South Asian Sisters

Call for Proposals: Paid Internship!

2006-06-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Who We Are:
South Asian Sisters is a diverse collective of progressive South Asian women dedicated to empowering our community to resist all forms of oppression through art, dialogue, conscious alliances, and grassroots political action.

We are dedicated to organizing “Yoni ki Baat,” an annual performance that encourages women to speak out against violence and end the stigma around our bodies and our sexualities.

Program:
South Asian Sisters, a not-for-profit organization is offering a paid internship ($250 - $1000) to qualified applicants to conduct research and advocacy work to empower young women in our community. The commitment required is 4 hours/week for a period of 6 months. If you receive academic credit, the duration of the internship would be as long as the duration of the academic semester.

Requirements:
Strong writing skills, computer proficiency, work ethic, and attention to detail required. Some previous experience with non-profit organizations, development work and publicity are preferred. Students interested in a career in non-profit administration, women’s rights, and performance arts should apply. Ability to work independently or with multiple supervisors. Ability to multitask, work in diverse communities and be courteous to others.

How to apply:
Please send us a brief cover letter describing the advocacy project you would like to work on and include a budget under $1,000. Please note that 25% of the internship involves aiding us with administrative/programmatic activities as directed. Include a resume and send by email to sasisters@sasisters.org

Deadline: July 1, 2006 but we will accept applications until the position is filled.

More information is available at www.sasisters.org
or contact: Sapna Shahani at 510-708-0970 or by email sapna@betv.org

Statement from National Alliance of People's Movements Regarding Caste-Based Reservations

2006-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

*NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF PEOPLE'S MOVEMENTS*
c/o A wing, 1st Floor, Haji Habib Bldg.,NaigaonCross Rd., Dadar (E),
Mumbai-400014
Phone 022-24150529,napmmumbai@riseup.net, sansahil@vsnl.com,
medha@narmada.org

Press Note/ May 21, 2006
* *

*RESERVATIONS WILL ADD TO EFFICIENCY, CREATIVITY: GOVT. SHOULD NOT
BACKTRACK: IMPLEMENT PAST POLICIES: CARE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS *

* *

The People's Movements all over India demand that the Union government must
implement the constitutional amendment to reserve the seats for the other
backward communities without any delay and see that all the earlier
policies, decisions assurances regarding the affirmative actions in favour
of the backward castes are implemented fully.

We condemn the deliberate lethargy on part of governments regarding
implementing already approved policies of Mandal Commision recommendations.
Even now, thousands of seats in educational and professional arena are not
filled - rather they are made 'open' for want of 'suitable candidates' from
the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or backward classes. We demand that
all the unfilled seats must be filed with the due representation of the
concerned classes.

With this we make a strong plea for strengthening the common school policy,
common technical and higher education policy and equipping them with quality
education, resources and due attention. The newly introduced elitist
streak in the higher technical education should be abolished. There should
be common public institutions imparting finest quality technical and
professional education. The privatization and coprporatization of
education and highly technical profession must stop. They are being educated
and employed on the basis of public spending. So they must follow the wishes
of the people of this country. Therefore there should also be reservations
for the backward classes in private enterprises.

For Efficiency and Creativity

The policy of reservations for the deprived classes in the higher and
technical education and professions is an opportunity to add to the quality,
creativity and efficiency in the educational and professional fields. The
reservations must be seen not as 'doling out' something for the 'deprived
classes', but it is mark of adding to the experiences, creativity and
knowledge bases of various aspects in our public life. Over 70 percent of the
workforce in the country is not just manual laborers; they come with their
own intelligence, imaginativeness, innovations and resourcefulness. It would
make our productive processes and economy varied and richer. Just look at
U.S. and other countries where all sections of populations are brought in
the vortex of education, sports and other professions. We have to be proud
of the fact that we would be much richer nation with the participation of
such brains in our social-economic activities in such a large and varied
scale.

From all these angles, it is high time that the private institutions,
industries and service sector also must be made to accept the reservation
policy. These industries will have to be made aware that they operate in
India, and they will have to follow the Indian Constitution and law. If they
threaten to go outside India, let them go and we shall see whether they get
such subsidized water, land, cheap labour, pliant state elsewhere in the
world. These industrialists are not making any favor for the people; rather
they exploit the people and resources of this country. In this connection,
we also disapprove and will oppose the policies of creating 'special
economic zones' (SEZ), where no India laws would be applicable.

Though we quite understand the apprehensions in the minds of the students
and professionals from the general categories regarding the narrowing space
for competition, that alone cannot be reason for opposing the reservations
for the hitherto backward communities. The Union and concerned state
governments should initiate the steps as to help the poor and deprived
students and professionals in the general category.

