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Electronic mailing lists, discussion groups, WEB sites International Australia Bangladesh Canada
India
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri
Lanka US
- National This list is certainly incomplete: please help us by sending the names and addresses of relevant organizations. Some of these organizations are not specifically for South Asian women; we've also listed organizations that serve some subgroup of S.A. women, and some that may simply be of interest to Sawnet members. Many of the U.S-based organizations were primarily formed to counter domestic violence in the South Asian community, but many of them now have multiple support services and diverse activities. Contact the organization directly for details.
Colorcodes:
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remote link 
no link
Sawnet, of course :-) Bol !
- a mailing list on gender and reproductive health in South Asia. From GHRF, South
Asia. South Asian Public Health
Forum is a site for exchanging ideas and information among those interested in public
health in South Asia. SAGrrls s
a mailing list for, by and about South Asian lesbians and bisexual women. The purpose of
the list is to create a safe space to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas and to establish
a network for individuals to exchange information. At the current time, this mailing list
is OPEN ONLY to any LESBIAN or BISEXUAL WOMAN who self-identifies in part or whole as a
South Asian or who has some significant familial South Asian heritage. Subscribe via the web or by emailing [email protected]. All
subscription requests are verified. SAWWriters is an online writing
group for the peer review of writing and other writing-related support for women of South
Asian descent, or for those writing about South Asian women. Writers submit work
(completed, in-process or ideated) on a rotating schedule. Email: [email protected]. Third-World-Women
is an electronic forum for the discussion of issues related to representations and
re-presentations and re-representations and... To subscribe, send mail to [email protected]
saying 'subscribe third-world-women-digest'. The Women's Caravan and Cyberharem
is a mailing list for women with an interest in the region of the world from the
Mediteranean (Spain to Turkey and all of North Africa) through the Middle-East, through to
Pakistan. It is primarily a social list. PACAWOM -- - Pakistani feminist
discussion list. PACAWOM (to be pronounced pak-awam) is a global organization committed to
the advancements of women in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the present day situation of women
in Pakistan leaves a lot to be desired. Both at the level of the state and social
attitudes the situation is far from perfect. Send them mail at [email protected] Khush is an unmoderated
mailing list for gay, lesbian, bisexual South Asians and their friends. The purpose of the
list is to discuss South Asian gay culture/experiences/issues, as well as form a social
and support network. For more information, send mail to [email protected] ing.com Al-Fatiha is an international organization for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Muslims, including those questioning their sexual
orientation and/or gender identity, as well as their friends, families, partners, and
allies. LACNET - the Lanka Academic Network is a
nonprofit organization to improve and develop electronic communication, educational
facilities and opportunities in Sri Lanka. Shamakami
is the (world's oldest surviving) international journal and network of South Asian
feminist lesbians and bisexual women. Submissions from women of South Asian descent,
anywhere in the world, are welcome. Subscriptions are US $15/year, $10 for a full set of
back issues, $2 individual issues. Contact: International Organization of Pakistani Women Engineers
(IOPWE) provides a forum for issues specific to women engineers of Pakistani
origin. ICHILD India Adoption Information, Support
and Resources, a collection by Beth Krueger. Indians Adopting Indian
Children, a website with support, information and resources. Sakhyadita, the international association of
Buddhist women. Narigrantha
Prabartana Feminist Collective (Bangladesh) : [email protected] Resource Centre
For Community Groups -- Women's Unit (Sri Lanka) [email protected] Asian Immigrant
Women Advocates [email protected] International
Center for Research on Women [email protected] International
Women's Health Coalition [email protected] International
Women's Tribune Centre [email protected] List of International
Women's Groups -- from the IGC system. Women's Environment and Development
Organization Saheli, a
support network for Lesbian/Bi/TranMTF of South Asian descent in Sydney. Ain o Salish Kendro
(ASK). A human rights and legal resource centre. ASK provides free legal aid,
mediation and counselling services, monitors, documents and campaigns on human rights and
women's rights issues, and undertakes public interest litigation. It has litigated a
number of cases on women's human rights, including challenges to the practice of
"safe custody". It also publishes an annual report on human rights in
bangladesh. Address: 26/3 Purana Paltan Line, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh, tel: 8802 831 5851;
email: [email protected]. Grameen Bank in Bangladesh
provides credit to the very poor in their villages. The Grameen dialogue , a
newsletter published by the Grameen Trust, has more information about the current status
of Grameen. A feminist
bookstore in Bangladesh is Narigrantha Prabartana, 2/8 Sir Syed Road (Above Sari
and Handicraft Shop), Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Nari Pokhho,
Road 9-A, House 51, P.O. Box 35, Sylhet, Dhanmandi, Dhaka. Consciousness-raising and
lobbying on women's issues, research and publication. Center for
Social Studies works with rural women. , Room 1107, Ark Building, Dhaka University,
Dhaka. Women for Women.
