TBZ’s PANKHI project, helps women fight domestic violence

Adorning the Indian woman with ornaments and preserving their modesty are two different tasks worthy of appreciation. However, a synergy between the two has been struck by Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, whose women safety wing PANKHI is working with 12 NGOs across India and supporting 6,076 women domestic violence survivors. Launched in collaboration with a Mumbai-based organisation named SNEHA, members of PANKHI have helped 422 survivors file a case with the police.

The zeal to fight social evil and domestic violence started in 2016 when TBZ launched PANKHI. The project started functioning from a crisis cell in women OPD’s acrossfourgeneral hospitals in Mumbai.Before the inception of PANKHI, TBZ- The Original did a 2-month study with 77 gold and diamond companies in 2015-16 over socio-economic impact of their businesses.The key observations hinted at glaringly low women participation in the gems and jewellery sector due to fewer amenities. This is the reason why women karigars are fewer as compared to men. The survey also noted that 45% of women workforce were from underprivileged sections of the society.  

The findings empowered the brand to make an effort to ensure equal pay, benefits and most importantly, zero tolerance towards domestic violence against women. Thereafter, the project PANKHI was started.

Speaking about the project, Binaisha Zaveri, Director, TBZ -The Original, said, “PANKHI aims at providing counselling and rehabilitation to the women victims of domestic violence through a central helpline counselling and face-to-face counselling services as per ‘The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005’.” The initiative is currently partnering with 12 agencies in the North (Delhi), West (Mumbai, Pune, Baroda and Ahmedabad) and South (Kochi and Hyderabad) region.

Written by Manoj Chakraborty