The unemployment and narrowing down the space for more employment and
educational opportunities is not due to the reservations of seats, but due
to the neo-liberal political economy that the ruling class in India has
adopted in collusion with the global capital. Even without the reservations,
the employment and education opportunities in various jobs in India are
being eroded and thousands of people are thrown out of existing jobs. We
demand that the Union and state governments must end the embargo on the jobs
in the public sector and should start thinking of creating more jobs.

We appeal to the agitating students and professionals not to hold
reservations responsible for their anxiety and to understand the deeper
economic crisis we all have been thrown. We also expect the supporters of
the reservations to reason with the agitating students and take them along,
caring for their sensitivities and interests. The young student and
professional community must not be pitted against each other, who otherwise
are the harbinger of the future changes and struggle in this country. We
have to strengthen a united struggle against the common adversary in form of
national and multinational corporate and imperialist vested interests.

* *
Medha Patkar
National Convenor **

* *
*Sanjay M.G.*
*P. Chennaiah*
National Co-Convenors

* *
*Sanjay Sangvai*

Lakireddy Bali Reddy Denied Early Release

2006-05-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

Press Release

ASATA, Maitri, and South Asian Sisters

For Immediate Release

Monday 22^nd May 2006

Lakireddy Bali Reddy denied early release.

Judge Claudia Wilkens reinstated the sentence of Lakireddy Bali Reddy, and all the conditions of release after the completion of 97 months was reinstated. This was a huge victory for community organizations, who have been working on the case for the past six years, and have put in tremendous effort to educate the community about the heinous crimes committed by Lakireddy Bali Reddy.

The courtroom was filled with Lakireddy’s supporters, and advocates for his victims. The U.S Attorney's office had recommended reinstating the sentence based on the probation report. Defense attorney Ted Cassmen minimized the trauma experienced by the victims, arguing that the emotional trauma was not that extreme, and what victims experienced was not more than one may expect when a crime of this nature is committed. The defense lawyers also downplayed the role played by Reddy in the obstruction of justice. Instead, he argued, if any obstruction of justice was done, it was by the translator Uma Rao.

Anirvan Chatterjee from the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action was relieved at the conclusion of the hearing. “We’re happy with the outcome,” he said. “Justice for Reddy’s victims has been slow to arrive, but this verdict sends the message that expensive lawyers can’t erase exploitation.”

Says Mukta Sharangpani from Maitri, “In addressing cases such as this one, one must look at the systemic inequalities that make possible such situations. These conditions give rise to an economic desperation which compels families to make incredibly hard choices, and young girls to look upon their abusers as their protectors.”

Leena Kamat from South Asian Sisters highlighted the exploitation inherent in Reddy’s action. “This case involved a mix of the worst kinds of exploitation, involving gender, caste, immigration status, and age discrimination. It was disappointing that more attention was not brought to this case in the community. It would have been a travesty if the sentencing was reduced over the claims given.”

In March of 2001, the U.S. Federal Court found Lakireddy Bali Reddy (owner of Pasand Restaurant in Berkeley and Santa Clara) guilty on counts of bringing undocumented immigrants to the U.S. for immoral sexual purposes. Since 1986 Reddy has brought many undocumented immigrants to the United States to have sex with him and to work for little or no pay in his many businesses and apartments. Reddy in a plea bargain arrangement pled guilty to charges of trafficking of girls for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity, of conspiracy, and of fraud and received a relatively light sentence. Specifically, Reddy admitted to a Federal Court that he illegally brought into the U.S. girls under the age of 16, including a girl as young as 13, for unlawful sex. All his victims were minors at the time they were brought into United States. Besides being culturally and socially isolated, they were also sexually abused.

Reddy put his victims in a situation where for many years they were unable to learn their rights and did not realize what freedom meant. This is not because such sexual predation is culturally acceptable in India. The victims and survivors on this case were scared of Reddy’s power and they were unaware of how American law could protect them. We cannot speak on behalf of the victims, but as community members, we feel that an early release is re-victimizing the victim, and while his business continues to thrive and he continues to be respected in the general Indian community, there has been no remorse for his actions.

Trafficking in children and women is unfortunately a familiar reality in many parts of the world. This crime steals children and women from their families, and subjects them to physical and emotional abuse. According to a Congressional Research Service report for Congress trafficking of people for prostitution and forced labor is one of the fastest growing areas of international criminal activity. An estimated 1 to 2 million people are trafficked each year worldwide; with as many as 50,000 to the United States. An overwhelming majority of those trafficked are women and children.

