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Beginning the new year with courage, gratitude, hope and compassion.
Intentions for 2021
January 5, 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesEditor’s note: This blog was updated post-publication after the violent insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The attempted coup on the U.S. Capitol led by violent mobs last week reminded us that, when people who occupy a privileged position at the top of power pyramids feel like the playing field is being leveled, they feel justified to use any means at their disposal to reassert and reclaim their dominance.
At Shadhika, this is not new. Over the years of fighting for gender equity in India, our community has suffered unthinkable loss at the hands of men who were challenged in their position of power.
While we demand that all involved be held accountable for their participation in last Wednesday’s insurrection, it is important that we set our intentions for 2021 in direct response to oppressors and challengers of justice and equity here at home, in India where our colleagues work fearlessly and tirelessly, and around the world.
Courage
We will push through discomfort and fear to make decisions that are driven by our stated feminist values and with the humility to correct our mistakes.
Gratitude
We will show gratitude to our donors and supporters who stand steadfast by our partners and Scholars’ side by maintaining our levels of grantmaking in 2021.
Hope
We will put our hope in the human connection that binds us together. Last year has shown us that international borders are artificial, and we share a common fate around the globe. The future of women and girls in India is our future.
Compassion
We will lead with compassion and empathy by making grants that invest in and empower grassroots leadership to design and implement solutions to achieve gender justice in India.
We will respond to violence by doubling down on our fight to achieve gender equity and justice.
We embrace the potential of the new year with these intentions and commitments, looking forward to the time when we can be together and celebrate our collective impact in person.
In solidarity,
My Lo Cook, Executive Director
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