Red Brigade Trust

Sleepless in New York poster

Red Brigade Trust is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Lucknow, India. It was founded in 2011 by Usha Vishwakarma with the primary aim of combating sexual violence and gender inequality in India. The organization is known for its efforts in empowering women and girls through self-defense training and educational programs.

History

The Red Brigade Trust was established in response to the increasing incidents of sexual harassment and rape in India. Usha Vishwakarma, a survivor of sexual violence herself, founded the organization to provide support and training to other survivors. The name "Red Brigade" symbolizes the fight against violence, with "red" representing both the danger women face and their strength to combat it.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Red Brigade Trust is to create a society free from gender-based violence and discrimination. The organization's objectives include:

• Providing self-defense training to women and girls.
• Raising awareness about sexual violence and gender inequality.
• Offering support and counseling services to survivors of sexual violence.
• Advocating for stronger laws and policies to protect women and girls.

Programs and Activities

The Red Brigade Trust conducts various programs and activities aimed at empowering women and girls. Some of the key initiatives include:

Self-Defense Training

The organization offers self-defense training sessions to women and girls, teaching them techniques to protect themselves from potential attackers. These sessions are conducted in schools, colleges, and community centers.

Awareness Campaigns

The Red Brigade Trust organizes awareness campaigns to educate the public about the issues of sexual violence and gender inequality. These campaigns include workshops, seminars, and street plays.

Support Services

The organization provides support services to survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, legal assistance, and medical aid. They also run a helpline for immediate assistance.

Advocacy

The Red Brigade Trust advocates for stronger laws and policies to protect women and girls from violence. They work with government agencies, law enforcement, and other NGOs to push for legislative changes.

Impact

Since its inception, the Red Brigade Trust has trained thousands of women and girls in self-defense and has raised awareness about sexual violence and gender inequality. The organization has been recognized for its efforts and has received several awards for its work in empowering women.

See Also

• Women's rights in India
• Gender equality
• Sexual violence in India
• Non-governmental organization