Survivor-Led Collective “Sakhi Mandal” Launched in Haryana with Strong Civil Society Support

Kurukshetra: Empower People, a grassroots organization working with survivors of bride trafficking and forced marriage, has formally launched Sakhi Mandal, a state-level survivor-led collective representing women from Panipat, Jind, Karnal, and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana. The collective emerged following an intensive Organizational Development Workshop conducted under Project ASAP, marking a significant step toward survivor-led advocacy and systemic change.

The launch comes as Empower People completes 20 years of survivor-centered work, strengthening grassroots leadership among women who have experienced trafficking, forced marriage, and social exclusion. Over two decades, the organization has supported survivors to move from silence to leadership, with Sakhi Mandal now standing as a structured platform for collective action.

Building a Survivor-Led Movement

Sakhi Mandal has been formed to transform informal survivor support groups into a democratic and organized movement capable of engaging with government institutions and influencing policy. The initiative focuses on developing leadership skills, strengthening organizational systems, and equipping survivors with advocacy tools to collectively address trafficking, forced marriage, access to justice, and social protection.

Participants worked on establishing transparent governance mechanisms, defining leadership roles, strengthening decision-making processes, and developing conflict resolution systems. For many women, this was their first residential leadership program, often attended after negotiating strong family resistance.

Survivors Step into Public Leadership

A key highlight of the launch was survivors addressing the media publicly for the first time. Leaders of Sakhi Mandal presented their Demand Charter, raising concerns related to bride trafficking, forced marriage, lack of legal support, rehabilitation services, and government accountability.

Through a transparent and participatory process, five women were democratically elected to the executive committee:

• Ms. Aliya – Panipat• Ms. Meena – Yamunanagar• Ms. Urmila – Jind• Ms. Sughnada – Karnal• Ms. Chanda – Jind

Their election demonstrated survivors’ capacity to govern their own collective and hold leadership accountable.

Civil Society Stands in Solidarity

The launch witnessed strong solidarity from civil society organizations, workers’ unions, student groups, and social justice movements. Their presence reinforced that trafficking and forced marriage are deeply linked to broader struggles for labor rights, caste justice, and gender equality.

Prominent civil society representatives present included:

• Mr. Suresh Tank, State Executive Committee Member, MGNREGA Mazdoor Ekta

• Mr. Rajender Banasthali, MGNREGA Mazdoor Union

• Mr. Rajesh Kumar, National Dalit Justice Movement

• Ms. Ladi Bharti, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Students’ Council

• Ms. Usha Chauhan, Social Media Activist

• Mr. Somnath, Jan Sangharsh Manch, Haryana

• Ms. Sapna Rani, Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Ms. Seema, MGNREGA Mate, Karnal

Civil society leaders highlighted how survivor struggles intersect with issues of poverty, caste discrimination, and lack of institutional accountability. They also shared strategies on grassroots organizing and legal advocacy.

Several organizations committed to supporting Sakhi Mandal’s campaigns, facilitating dialogues with government departments, and providing platforms for survivor leaders.

Strengthening Systems for Long-Term Advocacy

Beyond public advocacy, Sakhi Mandal focused on building strong internal systems to ensure sustainability. Survivors worked on case documentation methods, financial transparency, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures. A six-month action roadmap has been developed to guide district and state-level advocacy.

Voices from the Ground

Sugandha from Karnal said,"This was my first time staying outside home. Hearing other women helped me realize I am not alone."

Meena from Yamunanagar stated,"After this workshop, I am no longer afraid to speak."

Urmila from Jind added,"The training united women from four districts and taught us the power of unity."

Looking Ahead

Sakhi Mandal will now hold regular meetings, conduct district-level capacity-building programs, and engage government departments on issues related to trafficking and forced marriage. Empower People will continue to mentor survivor leaders and provide strategic support to strengthen the collective.

Conclusion

The launch of Sakhi Mandal marks a significant milestone in survivor-led advocacy in Haryana. With strong civil society backing and democratic leadership, survivors are now positioned to engage institutions and demand accountability.