A modest cafe with a vibrant mural and the commendable goal of empowering women stands in the shadow of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Sheroes Hangout is a hidden gem on a dusty street, among rickshaws and people walking around. Workers at this pay-what-you-choose cafe are women who have endured horrific acid assaults, frequently by intimate partners or family members. Acid assaults in India are on the rise, with an estimated 250–300 victims per average year, according to USA Today. The highly caustic and readily available acid frequently leaves its victims permanently disfigured, blind, and maimed.
Sheroes Hangout is a symbol of the rising feminist revolution in India, where women are speaking out against pervasive femicide and brutality against women. Nowadays, vigilante groups like the pink-clad “Gulabi Gang” go from town to town, educating men and challenging patriarchy. The Gulabi Gang, wearing fiery pink saris, are advocates of the nonviolent message that Sheroes Hangout and other such establishments are keen to disseminate.
Fresh Indian cuisine, including vegetarian biryani, paneer butter masala, and daal fry, is served at Sheroes Hangout. Although the cuisine is praised for being authentic and delicious, the major attraction of Sheroes Hangout is its mission. Along with showcasing artwork created by women, the cafe hopes to inform customers of the prevalence of acid attacks in the nation. All of the women who work at Sheroes Hangout are strong survivors who bravely started again after being attacked, showing us that inner beauty can be found.
Alok Dixit, a representative of Stop Acid Attacks from New Delhi, started the first cafe in Agra in 2014. Eventually, this successful business grew, resulting in the opening of a second location in Lucknow.
This cafe was initially a crowdfunded project, where customers could pay what they wanted.Without knowing how to operate a restaurant, the employees decided to stick to this model for some time. However, as of 2020, the cafe now has a fixed menu and prices.
Before working at the cafe, a large portion of the women at Sheroes had been isolated. They were plagued with feelings of humiliation and psychological distress. For about half of them, the attack was done by someone in their family, and all of the women were attacked by people they recognized. In most cases, the assaults were a result of the women refusing a marriage proposal or a sexual advance. [3] This caused many of them to stay inside due to the shame associated with their physical appearance. Numerous of them went through multiple operations, and they had difficulty finding a job. Moreover, they were often encouraged by their families and communities to stay quiet about the attack.
Sheroes Hangout Cafe in Agra
At Sheroes Hangout, women have been granted a place of acceptance and community, as well as a means of income. For some of the female employees, they are now the primary earners for their families. The cafe is decorated with bright murals and contains bookshelves with reading material. Additionally, a documentary is available for viewing. Primarily, the customers are tourists from abroad.
As of April 2019, there were nine women working in Agra and twelve in Lucknow.
The campaign is essential in spreading awareness about acid assaults and violence against women in India, even outside the boundaries of Sheroes’ Hangout. Sheroes adds to a larger conversation that aims to eradicate the causes of such horrible deeds by telling the tales of survivors and dispelling social myths.
Sheroes Hangout is more than simply a physical location; it represents resilience, fortitude, and societal change. This effort is altering the narrative of acid attack survivors in India by empowering survivors, giving medical aid, and promoting awareness. It is a monument to the transformational power of compassion, community, and individuals who refuse to be defined by their scars.
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