————————————————————————————

ASATA, the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action, works to educate, organize, and empower the Bay Area South Asian communities to end violence, oppression, racism and exploitation. ASATA was founded around the Reddy case in 2000, and has been a visible force at his hearings, standing in solidarity with the victims in the case, while engaging in community outreach and advocacy. You can find out more about ASATA and its work online at www.asata.org.

Maitri is a free, confidential, nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area, which helps South Asian women facing domestic violence, emotional abuse or family conflict. We provide peer support and referrals to legal help, emergency shelters and counselors. You can reach the Maitri hotline at 888 8-MAITRI; you can also call our office at 408 436-8393. Our email address is maitri@maitri.org and our website is www.maitri.org

South Asian Sisters is a diverse collective of progressive South Asian women dedicated to empowering our community to resist all forms of oppression through art, dialogue, conscious alliances, and grassroots political action. We are dedicated to organizing “Yoni ki Baat,” an annual performance that encourages women to speak out against violence and end the stigma around our bodies and our sexualities. You can find out more about the group at www.sasisters.org.

**********************

Reddy Resentencing Hearing Monday, May 22

2006-05-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

*PLEASE* forward widely..
__________________________________________
If inapplicable to you specifically then please
forward to:
-Local Student Groups
-Friends
-Other email forums that can help get the word out
__________________________
STAND UP!

For REDDY's victims: Mon, May 22, 2:30pm
What:
Stand up for Lakireddy Bali Reddy's victims at his
resentencing hearing
When:
Monday, May 22 - meet outside at 2:00pm
Session begins at 2:30pm
Where:
In the court room of The Honorable Claudia Wilken
United States District Court, Northern District of CA

1301 Clay St, Oakland, CA (Courtroom 2, 4th
Floor)
Inside Oakland Federal Building
Nxt to Oak 12th St. /City Center BART

In 2001, Berkeley landlord Lakireddy Bali Reddy
pled guilty to trafficking
young Indian girls from poor low-caste families for
forced sex, and dozens of poor workers to work in
his businesses under extremely bad working
conditions. One of his victims died, and many are
now recovering in India.

Reddy's been granted a resentencing, claiming that
his victims'
testimonies were coerced, and that the trauma
they suffered was
overstated--but legal maneuverings can't make us
forget the powerful Reddy family's exploitation of
poor rural South Indian men, women, and girls.

Join us at Reddy's resentencing hearing, as we let
the courts know:

HIS VICTIMS HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN.
__________________

Hello Everyone,

Reddy is the owner of Reddy Realty and owns a
disgusting amount of Berkeley's property --
restaurants and apartment buildings included.
Approximately 6 years ago towards the end of
2000, a young girl died of carbon monoxide
poisoning in her apartment, and her sister,
managed to survive. This was the first crack that
lead to the ' Reddy Scandal' which uncovered the
fact that he was importing young women from
South India, taking advantage of them sexually and
subjecting his other laborers, whom he hired
illegally (in restaurants and such) to deplorable
working conditions.

He wants to get his 7/8 year sentence reduced to 3
and 1/2 years.
Seeing as Monday is a working day -- it is much
harder for people out-of-school to get out of work
commitments, but IT'S JUST ONE DAY.

There also has not been much publicity about this,
as you can imagine, so that the turn out of
protesters on the day of the actual trial is low, or at
least kept to a bare minimum.
We cannot let him get away with this.
He is trying to get his sentence slashed down to
almost HALF the amount of time he was originally
set for, and may be out in 3 and 1/2 years if his
request is honored by the judge.

I need you to fwd along this msg to other email
forums you may be on, to family & friends, people
local to the area - STUDENT GROUPS (who aren't
tied down to work as much) and to ANY and
EVERY person you think can get together at the
Oakland Courthouse on Monday to PROTEST this
re-sentence trial.

The courtroom seats about 40 people -- we need at
least 60 to be literally outside the door, so that the
judge can see that this cannot and will NOT be
tolerated by the South Asian Community.

There are at LEAST 200,000 South Asians in the
SF/ bay area alone, and only 200 or so people
showed up to protest the sentence last time. That
is shameful. We are trying to branch out to all
community members in opposing this.

Reddy's exploitation CANNOT go unnoticed, and
we need your help.
Groups such as: Narika, Maitri, and Asata are also
working with us on this.

PLEASE PRINT OUT the flyer and distribute it
around campus, forward it to other student groups
like I said before, and just get the word out so that
people show up to ththe Courthouse on Monday to
prove to the judge, and Reddy that he won't get
away with this, and to show the victims, that they
have not been forgotten by their ccommunity
members.
Thanking you in advance,

Sincerely,
Anjali Verma
South Asian Sisters

Yoni Ki Baat 2006 -- Deadline Extended!

