A group of feminist activists, in collaboration with Sambhaavnaa Institute, envisioned a space where participants could journey from conceptual understanding to self-reflection and transformation, a space to absorb and embody evolving feminist thought. Over the past few years, Buland Iraade has become a space where both intellect and emotion, thought and passion, are valued equally.
Key themes of the workshop
Power, gender, violence, masculinity, sexuality and caste, patriarchy and development , exploring the interconnections between all these. Understanding the idea of consent, when, how, and under what circumstances is consent given or taken? Is sexuality merely a personal issue, or does it have social and political dimensions as well?
These questions and themes are deeply woven into our personal and social lives. From the moment of our birth to the end of our lives, these ideas leave a profound impact on us. In today’s India, inequality continues to deepen, shaped by our identities of caste, religion, gender, class, disability, and more. At such a time, it becomes even more urgent to understand these issues.
Buland Iraade offers a platform to share our experiences and enrich our collective processes of learning and unlearning. It is a space that strives to bring conversations about peaceful resistance and constitutional rights into the language of the everyday. Perhaps this can help us walk together towards greater equality and social change?
Objectives of the Workshop
- To deeply understand the concepts of power, gender, patriarchy, and masculinity, and explore how caste and patriarchy are interconnected.
- To develop a foundational understanding of how sexuality is structured in society.
- To recognise and amplify our collective strength and energy through songs of resistance, and to build collective strategies for peaceful social transformation.
- To understand intersectionality (multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination) in the context of people’s everyday lives.
- To use this understanding to initiate conversations within our communities, and to be able to talk openly about these issues with family and friends.
- To build a strong community through solidarity, collaboration, and networking.
Key Themes of the Workshop
- To locate ourselves within existing structures of power, and to build and strengthen solidarity with one another.
- What is power? Is it only an oppressive force, or can it also carry within it the seeds of positive possibilities?
- Can we imagine new, empowering, and cooperative structures as alternatives to oppressive systems?
Methodology
Facilitators will engage participants through a variety of approaches: games, exercises, personal reflection, small group work, songs, large group discussions, films, art, humour, theatre, and other creative methods of expression!
Facilitators
Dhiviya – Dhiviya has been an active part of the women’s movement in India. She is a feminist activist and gender trainer who has been working on women’s rights issues for the past 20 years.
She conducts trainings on various topics such as gender, women’s rights, sexuality, Wenlido (feminist self-defence), and conflict resolution.
Ahmed Fawaz – Ahmed works with non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to foster and build an understanding that contributes to a more equitable world.
He has been an active collaborator with young people across the country, challenging all forms of stereotypes, encouraging solidarity across identities, and engaging deeply in these processes.
Fatima Chappalwala – Fatima is an educator, writer, and practitioner of Theatre of the Oppressed. She uses creative and participatory methods of learning to nurture political consciousness. Her work engages with the complex intersections of gender, caste, and culture, using theatre as a tool for dialogue, resistance, and collective self-reflection. Fatima is also a homeschooling mother who believes that all learning begins with questions.
Who can participate in this workshop?
People of any gender, aged 18 and above, who are eager to learn and unlearn, are welcome to join. We especially encourage members of movements, collectives, and organisations to apply.
How to Register?
Interested candidates can register online via the link given at the end of the post.
Contribution for the program
The 5-day residential workshop (including food and stay) has a participation fee of ₹4000.
However, we strongly believe that financial constraints should not be a barrier to learning. Therefore, we have provisions to reduce or waive the fee for those who are keen to participate but are unable to afford the full amount. If you would like to request financial support, please mention it clearly in your application. We will do our best to support participants on the basis of need.
At the same time, if you are in a position to support another participant along with yourself, and are willing to do so, please let us know in your application as well.
Date & Venue
- Dates: 20th–24th September, 2025.
- Venue: Sambhaavnaa Institute, Kandbari, Himachal Pradesh
Contact
For queries: WhatsApp/Call (10am–5pm) – Sambhaavnaa Team: +91-8894227954
Email – programs@sambhaavnaa.org
Click here to register.