Research and publication, seminars and video films on women's issues. 1/2 Sukrabad, Dhaka
12077. Bangladesh Rural
Advancement Committee (BRAC) has development activities for rural women. 66, Mahakali
Commercial Area, Dhaka-12. Gonoshasthaya
Kendra has development activities for rural women. P.O. Nayarhat, Savar Distt., Dhaka.
Nari Shonghoti
works with rural women. Center for Social Studies, Room 1107, Ark Building, Dhaka
University, Dhaka. Nijera Kori
has action programs for landless peasant women and men. P.O. Box 5015, New Market,
Dhaka-5. Of Colour:
Lesbians and Gay men: 201-223 12th Ave SW, Calgary Alberta T2R 0G9, Canada. (403)
234-8973. SAW Community
Center: one of Canada's oldest surviving South Asian women's groups, helps victims of
domestic violence. 1035 Rachel, 3rd Floor, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2J 2J5. (514)
528-8812, fax (514) 528-0896 Shakti Kee Chatree works to celebrate and redefine cultural
identities. Project Coordinators: Sayeda and VanitaIndia Mahila
Association South Asian
Women's Center provides resources and referrals, builds communication and solidarity
between concerned individuals and groups. Punjabi Women's
Association: (604) 581-6941 Burnaby
Multicultural Society: 604) 299-4808 Single Women's
Organization. SEWA --- the Self-Employed Women's
Association is a trade union, a coop bank, and much more. Joint Women's
Programme. Director: Jyotsna Chatterji.Vimochana, 2124
16th B Main 1-A Cross, HAL IInd Stage, Bangalore 560038. Phone: (city code = 80) 526 9307.
Deals with many women's issues from domestic violence to labour issues. Activities range
from counselling, service provision, education and outreach, mobilizing and organizing,
activism. Streelekha,
a feminist bookstore. 67, II Floor, Blumoon Complex, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore. Good as You, a support group for people of alternative
sexualities. Phone: 5475571. Sabrang is a collective comprising people concerned with
issues of sexuality. Phone: 6688214. Forum
Against Oppression of Women (India) is a campaign group which takes up issues like
dowry, wife-beating, sexual harassment. Maitree is an umbrella organization
dealing with domestic health, consciousness raising, social upliftment, violence against
women in the workforce. Contact Shashwati Ghosh at [email protected]
or [email protected] or Anchita Ghatak at
[email protected]. Joint Women's
Programme. Director: Jyotsna Chatterji. Stree, a
feminist bookstore. 16 Southern Avenue, Calcutta 700 026. Sachetna,
31, Mahairban Road, Calcutta helps victims of domestic violence. Socio-Legal Aid
Research and Training Center, P-112 Lake Terrace, Calcutta, helps victims of domestic
violence. Pragatisheel
Mahila Manch, 211 N. Ho Chi Minh Road, Sarania, Behala, Calcutta 700 061. Swayam
helps victims of domestic violence. 11 Balu Hakkak Lane, Calcutta 70017. Phone: 2803429;
2803688. Email: [email protected]. The Center for Feminist
Legal Research promotes women's human rights through workshops, training and
seminars for women, and the development of feminist legal research in India. Sakshi