2006-04-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

please forward widely! **************************** CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Yoni Ki Baat 2006 **************************** A brand-new selection of monologues, presented by South Asian Sisters "Yoni ki Baat" is back for its fourth fabulous year! We have confirmed that South Asian women are ready speak out about their bodies, their sexualities, and, yes, their yonis (yoni= vagina in Sanskrit)! This is an open call for our sisters to get creative and share any stories about their yonis, including topics such as, but not limited to: * hair * body image * motherhood * birth * culture * abuse * menstruation * smell * genital mutilation * orgasm * pleasure * masturbation * sexual orientation * rewriting stories * reclaiming language (cunt, bitch, etc.) Or, if you're stuck on what to write about, we've got some questions for you: * What does your yoni enjoy most about being a south asian woman? * Could you give up your razor (thread? wax?) for a month? * Do you remember your first hair removal experience? * Is your family or community desperate to marry you off? * Has a well-meaning aunty ever gotten into your business? * Have you ever "shocked" the aunties and uncles? * What is the most frustrating issue in south asian culture facing women today? * Which Bollywood heroine/ hero does your yoni pine for or aspire to be? * What language does your yoni speak? * What Bollywood film would your yoni star in? * What Bollywood song would your yoni sing? * What is your yoni's bio-data/ matrimonial? * What name does your yoni prefer to be called by? * What is the immigration status of your yoni? * What is your yoni's weapon? * What does your yoni smell like? * If your yoni could run for president, what would be the first item on her agenda? * If your yoni could say two words, what would they be? Submissions will remain anonymous upon request and may be incorporated into our upcoming "Yoni Ki Baat" show in the Bay Area. If you've always thought about submitting a piece, this is the year to actually do it. Please send any ideas, answers, poems, essays, stories, or musings -- we can't do the show unless we have your contributions! Your contributions create the mood and experience of the show, please share your voices with us! Be on the lookout for more information about "Yoni Ki Baat" in the coming weeks. Please send your submissions by June 1, June 30, 2006 to: Email: ykb@sasisters.org Post: South Asian Sisters 1642 Fell Street San Francisco, CA 94117

South Asian Organizations' Statement on Immigration Reform

2006-04-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

In light of the statement below, we urge everyone to attend an April 10 event.

PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM SOUTH ASIAN ORGANIZATIONS REGARDING IMMIGRATON REFORM (April 6, 2006)

SOUTH ASIAN ADVOCATES STRONGLY URGE CONGRESS TO PASS IMMIGRATION REFORM THAT RESPECTS CIVIL RIGHTS OF IMMIGRANTS

For More Information:

Deepa Iyer, SAALT (National) 301-589-0389

Amardeep Singh, Sikh Coalition (NYC) 212-655-3095

Hamid Khan, South Asian Network (Los Angeles) 562-403-0488

For a Full List of Organizations, Please See Below.

As representatives of organizations that serve South Asians across the United States – from empowering women, workers and youth to protecting the civil rights and liberties of ethnic and religious minorities – we see firsthand the impact of the immigration system on our community. As Congress prepares to pass the broadest immigration reform law in decades, we urge lawmakers to adopt sensible and humane solutions to fix the broken immigration system in the United States.

The South Asian community is predominantly foreign-born, with individuals tracing their backgrounds to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the diaspora, including the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Any immigration law passed by Congress will undoubtedly affect the entire community as well as future immigrants.

Our organizations have already witnessed the impact of anti-immigrant sentiment, xenophobia and ill-conceived policies implemented by federal, state and local law enforcement on the South Asian community. We assist low-wage workers who work in the domestic service, restaurant and retail industries and often face difficult conditions and exploitation in the workplace. We advocate on behalf of survivors of domestic violence who are in need of assistance from social workers, lawyers and counselors. We hear from South Asians who have been waiting for years to be reunited with their family members due to the enormous backlog of visa applications. And we provide services to South Asian youth, many of whom are undocumented and are denied avenues to citizenship and higher education.

Congress has an opportunity now to identify humane and sensible measures to address many of these situations. However, the House of Representatives disappointed immigrants in December of last year by passing a bill that would criminalize those with undocumented status and would make the provision of services to undocumented immigrants a violation of the law in some contexts.

Now, it is the Senate’s turn to pass a bill on immigration issues. Two bills are before the Senate right now – one that passed the Judiciary Committee, and another introduced by Majority Leader Senator Frist. Both contain harsh enforcement provisions which would take a significant toll on immigrant communities around the country.

While the Senate bill that passed the Judiciary Committee contains some positive provisions - including the legalization of over 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US and the expansion of educational and vocational opportunities for young people with undocumented status – its harsh stance towards enforcement of immigration law undercuts many of the highlights. These enforcement provisions would allow non-citizens to be indefinitely detained; would criminalize minor offenses such as the failure to file a change of address form; and would give local police the authority to enforce complex immigration laws locally, paving the way for mistakes, profiling, and distrust.

