Athwaas.
“This conflict is described as a freedom struggle, but in fighting, everyone has lost their freedom – we are so scared of each other. I want to open up safe spaces, where women can come together and all their voices can be heard.
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— Ashima, Athwass
Support the work of this organisation
Athwaas is an alliance of women in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, facilitated by the WISCOMP organisation. Athwass has set up Samanbals – centres for women of all communities, ages and backgrounds to meet and share their concerns whilst learning income generating skills. With several Samanbals now in operation they have become a powerful network for promoting peace and campaigning for political change.
In this video, Ashima Kaul of Athwaas explains their work (Ashima is also our Kashmir Local Correspondent).
Key achievements
Through the network of women attending the Samanbals, Athwaas has:
- Brought together Hindu and Muslim women who had been widowed by the conflict in order to overcome their hostility and work together spinning raw cotton
- Supported a group of women refugees to start a successful tailoring business and become community leaders
- Mobilised and encouraged women to engage in civil society