is a violence intervention center in New Delhi. They provide training, research,
counselling, credit, and education. Sangini is
a lesbian group with information, support, and to meet one another. Helpline every Tuesday
at 011-6851970/71. Support group every Saturday 3-6 pm. Contact Sangini, c/o Naz
Foundation, PO Box 3910, Andrews Gunj, New Delhi 110049. Jagori, a
women's organization. Saheli: a
women's organization. Sangini: a
lesbian support project. Provides information, counseling, support, help and advice for
lesbians and women exploring their sexuality. Calls from friends, family, partners and
other organizations are welcomed. Help line, Tuesday 6 - 8 pm: (011) 6859113 or
6851970/71. Weekly meetings on Saturdays, 3 - 6 pm, are open only to lesbians and women
exploring their sexuality. Address: Sangini, c/o Naz Foundation (India) Trust, PO Box
3910, Andrews Gunj, New Delhi 100049. Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]. Joint Women's
Programme. Director: Jyotsna Chatterji. Kali for Women,
a feminist bookstore. Women in Security,
Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) is based at the Dalai Lama Foundation in
Delhi. Address: WISCOMP, The Dalai Lama Foundation, Core 4 A, Upper Ground Floor, India
Habitat Centre , Lodi Road, New Delhi - 3. Phone: 4648450. Email: [email protected]. Fax: 4648451 Research
Institute for Women, Goa (RIW-GOA). a forum for inquiry and research. Its scope is
inter-disciplinary; and though it defines its essential focus as the profile of woman in
Goa, it does so within a larger national and global framework. President of the Institute:
Dr.Fatima da Silva Gracias Address: Research Institute For Women, Goa, "Casal
Gracias" C-86,Altinho-Panjim-Goa 403001, Tel:(0091-832)230538 Anweshi Women's
Counselling Centre, near YWCA, Cannanore Road, Kozhikode 673 001. Run a counselling,
mediation and resource center for women facing any kind of abusive situation. If writing
to them, please enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage. Joint Women's
Programme. Director: Jyotsna Chatterji. The Working Women's Forum ,
Madras, India is an association of unorganized or informal women workers who provide
small-scale loans, and mobilize women for economic and social action. Sisters, for
polycultural lesbians. P.O. Box 26, Tambaram, Madras 600 059 Sneha provides emotional support to the lonely, the
depressed, and the suicidal. Asmita
("Identity") Resource Center for Women, Sikandrabad. Asmita's volunteers work in
rural areas, raising the consciousness of women on issues like rape, domestic violence,
health and reproductive issues. Asmita has begun to theorize about their experiences, and
is publishing anthologies of short stories and poetry written by and for women. Rural Women
Development Society organizes and educates rural women with economic development
programs. Many of the workers in RWDS and the women they work with are Dalits. Rural Women
Development Society, No. 1, New Muslim Street Polur Road Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, T.S.R.
