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In the patriarchal Indian society women are subjugated and oppressed, especially in rural areas. An example of this is Uttar Pradesh, which has been found to have one of the highest rates of dowry-related deaths, domestic and sexual violence, child marriage, and female infanticide.
The Gulabi Gang was officially formed in 2006, under the leadership of Sampat Pal Devi, who belongs to an oppressed, lower caste family. She had not completed schooling and had to suffer many hardships in life. Pal Devi has a long history of helping victims of injustice, and as the number of people grew, she formed the Gulabi Gang, under which she could continue to help those most in need. After five years, the Gulabi Gang had more than 20,000 members all fighting for an end to corruption and discrimination; they were also equally focused on female empowerment. The organisation of the Gang was a strategic choice. The Gulabi Gang had to choose whether they would operate with the police or rally against them. The Gulabi Gang is no different from other social movements, in respect to the tough strategic choices they have to make. These choices are influenced by personal experience, emotions, societal norms, external audience, history and culture.
The word ‘Gulabi’ originated from ‘gulah’ meaning flower, and ‘pink’ in Hindi. Pink is associated with the colour of life, femininity and is suggestive of the essence of womanhood. The Gulabi Gang members carry lathis with them for self defence. The Gang gradually grew to success in demanding justice for the poor and fighting against domestic violence. The Gulabi Gang had made many enemies along the way and Pal Devi was even held at gunpoint by hired assassins.
During the formative years, the Gang became proactive. Gradually, the lower caste people began to trust the Gang and could see that fighting for women was beneficial for everyone. It is now common for people to ask for help from the Gang. Fathers have asked for help on behalf of their daughters who have been raped or assaulted. Men who are victims of exploitation by the higher caste also come and seek help. The Gulabi Gang doesn’t discriminate against any form of injustice brought to their attention. They have handled small neighbourhood quarrels, familial issues, domestic violence, abuse, and dowry demands. They support inter-caste marriages and have mediated disputes arising from them. The Gang is active in stopping police corruption and bribery.
In a relatively short period, with the support of the people, the Gulabi Gang has risen from being a small collective of women to being a social movement with political influence. Pal Devi insists all women to join the Gang to receive help and support. The Gang is based on mutual support, loyalty, solidarity, and individual responsibility. Gulabi Gang’s main overarching objectives are “to protect the powerless from abuse and to fight corruption to ensure basic rights of the poor in rural areas and discourage traditions like child marriage.” (Gulabi Gang)
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