a range of skill development courses, from traditional tailoring to modern computer skills and driving lessons. Its efforts aim to enable women to take control of their resources, gain self-reliance, and achieve economic empowerment. Through workshops, certificate courses, and collaborations with placement cells, Shaheen supports women in accessing livelihood opportunities and challenging societal norms.

Health awareness initiatives by Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association have been adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered its usual home visits for data collection and rapport building. The team has adapted by utilizing technology, such as a dedicated mobile application, to gather information relevant to health and gender violence issues. Despite the limitations, intermittent vigils and COVID testing camps have been organised to assess women's conditions in Old City. The organisation also conducts workshops and campaigns addressing sexual and reproductive health, menstruation, personal boundaries, nutrition, and mental health awareness, in addition to offering free health camps and individual counselling sessions.