District, Tamil Nadu. Phone: 04175-24464 local link remote link no link
Dhikuti - The Self-Help
Bank of Nepal, is a sophisticated informal people's bank, providing capital for small
businessmen as well as farmers. Asmita
is a women's magazine and resource center. P.O. Box 4795, Bagh Bazaar, Kathmandu. Center
for Women and Development has workshops, action programs, research and publication on
women's issues. P.O. Box 3637, Babuli Ghar, Dilli Bazaar, Kathmandu. Stri
Shakti is a halfway home for women in need of shelter, and has skill training and
support for deserted women. Anil Bhawan, P.O. Box 4277, Kathmandu. Women's
Legal Service Project provides legal services, educational and research programs and
produces literary materials for women. G.P.O. Box 3241, Kathmandu. Sahil works on issues of child abuse and
exploitation. All Pakistan Women's
Association: 92-21-721-2991
Kashaff is a Grameen-type organization that seeks to empower women through economic
improvement. Women Workers Center provides
legal advice, support action, training and educational programmes for women workers in
Karachi. Aurat
Publications and Information Service Foundation is a resource center with workshops,
monthly meetings and networking among women's groups. 4-A, LDA, Garden View Apartments,
Lawrence Road, Lahore. Shirkat
Gah is a women's resource center that conducts studies and workshops for women. 1,
Bath Island, Karachi. Fax: 092-42-5713714. Email: [email protected]
Simorgh
is a women's resource and publication center that organizes workshops and courses,
distributes publications and audio-visual material, and performs research and
documentation. Flat 4, 1st Floor, Shiraz Plaza, Main Market, Gulberg II, Lahore. Women's
Action Forum (WAF) campaigns for women and conducts training programs. Basement 103,
1/A Main Boulevard Gulberg II, Lahore. Also at P.O. Box 1870, Islamabad. Also at Flat 4,
19F Block 4 B-1, PECHS, Karachi 29. Women Living
Under Muslim Laws is a worldwide network of women and women's groups living in Muslim
countries and communities. It also provides information through dossiers and facilitates
interaction between Muslim women and progressive and feminist groups at large. Applied
Socio-Economic Research (ASR) evaluates women's programs, conducts training programs
for women development workers, publishes and distributes women-related material. P.O. Box
3154, Gulberg P.O., Lahore. The Women's Bank, a cooperative
bank for low-income women. Center for Women's Research (CENWOR) conducts
research and publication on women's issues. 12 Ascot Ave, Colombo 5. Hatton
Women's Committee works with agricultural laborers in the Jaffna peninsula. c/o Anna
Abeyasekara, Dunbar Rd, Hatton. Kantha
Handa (Voice of Women) publishes journals in three languages, and has a Women's House
for women displaced in ethnic rioting. 17A Park Ave, Colombo 5. Mothers
and Daughters of Lanka is a coalition of progressive women's groups concerned about
human rights. c/o SEDEC, 133 Kynsey Rd, Colombo 8. Mother's
Front conducts research and educational programs on ethnic problems in Sri Lanka. c/o
Mangala Samaraweera, Gabada Veediya, Matara. Muslim
Women's Research and Action Front, 17 Park Ave, Colombo 5. Pacific
and Asian Women's Forum (PAWF) is an informal regional network of women's
organizations which publishes a newsletter. 623/27, 1/1/ Rajagiriya Gardens, Rajagiriya. Progressive
Women's Front conducts consciousness-raising among peasant women through training
programs and seminars, and publishes a Sinhalese journal. c/o Sumika Perera, Galketigama,
Ibbagamuwa. Suriya
provides support to women and children displaced during ethnic rioting. 71/1 Pamankade
Road, Colombo 6. Women-in-need
(WIN) is a crisis center for battered women. 7 Alfred House Ave, Colombo 3. Women and
Media Collective translates women's articles into Sinhala and publishes a newsletter
and quarterly journal. Silpini, 5 Jayaratne Mawatha, Off Thimbirigasaya Rd, Colombo 5. Women's
Education and Research Center conducts conferences and workshops, teaches in Tamil,
Sinhala, and English, networks, and publishes a newsletter. 37-A Kinross Ave, Colombo 4. Women for
Peace works on ethnic problems, war, communal harmony and peace through workshops,
demonstrations, publications and posters. Girl's Friendly Society Building 58, Green Path,
Colombo 7. Women's
Study Circle conducts discussions and seminars. c/o Sarvam Kailasapathy, Raja Veethy,
Thirunelvey East. LISAAW creates a space and voice for South Asian American
Women and provides a forum to meet, listen, learn and understand and address issues facing
us and the community. Contact: [email protected]. Committee on South Asian Women promotes
awareness and discussion of issues affecting women in and of South Asia. (409)-845-2576 Asian American Public
Policy Institute addresses issues including domestic violence, child care, HIV and AIDS,
lesbian and language issues. AAPPI works with South Asian women's organizations across the
country and with campus students. AAPPI works with local, state and Federal governments to
help pass legislation that positively impacts issues concerning South Asian Women. 4546 El
Camino Real, Suite B10-129, Los Altos, CA 94022 Ph: 650-938-8645 Fax: 650-988-8010 Email: [email protected]. Aasra provides services to victims of domestic violence. (Bay
Area) Maitri provides services to victims of domestic
violence. (Bay Area) Narika provides support, information, help, and
referrals to women and children in abusive situations. (Berkeley) Asian Women's
Shelter (415)-751-7110 (office) (415)-751-0880 (crisis) Sahara is an information and referral
service for Indians and Pakistanis in need of help (Los Angeles area). Trikone (tri as in trim, kone as in cone,
Sanskrit for triangle) is a non-profit group for lesbian and gay South Asians, operating
out of the Bay Area of California. Delta Phi Beta
is a coeducational South Asian fraternity at the University of California in Berkeley.
