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Shakti Shalini initiates effective action against dowry-related crimes.
In 1979, Kanchanbala, 20 years old and six months pregnant, was burnt to death following harassment for more dowry (a widely-prevalent practice in which a certain sum in cash and kind is paid by the bride's parents to the groom on finalisation of a marriage) in her marital home. After her death, Satya Rani Chadha began a long battle for justice. With the support of the parents of more than 25 other dowry death victims, Chadha embarked on 21 years of sustained legal activism and court cases, which led to many landmark judgments and fundamental amendments in the criminal law. In 1987, Shakti Shalini, a Delhi-based organisation that helps and motivates other parents of dowry victims to fight this social menace, was formed. Run exclusively by women, the NGO initially focussed on dowry cases and provided access to legal aid for parents of dowry victims. Now, a temporary shelter in Delhi takes in homeless victims who are given support, legal information and counselling. Depending on need, women are housed in the shelter from three months to three years. Currently, 20 women share this home, which is financially supported by the ministry of human resources. One of Shakti Shalini's co-founders and current president Shah Jahan Begum informs, "We also disseminate information on the evils of dowry and organise workshops, street theatre and sustained media campaigns. Several college students come forward to volunteer at the Home and at the rural slum centres." Begum too joined the struggle after she lost her daughter in a dowry death in the early-1980s. The organisation plans to build a hostel and school for the children of victims in the near future. Shakti Shalini also runs service centres in Delhi's slum areas like Nangloi, Shakur ki dandi and Jahangirpuri. Besides counselling, these centres seek to reach out to thousands of rural migrant women. Stress is laid on raising awareness of their rights and status in society. To make the women self-reliant, vocational training is imparted in tailoring, embroidery, typing etc. Counselling of the woman and family is followed by the requisite legal advice. Shakti Shalini takes care of around 400 cases each year. Sometimes it also prevents disasters by addressing husbands, in-laws and other people involved. Contact: Shakti Shalini
J - 13, Jangpura Extension
New Delhi - 110014, India
Tel: 91-11-431 2483
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