Legislation that does not balance the civil rights of immigrants will lead to separated families, isolation and fear, and distrust of law enforcement and government officials. We believe that our country’s immigration policies must reflect fundamental civil and human rights principles, which include:

· Establishing a path to permanent residency and citizenship for undocumented immigrants

· Opposing criminalization of undocumented status and expansion of grounds for indefinite detention.

· Reducing the visa backlog by eliminating visa caps and expediting the processing of applications

· Promoting citizenship and civic participation

Our organizations come together from Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey, San Francisco, New York, and Washington, DC to urge lawmakers to pass legislation that embraces these principles. We also make this statement today to urge our community members to make their voices heard to lawmakers about the urgency for fair immigration reform.

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING THIS STATEMENT INCLUDE:

Adhikaar (New York City)

Andolan (New York City)

Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (San Francisco)

Coney Island Avenue Project (New York City)

Desist (San Francisco)

Desis Rising Up and Moving (New York City)

Friends of South Asia (San Francisco)

Manavi (New Jersey)

Narika (San Francisco)

Raksha (Atlanta)

Sakhi for South Asian Women (New York City)

Sikh Coalition (New York City)

South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (Washington DC area)

South Asian Progressive Action Collective (Chicago)

South Asian Sisters (San Francisco)

South Asian Network (Los Angeles)

South Asian Youth Action (New York City)

Day of Dialogue -- March 12!

2006-03-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

What: South Asian Sisters Day of Dialogue A safe, supportive, and inspiring space for women of all walks of life to discuss the numerous issues that surround our womanhood. Where: Mills College Solidarity Lounge and Student Union When: Sunday March 12 from 10 AM-6 PM (All day, come and go as you wish! We also invite you to stay after 6 PM for dinner and follow up plans) Who: All Sisters Extra: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided Sessions include the following. Details and schedule will be sent out soon. *Exotifiied Women/De-masculinized Men : A Strategic Talk About South Asian Sex and Identity *Motherhood *Alternatives to Traditional Relationships *Gender in Multiracial Progressive Spaces *Son Preference and Sex Selection *Women in Performing Arts *Getting Emotional Support

Birj, tujhe salaam...

2006-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Birj tujhe salam…

Birj is gone. I don’t know where. In this hustle bustle of Badwani office, I run away for a moment to write, to remember to pray, to talk to Birj, to connect.

I remember and smile.
Then I realize and weep.

Something loved you more than we did. Our silent warrior. Now silenced forever? You're living in a new space in a new form. I know it must be better than this. I hope.

I cherish the time I spent with you. I cherish the day we met- Sep 29, 2001. Dolores Park. Anti-war rally. You holding a large ASATA banner. With Anirvan. I was so happy to see other desis at the rally.

I cherish the space we shared, the thoughts we shared.
I cant believe I'll never see you again.

But I can talk to you Birj. I can feel you. I know you're here.

Your body was weak.
Your body was thin.
But your spirit was strong.
And it's still here. Always will be.

Your eyes twinkling.
Your awkward hugs.
Your silly jokes.

How different would I have been without you?

Your silent style drowned out the noise of my life.
I notice the silence now that it's gone.
The calm is gone.
Birj is gone.

My cousin in Mumbai thought your name was 'bird'.
Where did you fly away?

We kickedit 5 months ago. In amchi Mumbai. In the motherland.
Breathing the same air in the motherland.
You told me you wanted to come back to India to work for a while.
Bandra station will never look the same to me.

My life doesn't feel the same.

I haven't seen you for 5 months.
But I know that now I'm closer to you than the past 5 months. I know you're here. I know you know I care.

You're here. You came back to the motherland. You said you would come back and work here for a while just like me.

You came to Narmada.
Don’t say you didn't. I felt you there. Felt you while I was working. Wrapped me in a shield as I slept on the floor of the train compartment in the North Indian cold.

For the first time in so long, I feel alone. I'm surrounded by people who don’t know you, never knew you, never will. Never knew how beautiful your life was. They don’t know how I feel. I show them your photos. The beautiful photo of you and Saron. They try to understand, they want to, but they cant. They ask me what happened, I say I don’t know.

I really don’t. I don’t understand it. For the first time in so long, I find myself wishing I was back in the US, among everyone else who knew you. I'm so far away, cant come to the funeral, cant contribute any photos, nothing, except this random collection of just my thoughts. I wanna hug everyone else who knew you and feel the pain together. I don’t know what to feel anymore.

