From Pain to Purpose: Sanginis (Women Volunteers) support, heal & inspire Women Survivors in Urban communities.

- By Esha Keny & Nikhat Shaikh

The Program on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (PVWC), at SNEHA plays a vital role in advocating for and empowering women to stand up against injustice and violence. It fosters a safe environment for women and children by raising awareness, challenging oppressive social norms, offering crisis intervention and legal and mental health support services. A small, yet passionate team along with community volunteers works tirelessly to address the multifaceted issues surrounding violence against women and children, impacting countless lives and making lasting changes.

The emphasis on both prevention and addressal strategies within the program allows it to work on the root causes of violence while also providing immediate support for survivors. The dedicated team with community volunteers plays a crucial role in connecting with communities, offering resources, and actively engaging in local advocacy to create change. Their commitment and persistence bring about tangible outcomes, impacting individuals lives and, ultimately, contributing to a society that stands firm against violence. The program creates long-term solutions that aim to prevent future incidents and break the cycle of violence.

The women volunteers, fondly known as "Sanginis," are from local communities (bastis), and are deeply committed to the cause. They create direct impact by managing demo centers which serve as hubs for awareness, support, providing a safe space for women to seek assistance and resources. These demo centers become a beacon of hope for women survivors, allowing them to get access to the help they need. The Sanginis also mobilize community members for events, and act as first responders in cases of violence offering immediate assistance and support to survivors in distress within their neighbourhoods, no matter the time of day or night - and act as a bridge between the program and the community.  They have the curiosity to learn and engage with people from their communities, helping them navigate through emergency situations and building solidarity around issues of violence prevention. They ensure that the intervention remains relevant and responsive to the community’s needs, while also fostering trust and cooperation. It’s this combination of hands-on action, community engagement, and a deep desire to learn that enables them to make meaningful, lasting change.

The Sanginis are engaged because they value the respect, recognition that they get in the community as a go-to person which gives them a sense of an identity of their own.  It is truly humbling to reflect on how fundamental and essential these needs are for every individual, yet so often, we take them for granted. For sanginis, the space they seek—free from judgment—becomes a place where they can be themselves, grounded in their values and purpose. Despite the potential for criticism, they remain steadfast in their commitment because their engagement with the community provides them with something deeper: a sense of purpose and belonging. This is a powerful reminder of how Sanginis dedicated to the cause of justice, find their sense of identity and connection through their work. They aren't just fighting against violence; they are also creating a space for themselves and others to feel seen and valued. The fact that they carry on despite external judgment speaks volumes about their inner strength and resilience and sense of fulfillment.

It’s easy for us to overlook these simple but crucial needs like acceptance, connection, and purpose, especially when we don't have to fight for them. But when we stop and think about it, we realize how transformative it can be to have a space where you can just exist, free from external pressures, and still find meaning in what one does. The journey of the Sanginis is nothing short of inspiring. Many Sanginis found their calling through personal transformation. Their transformations—from survivors of abuse to powerful advocates for change—demonstrate the incredible strength of the human spirit. The process of turning pain into purpose is a remarkable act of resilience and empathy, and their stories highlight the profound impact that empathy can have on both individuals and communities.

One Sangini shared her experience; “First, I came as a client then I joined the meetings. I then got the motivation to do something. I got the motivation to protect the women to show them the right path. I feel that what has happened to us should not happen to them and that's my goal. This is the purpose of my life”. This Sangini’s journey speaks of the incredible shift from experiencing suffering and then deciding to channel that pain into a force for good. Her motivation to protect and guide other women, to ensure that they don’t face the same trauma she endured, is a deeply moving commitment and life’s mission, turning her past pain into a powerful driving force for transformation.

Another Sangini and many more shared that how all women are victims to injustice and that motivates them to help one another, “Each woman has faced some kind of violence which the woman keeps hidden within herself, when something like that happens with someone else then the woman thinks that I should help her because of that the motivation itself rises and she wants to help”.

This perspective of the Sanginis highlights how shared experiences of injustice can foster a deep sense of empathy among women. When one woman sees another facing the same struggles, her own history of violence becomes a powerful motivator to step in and offer help. This kind of solidarity is essential in creating a support network, and breaking the silence surrounding violence. It’s a beautiful reminder of how connection and shared understanding can be the catalyst for change.

It’s easy to act from a place of hurt and retaliation, but choosing to extend empathy and support, despite one’s own struggles, is what truly defines courage. The Sanginis' ability to rise above their own painful histories and to reach out to others, despite the odds, speaks in depth of their strength and commitment. Their empathy, resilience, and courage make them not just survivors, but also warriors—empowering other women and reclaiming their dignity.

Today, as guiding lights in their communities, these Sanginis show us the true meaning of resilience: not just surviving, but thriving and helping others to do the same. Their work is a testament to the power of empathy and support that can break the chains of oppression and create transformative change. Their stories remind us that, even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth, healing, and solidarity.