This is one of the microadvocacy projects by the teen fellows of Orikalankini’s 13 week teen fellowship. Each week the teens meet an activist(Anannya G Madonna and Abirami Jotheeswaran) from a marginalised group to hear from them and express or apply their learnings in an art form. Applications for this is free but rigorous. The fellowship opens in June every year. Please follow orikalankini on facebook and instagram to be updated .
For this assignment, each fellow had to research questions for and have a telephonic interview with a Dalit feminist. We also had an activist speak to them and answer their questions for an hour. They have expressed their learnings in various forms.
- By Shwethambari:
2. By Ummul:
The session with Ananya maam(Anannya G Madonna) and the call interview with Abirami maam(Abirami Jotheeswaran) was really insightful and it helped me to understand more about Dalit feminism. I learned how patriarchy is the basis for the discrimination, sexual abuse and assault , the lack of opportunities etc. So from this session and interview I learned that it’s important to learn about Dalit feminism to be a better ally and only if we educate ourselves we can help others too.I also learned how our privileges can make us negligent and blind to the injustice which is happening around us .So it’s important to acknowledge our privileges through which we can help others .My artwork symbolizes how we should smash patriarchy, its values , its beliefs and its stereotypes and by which we can empower each and every person.
3. By Zoya:
4. By Sanmyukta:
Pass the mic
The complex structures of hierarchical casteism, patriarchy and oppression.
The system benefitting the savarna men.
How can we stand and watch in silence,
As casteism and patriarchy is engulfing the society.
How can we stand and pretend that everything is okay,
As our growing ignorance lets someone get away with oppression?
To what extent are we willing to suppress in order to uphold our privileges?
Equal.
“Being Equal” is what we say.
Is being equal about
what we see on the mainstream social media?
Or is there more?
Is being equal about
Supporting the rights of the ones only I care about?
Or is there more?
Is being equal about
uplifting a few?
Or is there more?
Is being equal about
Just talking?
Or is there more?
Isn’t being equal about
Supporting the ones that need it the most?
Isn’t being equal about
Being anti-patriarchal?
Isn’t being equal about
Being anti-sexist?
Being anti-homophobic?
Being anti-racist?
Being anti-casteist?
We can only be anti-casteist
If we hold safe spaces.
Create policies.
Call out casteism.
And most importantly
Pass the mic!
5. By Mira:
Artist Bios
I am Shwethambari. I shine when i use my creative skills and politeness to connect and motivate people in order to develop a better conscience, and for them to realize their power to create change.
Fundraiser for the work I do : https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-queer-and-dalit-folx?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=email-campaign&mlp_referrer_id=3660706
I am Ummul , I shine when I use my passion to read and my collaborative skills to create a world where people accept and embrace each other for who they are and help eachother and support eachother when a person suffers from any type of mental illness. Instagram Id:ummul_waheedha18
I am Zoya, and I shine when I use my humor and insightfulness to make people understand the importance of saving our wildlife and help them bond with each other while saving our earth!
Hello! I am Sanmyukta Shinde from Mumbai! I shine when I use my passion, kindness and perseverance to create, engage and inspire in order to create safe spaces and empower women!
Fundraiser for the work I do: https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-abuse-victims-get-legal-services-to-fight-their-battles?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraisers-title&mlp_referrer_id=3666504
I’m Mira, a grade 12 student who is interested to see a non judgemental society. I shine when i use my helpfulness and silence to support and grow with people in order to live peacefully with each other. Contact me on instagram, damn_i_cant_find_a_username and email, smiramantrini@gmail.com. Fundraiser for the work I do: https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-queer-and-dalit-folx?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=email-campaign&mlp_referrer_id=3660706
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