A gang of women vigilantes, who fight for social justice in rural India and are famed for their pink saris and sticks, are the subject of an award-winning documentary opening this week.
The Gulabi (Pink) Gang battles for women's rights across a handful of districts in the poverty-stricken northern state of Uttar Pradesh, tackling domestic violence, dowry disputes, child marriage and other forms of abuse.
The fatal gang-rape of a student in the capital New Delhi in December 2012 caused widespread anger and protests across the country, but such crimes in poorer rural areas still receive far less media attention.
The film "Gulabi Gang", directed by Nishtha Jain and being released nationwide on Friday, tracks the founder and leader of the group, 56-year-old Sampat Pal Devi.
It also explores the workings and recruitment strategies of the gang, whose members now number in the thousands.
Jain said she was attracted to making the documentary because the group was "a spontaneous women's movement in one of the most backward parts of India".
"I wanted to profile not only the leader but also the other courageous members of Gulabi Gang, the majority of whom are poor, old, unlettered and from backward castes," she told AFP.
The film opens with a case in which a young wife has been found burnt to death. Her family blames a fire that broke out when she was cooking.
Pal and her comrades believe there is foul play involved and pursue the case relentlessly -- offering support to the girl's parents and ensuring the police conduct speedy investigations.
Their method is to protest, arbitrate, counsel and, in extreme cases, use aggression to drive home their message.
But deep-rooted prejudices can still hamper the gang's work -- some members have faced expulsion for standing by male relatives who have abused women.
Gang leader Pal, who attended a screening of the documentary in Mumbai last week, said she does not only fight for women.
"I try to see the man's and the woman's point because if a marriage breaks, the homes of both are destroyed," she said, adding that she hoped the film would raise awareness and understanding.
The film, which has won best documentary awards in Norway and Dubai, also addresses the disconnect between rural and urban communities in India.
"The extent of gender and caste violence that goes unreported is shocking," said Jain.
An upcoming Bollywood movie called "Gulaab Gang" is also said to be based on the pink vigilantes, although director Soumik Sen denies it is about them and describes it as a work of fiction.
AFP
Wed Feb 19 2014
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.