Members of this vigilante group, founded in 2006, stand largely against domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women. It was initially founded with the motive of engendering gender parity in rural, or India’s most impoverished, areas. The focus of the group remains the same even today, despite the wide reach it has now attained. They empower women to raise their voices, fight for justice and revolt against mistreatment. The gang is popular for its violent approach, despite the frequent use of several non-violent tactics as well. The women are not afraid to ‘fight rapists with lathis’ or ‘thrash (them) black and blue so they dare not attempt to do wrong to any girl or woman again’.
The Gulabi Gang, despite constituting large masses of women clad in pink saris, does not discriminate against any member or supporter on the grounds of gender. The group works not only against patriarchy, but also against human rights violation and male oppression. Many male members have joined the gang in solidarity, uniting against discriminatory and exploitative traditional practices such as child marriages and the dowry system. They teach women self-defence and means to be economically independent.
The organisation has gotten much recognition since the making of a documentary and a feature film (Pink Saris) and have thus risen to media and public attention. The ‘Pink Sari Revolution: A Tale Of Women And Power In India’ gave its own share of popularity and support to the gang in 2013. Their endeavours have earned them honours such as the ‘Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award’ and the ‘Ahilyabaiholkar Award’. Though not all vigilante methods are justifiable from the point of law, there are countless reasons to term this gang and their activities fearlessly fierce.
TheFemininePost 