Their goals are to "foster a healthy environment for the expression of a South Asian
American identity through academic, athletic, cultural, service and social
activities." Asian Indian
Women's Network Indian Community
Outreach Program Indian Business and Professional Women: a support
network that promotes education, leadership, and self-development through seminars and
workshops. Sneha:
1-800-58-SNEHA (for Connecticut only) SAAWA is dedicated to education and leadership, and provides
scholarships, send books to South Asia. (607) 962-3277 Raksha in Atlanta is a support network for all South
Asians in distress. Info. hotline 404- 842-0725 Khuli Zaban is an
organization of and for South Asian lesbians and bisexual women in the
Chicago/Illinois/Ohio/Michigan/Indiana areas. The focuses of the group are sharing
resources such as books, magazines and newsletters, networking, socializing, breaking the
isolation, and coalition-building projects with other groups. Voice mail: 312-409-2753
E-mail: [email protected] SASIA (South Asian
Sisters in Action encourages progressive SA women of all ages, countries of origin,
sexual orientation and religious background to enact change and empower SA women in the
Chicago area. Voicemail: 312/409-2753, Mailbox: PO Box 607655, Chicago, IL 60626. Apna Ghar, is a domestic violence shelter and
support group in Chicago: (312) 334-4663 Email: [email protected].
Hamdard Center
provides emergency and longterm help for victims of abuse and violence. Chicago:(708)
628-9191. 96 W. Moreland, Suite 10, Addison, IL 60101. Asian Human Services. provides competent and
compassionate services to the Asian American community of Chicago, including mental health
counselling, health care, advocacy, legal help for domestic violence, youth mentoring,
employment. Club of Indian
Women Contact: Urmila Chawla. Phone: (708) 655-7188 Khuli Zaban is an
organization of and for South Asian lesbians and bisexual women in the
Chicago/Illinois/Ohio/Michigan/Indiana areas. The focuses of the group are sharing
resources such as books, magazines and newsletters, networking, socializing, breaking the
isolation and coalition-building projects with other groups. Voice mail: 312-409-2753,
email: [email protected] Asha (Asian Women's Self-Help Association) provides support,
counselling, and referrals. (301) 369-0134 Samhati funds projects in Bangladesh, specifically to help
women and children. (301) 229-6597 SAWA - South Asian Women for Action Boston,
Massachusetts Saheli of Boston.
A group of S.A women living in the Boston area, who support women by providing help,
friendship and support in times of stress and crisis. A multiservice group, not limited to
any single issue. Publishes a resource directory. Phone: (781) 229-6404, Email: [email protected]. Michigan Asian Indian Family Services
helps families facing crisis situations such asamily abuse, alcohol and drug
problems,shelter referrals. Khuli Zaban is an
organization of and for South Asian lesbians and bisexual women in the
Chicago/Illinois/Ohio/Michigan/Indiana areas. The focuses of the group are sharing
resources such as books, magazines and newsletters, networking, socializing, breaking the
isolation and coalition-building projects with other groups. Voice mail: 312-409-2753,
email: [email protected] Manavi assists battered South
Asian women with referrals, shelter, loans, translator services and advocay. (908)
687-2662 Pragati's mission is
to empower women for economic independence and self reliance. Pragati is in Queens, New
York City, and has provided services to more than 500 women and their families in Queens.
Donations (tax-exempt) needed. Email: [email protected].