I'm always in the midst of confusion here in the Narmada Valley. Today 1000 people descended on Delhi to brave the cold and challenge the government. I didn't have a minute to think about anything else. Except you. I wanted to write this many days ago- on Dec 31st morning when I found out through a phone call from Yamini and Saron. I wanted to write, but couldn't coz I was always surrounded by confusion of mass action.

I'm forced to show my private emotions in a public space, I cry when I feel like crying. People stare, but they don’t really care. People don’t have time for my tears. I don’t have time for my tears…but they don’t stop. What can I do?

Birj, come talk to me. I don’t know where you are, but you know where I am.

Thanx for sharing your life with me.

I remember and smile.
Then I realize and weep.

Birjender Anant. Hats off to a beautiful life. Tussi Great!

Birj tujhe salam…

Ek sathi ki maut. Achanak. (The death of a friend, suddenly)
Aur phir reh jati hai yadein. (And then what is left is memories)

Birj tere sapno ko, manzil tak pahuchaenge. (Birj, we will continue to fight to realise your dreams)
(Slogan from the Narmada Valley about comrades who have passed)

Zindabad, sathi, zindabad.

dipti
from the Narmada Valley, the motherland…
+91-9879536407

Yoni Ki Baat: November 19, San Francisco!

2005-10-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

South Asian Sisters proudly presents...

~~~~ YONI KI BAAT ~~~~

An all-new, completely original performance of South Asian Sisters' acclaimed 'Yoni ki Baat' (Talks of the Vagina) will feature all-new titillating monologues, drink specials, and a late-night after-party.

Saturday, November 19th, 2005 @ 8 PM

The Canvas Gallery, 1200 9th Ave (at Lincoln),

San Francisco, California

(Bart to the N Muni line, get off at 9th)

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door

Visit http://sasisters.org/YKB.htm , or email ykb@sasisters.org for more info!

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Asian Women's Shelter, a shelter program for battered Asian women and their children.

ALL NEW YKB. ALL NEW FORMAT. ALL NEW LOCATION. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.

Yoni Ki Baat at UC Davis, April 21!

2005-04-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

YONI KI BAAT
Thursday April 21st 7pm
Wyatt Theater, UC Davis
*FREE* Event

--Part of Asian Pacific Culture Week--
www.yellowbrowndavis.com
CoSponsored by: South Asian Student
Organization & AWAAZ

YONI KI BAAT--
A monologue-play that aims to end the silence that is common surrounding violence against women of all backgrounds.
Performed by South Asian Sisters.

For further information check out these links: http://sasisters.org

http://www.narika.org/newsletter/dec03/yonikibaat.html

http://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/blogs/chander/archives/002705.shtml

http://samarmagazine.org/archive/article.php?id=157

Yoni Ki Baat Day of Dialogue- March 6, San Francisco

2005-02-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hello sisters!

South Asian Sisters, Yoni Ki Baat Day of Dialogue event is rapidly approaching!

Reserve now, space is limited and sessions are filling quickly!!! Please reply by filling out and returning the following registration form to reserve space for this event. By registering in advance, you will received 2 raffle tickets to win a sampler of erotic supplies from good vibes on the day of the event!

We appreciate your support and look forward to spending this amazing day with all of you! Please reply soon.

In solidarity,
South Asian Sisters

~~South Asian Sisters Proudly Presents~~

~~~ Yoni ki Baat Day of Dialogue ~~~

Dear Sisters of all backgrounds,

South Asian Sisters, a collective of South Asian women in the Bay
area, is organizing an event called Day of Dialogue on March 6, 2005
at the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco,
California.

Following our 2nd Annual performance of the monologue-play called
"Yoni Ki Baat" (translated informally as "Talks of the Vagina"), this
Day of Dialogue event offers sisters of all backgrounds a safe,
supportive, and inspiring space to discuss and grapple with the
numerous issues that came up, or that didn't come up, at our "Yoni Ki
Baat" performances.

So, does your Yoni have something to say? If so, please join us in an
all-day event of dialogue, support, and healing! Yoni Ki Baat Day of
Dialogue will consist of several discussion sessions, followed by an
open story telling and sharing session. The day will start with a
nice introduction and a short Monologue performance. This event is
FREE and open to women of all walks of life!

Please email ykb_dod@yahoo.com to register for this event and complete
the form that follows. Please also email us if you are interested in
facilitating a discussion session, and please specify which one(s).
Thank you in advance for your support and interest!

WHEN: Sunday, March 6, 2005, 10:30 AM until 6 PM (all day, come and
go as you wish!)

STARTS AT: The time of the session you want to attend.

