Shadhika believes in a future where each person in India can choose their own path to meaning, purpose, and happiness. Education is the most effective vehicle for women and girls to move out of chronic disenfranchisement and towards self-determination. Shadhika aims to abate gender-based discrimination and violence in the social systems within some of the most underserved communities in India through three core areas of intervention: investing in the transformative power of each individual girl, investing in the wisdom of grassroots leadership, and cultivating allyship.
This is Navya, a Shadhika Alum. With the support of Shadhika’s Scholarship, Navya graduated from college, is employed in her field of study, and is a gender justice advocate and leader. This year Shadhika is supporting 134 Scholars through their college education. Your allyship is critical now more than ever for these 134 young women, and the countless young girls following in their footsteps. Without your financial support, these young women will not receive the support they need to escape the hurdles thrown their way, complete their education, and become the leader and role model Navya has become. Donate Now!
Testimonials
"I feel proud that I am the only girl in my community who is getting education. My dream is to complete my degree no matter how hard it becomes…and become someone who plays a significant role in the world." - Radha, Shadhika Scholar, Mumbai
“I believe that if a girl studies, she can become a role model and the next generation of girls in that family will also be given the opportunity to study. And if at least two girls from one village can go elsewhere to pursue their college education, then the rest of us see them, and we are inspired." - Saloni, Shadhika Scholar, Rajasthan.
"Providing mentorship and coaching support for women with leadership potential will change our world. Investment in education is never a loss and your investment is helping many young women realize their dream, values, their strengths for their future, and it is helping create a supportive community to make their dreams come true." - Radha, Independence Coordinator with our Partner in Karnataka
"It is with immense pride that I am affiliated with Shadhika...an organization which changes the lives of an ever growing group of educated, strong women...women who are committed to changing the world." - Shadhika Donor & Volunteer, California
"Every day on my way to work, I walk through my neighborhood with pride because I know other parents might see their children in me and maybe they will give permission to their daughters to pursue their dreams as well. And in the morning, when I wave goodbye to my mother who looks on from our kitchen window, I know I did this for the both of us. The Shadhika Scholarship gave me the permission to dream big dreams and chase them." - Poonam, Shadhika Alum, Mumbai
Mission
Shadhika believes in a future where each person in India can choose their own path to meaning, purpose, and happiness.
This vision can only be fully realized when a person’s gender identity is seen as an asset in their community and the world at large, and their unique contributions are embraced.
Background Statement
Juthica Stangl, who was born and raised in Kolkata, India, founded Shadhika in 1992 to create a transition home for women who had been wrongly imprisoned as a result of insufficient dowry or failure to produce a male child.
Over the years, Shadhika sharpened its focus on education as a means to increase young women’s access to economic empowerment and control over other critical aspects of their lives, such as body autonomy and family planning.
Today, Shadhika is present in 10 states, working with girls and women from the most underserved communities and supporting feminist leaders who are creating a groundswell of change towards gender justice.
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Organization Data
Summary
Organization name
Shadhika
other names
Shadhika Foundation, Shadhika
Year Established 0
1992
Tax id (EIN)
77-0344785
Category
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Education, Youth Development