New York Asian Women's
Center. Provides direct assistance to battered women and victims of sexual assualt,
through culturally sensitive, multi-lingual shelter services, individual advocacy and
counseling. 24-hr hotline. (212) 732-5230 SAAWA is dedicated to education and leadership, and provides
scholarships, send books to South Asia. (607) 962-3277 Workers' Awaaz
seeks to organize South Asian women workers to obtain justice and power in the fight
against our exploitation and abuse, particularly as immigrant women who work in the home
and other industries. P.O Box 2547, Long Island City, NY 11102. Phone: 718-707-9432. Sakhi: hotline (212) 695-5447, Special Events
Listings (212) 868-6741 SAWCC: (212) 631-3532, email: [email protected]
SAAA (South Asia
AIDS Action): (212) 239-1451 Ext. 6126 AIWA (Asian
Indian Women in America): [email protected] Bangladeshi
Mahila Samiti: (718)-689-0017 Muslim Women's
Committee: (212)-316-6446 Sikh Women's
Association: (718)-699-1593 Shomokami:
(203)-624-8727 (We have been informed that this number is no longer correct. If anyone
has the new number, please mail us) Sikh Women's
Int'l Organization Memsaheb The South Asian
Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA) is a social and political group for lesbians,
bisexuals, and gay men who trace their descent from countries such as Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Guyana, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa,
Tibet, Trinidad & Tobago, and Uganda. Monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday
of every month at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center (208 W. 13th. St. between 7th.
& 8th. Ave. in Greenwich Village, NYC) from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Meetings are open to
South Asians only; all are welcome to other events. SALGA-NYC, P. O. Box 902, Peter
Stuyvesant Station, New York, NY 10009-0902. KIRAN: Domestic
Violence and Crisis Services for South Asians in North Carolina. KIRAN promotes the
self-reliance and empowerment of South Asians in crisis through confidential services such
as outreach, peer support and referrals free of charge. KIRAN serves people from or with
ties to South Asian countries. It is non-profit, confidential, non-religious,
multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Address: Kiran Inc., P.O. Box 3513, Chapel Hill, NC
27515-3513. Crisis Hotline: 919-865-4006 (Please leave a message and a KIRAN volunteer
will call you). Email: [email protected]
Khuli Zaban is an
organization of and for South Asian lesbians and bisexual women in the
Chicago/Illinois/Ohio/Michigan/Indiana areas. The focuses of the group are sharing
resources such as books, magazines and newsletters, networking, socializing, breaking the
isolation and coalition-building projects with other groups. Voice mail: 312-409-2753,
email: [email protected] SAWERA (South Asian Women's Empowerment and Resource
Alliance) is a resource referral for local South Asian women in need; it will aid victims
of domestic violence and help newcomers network with the rest of the community. It will
also support and publicise progressive grassroots women's movements in South Asian
countries. Phone: (503)-778-7386; Email address: [email protected].
Sewaa : P.O.
Box 43622, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Saheli, Austin. (512) 703-8745 Daya : P.O.
Box 571774, Houston, TX 77257. Offers peer support, referrals, transportation, legal
advocacy, outreach/ education. South Asian Women's Forum, based in Austin, fosters closer
community ties and facilitates through their web site, commercial, artistic and other
endeavors of community women world wide. Trikone - Tejas. Committee on South Asian Women:
(409)-845-2576 Asha: (888) 417-2742 toll free. Samhati (301) 229-6597 South Asian Association for Women is a
professional career network resource. Asha : (888) 417-2742 Samhati (301) 229-6597 Sevanw:
(no further information currently). Chaya. P.O.
Box 12917, Seattle, WA 98111-4917. Phone: Toll free- 1-877-922-4292 Office- 206-275-2493.
Email: [email protected]. Provides translation and
interpretation services, referrals to shelters, counseling, medical services, legal and
immigration services, community outreach, and training.
URL : http://www.geocities.com/pennsakthi/ , E-mail : [email protected]
Address : SAKTHI, BOKS 99 OPPSAL, 0619, OLSO 6,
NORWAY.