WHERE: Room 607 of the California Institute of Integral Studies, San
Francisco, CA (directions to CIIS are at the bottom of this email)

WHO: Anyone with a yoni

EXTRA: Lunch & snacks will be provided (donations welcome at the event)

HOW: Copy and Paste the registration form at the end of this email,
fill it out, and email it back to ykb_dod@yahoo.com to confirm your
spot! Spots are limited!

SCHEDULE OF DISCUSSION TOPICS AND TIMES:

10:30 am - 12:30: Hoods and Roles
********
Hoods & Roles, Identity Politics: How do we negotiate our identity
from the roles we are expected to fulfill? What happens when we step
outside these roles? What is identity and how are we instrumental in
defining our identity? What do our roles in life mean for our
identity? How can we use these roles to give us strength? How can we
take the labels others place on us and create our own sense of self?
Come join the discussion! Share your struggles and triumphs of
societal and cultural expectations that affect how lives. Work with
others in learning about how to deconstruct pathological expectations
to create, maintain, or change your identity politics.
********

10:30am-12:30: Politics & the yoni
********
Politics & the Yoni: This workshop gives participants a chance to
discuss the ways international and domestic policies shape our
perception of gender and sexuality. Topics of discussion include, but
are not limited to policies and reactions that governments and courts
make that affect women's bodies and human rights (reproduction rights,
pornography, genital mutilation, rape, prostitution, gay marriage,
etc.). We will explore the representation of minority groups in
politics and exchange inspirational stories of resistance to learn
about strategies for community organizing and for defending our human
rights.
********

10:30am-12:30: Nurturing the yoni
********
Nurturing the Yoni: George Michael said it best: "Sex is natural, sex
is fun." This workshop will explore the many ways we can nurture our
yonis – through fantasy, sexual relationships with others and
ourselves, and sexual health. Take control of your body and let the
good times roll. Always a big hit, this session will have discussion
on sexual health and pleasure, focusing on masturbating, nutrition,
exercise, and hints for being completely happy about your yoni and
showing it!
********

1:45 pm - 3:45 pm: Violence and the yoni
********
Violence & the Yoni: Clearly linked to Politics and the Yoni, this
forum intends to provide a safe, confidential space to share
experiences, ask questions, find solidarity, and gather resources.
Learn more from each other about the disturbing epidemic of violence
that girls and women face too much in their relationships
(parent/child, same sex relationships, spousal) and how this violence
is justified and perpetuated by many of our institutions. Share
stories and build solidarity in a safe space, sharing ideas on what we
can do to bring this to an end. Topics of
trust, confidentiality, validated anger & rage, and healing can be addressed.
********

1:45 pm-3:45 pm: Sexual identity and orientation
********
Sexual Identity & Orientation: We each find ourselves on different
points of the spectrum of sexual orientation. How constructed is our
sexual identity? How do we break down the barriers and embrace our
diverse sexual identities? Does the South Asian community respect and
reflect this diversity? Come to this session to share insight and
questions, either personal or general, about sexual identity and
orientation. Share coming out stories and earn about resources,
support circles, and all facets of exploration.
********

1:45 pm-3:45 pm: Bolly-yoni
********
Bolly-Yoni: Bollywood serves multiple functions in the South Asian
community. It can transport us to a realm of fantasy and romance; it
can make us laugh; it can point out the problems with our society. How
does Bollywood portray women? What sort of role models are the women
of Bollywood? What is the role of the yoni in Bollywood? How has it
changed over time? What are the ways in which we internalize, rebel,
mock, adopt, and negotiate the images and roles of women/girls that
are plastered across the glittering scene of cinema? Prepare to be
entertained, challenged, and enlightened.
********

4:00 pm-6:00 pm: Talk back, Take back
********
Talk Back, Take Back: This discussion session is intended to discuss,
share, and organize healing and empowering strategies for ending
misogyny and dis-empowerment on many levels - whether it be in your
neighborhood, on your favorite blog, on the streets, or in your
family and community. Individually and collectively we experience so
many emotions such as rage, sorrow,happiness, and love - and with
those we can band together to make our lives better for ourselves and
all the women we love. We will share the ways in which we express
and process our emotions, and how we stand up for what we believe. A
discussion on how sisters have reclaimed language (words such as
bitch, pussy, cunt) will also ensue.
********

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Body image
********
Body Image: Family members, community members, and of course, the
mass media have, at one point or another, felt entitled to have an
opinion about the way we look. Moreover, generally speaking, South
Asian women are constantly bombarded with impossible standards of
beauty – both from "the East" and "the West." How does our body image
affect who we are as women? How do expectations of our appearance
affect us professionally and personally? This discussion will give
women the space to share experiences and viewpoints on our bodies and
our identities, as well as to gain positive images of our bodies and
ourselves to (re)kindle our self-love and self-confidence.
********

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Creative yoni juices
********
Creative Yoni Juices: Love, anger, rage, confusion, hope, passion,
apathy, fear, inspiration....express it all here! Work on a community
mural, write, make a collage, or find your own way of being creative,
because the arts is indeed a powerful way to express our emotions and
personalities. In short, this workshop will give participants the
opportunity to discuss and create different forms of art and personal
expression.
********

Open Sharing: A time to share stories, poetry, songs, acts, readings,
anything you desire with each other. This is not a session; it is an
open circle for all women to come and express themselves as they
please.

