Vimochana is a Bangalore-based organization that has been working for 20 years on the issues of Indian women, focusing on domestic violence and sexual harassment in the workplace. Of particular concern to the MurthyFoundation is the problem of dowry burning and deaths. Thanks to organizations like Vimochana, there is increasing awareness of this problem, and significant efforts are being made to prevent this, but a great deal more work needs to be done to make dowry burnings and deaths a thing of the past. We wholeheartedly support the work of Vimochana to end these unconscionable crimes against the basic human rights of women.

Vimochana also does valuable work to promote peace and conflict resolution across the many barriers that otherwise lead to division along linguistic, ethnic, cultural, and religious lines. Vimochana serves as a forum for women’s rights issues, and a gathering place for women seeking equal rights and other positive social change. Feminist books are available there, and a network of women’s and human rights groups meet there as well. Vimochana also sponsors educational programs on marital violence and related topics, and provides vocational training for women.

The MurthyNAYAK Foundation supports Vimochana because we share their commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, and their empowerment as full partners in the growth of a new India.