Our Approach

Despite changing values among the new generation in India, social views on domestic violence still have an anti-women bias. Surveys reveal that more than 50% of Indian males believe that domestic violence against women is occasionally justified. Despite cases of domestic abuse that are reported, a large number of cases continue to be unreported and marginalised. At AWAG we undertake a holistic approach to tackle domestic abuse. We raise awareness about women’s rights, we campaign and lobby for pro-women policies and also support women to be self -reliant in economic and social terms.

AWAG is not in agreement with the ideology of protecting families that prevailed at the time of its genesis. Resultantly, with the mission of protecting women, AWAG initiated its struggle against domestic violence inflicted on women. With a pro-woman approach, through women, AWAG raised a voice against society and felt the need to bring about a change in the widely prevailing assumptions pertaining to women and so also in their image impressed upon by society. Here, the organization took on the work of wiping out the stereotyped impressions about women and bringing out their strengths and positive attributes. Alongside, issues such as gender equality, poverty, participation of women in development, women’s dignity and women’s Right to Life were also woven in.

AWAG examines the issues pertaining to women from a female perspective. This has proved beneficial in exerting a policy-related pressure on the government. The organization is also actively involved in exchange of information and thoughts on women’s issues with other voluntary organizations in and outside Gujarat. Be it rape or prohibition, AWAG has taken leadership and expressed its opposition towards these social evils through protests, print and electronic media. With this, the organization works towards fostering a public opinion against such evils.

Despite changing values among the new generation in India, social views on domestic violence still have an anti-women bias. Surveys reveal that more than 50% of Indian males believe that domestic violence against women is occasionally justified. Despite cases of gender violence that are reported, a large number of cases continue to be unreported and marginalized.

Currently, AWAG is involved in multifarious activities, yet the issue of violence against women is a common thread through all of its interventions. The main thrust lies in devising and strengthening systems that empower women.

AWAG adopts a holistic approach to women’s empowerment and addresses the issue of gender violence and abuse through:

• Raising Awareness
• Psychological and Legal counselling
• Policy and Research
• Campaigning and Advocacy
• Economic Empowerment