***************** REGISTRATION FORM *****************************************
Please register early ) by emailing the completed registration form
(below) to ykb_dod@yahoo.com. The deadline for registration is Feb.
25, 2005.

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Childcare needed? (If yes, specify number and ages of children):

Other special needs (wheelchair access, etc.):

Please specify the sessions you will be attending. This is for the
purpose of coordinating space and seats. You may alter your decision
at any time, so what you mark below is only a ballpark to help the
organizers plan accordingly. Also, you can come and go to/from the
event as you please; Day of Dialogue will be going on all day on
March. 6, and you are welcome to come and go at your convenience.

Place an X for the session(s) you intend to attend:

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM:
------------------
_____Hoods and Roles (Motherhood, Sisterhood, Daughter-hood)

_____Politics and the Yoni

_____Nurturing the Yoni

1:45 PM - 3:45 PM:
------------------
_____Violence and the Yoni

_____Sexual Identity and Orientation

_____Bolly-Yoni

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
------------------
_____Talk Back, Take Back

_____Body Image and Self Worth

_____Creative Yoni Juices

6:00 PM - END
------------------

***************** END OF FORM *****************************************

Please email the registration form to ykb_dod@yahoo.com. Remember, the
deadline to register is Friday, February 25th, 2005!

Questions? Email ykb_dod@yahoo.com

****Directions to CIIS***
Detailed driving and public transport directions to CIIS can found at
http://www.ciis.edu/about/directions.html .

Please email ykb_dod@yahoo.com if you are interested in facilitating a
discussion session, and please specify which one(s). Thank you in
advance for your
support and interest!

******************
About South Asian Sisters:
South Asian Sisters is a diverse collective of progressive South Asian
women dedicated to empowering our community to resist all forms of
oppression through art, dialogue, conscious alliances, and grassroots
political action.

We are dedicated to organizing "Yoni ki Baat," an annual performance
that encourages women to speak out against violence and end the stigma
around our bodies and our sexualities.
******************

In loving solidarity,

South Asian Sisters
http://www.sasisters.org
sasisters@sasisters.org
ykb_dod@yahoo.com

Why South Asian Sisters?

2004-12-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ask this question to any member of our collective and you will probably get a different answer. South Asian Sisters is about providing a safe space for Desi women to express their desires, frustrations, and whatever else makes them who they are as individuals. We have a book club, we have performances, we have lunch-time discussions and workshops, we have political and social campaigns, and we are open to having much more. Perhaps most controversially, we have rage. Certainly not all of us get worked up about the same things, as was probably best reflected in this year's production of "Yoni Ki Baat." Many of the pieces seemed to conflict with each other: what some woman found deeply offensive, others embraced and reclaimed, and yet others thought to be relatively trivial. That diversity is what makes us whole, human, and multi-dimensional. There is no singular identity for a "South Asian Sister." But what does unite us is a common struggle to find empowerment as South Asians and as women. We, along with our Desi brothers, stand up against atrocities committed against our community- whether they be political repression, racism in general, or stereotyping in the media. But we, as Desi sisters, also stand up against atrocities committed against women- whether they are committed by the government, by the media, or, or more tragically in my opinion, by our own brothers.

But why should it be controversial to demand that we have rights as women within our communities? Why, if many of us would oppose movies that normalize whiteness and stereotype/marginalize South Asians, for example, can we not voice criticism regarding movies that normalize masculinity and stereotype/marginalize women and members of the LGBTQ community? I have seen a number of web sites and blog spaces that claim to be "South Asian," yet systematically exclude or ridicule women who critique sexism that is considered too close to home, viz., the sexism of "assimilated" South Asian American men. Isn't that just as bad as white people telling brown people to "lighten up" and trivializing/mocking/satirizing our desire to see fair representation as "PC"? I see it as very sad when people who fully understand the need for mobilizing and empowering South Asians against racism cannot make a logical parallel between that desire and the desire of women to do the same against sexism -- or, for that matter, for people to assert rights as members of a particular class, religion, or other axis of identity.

At various times, I have sought out community in "South Asian" spaces, and when I found those to be problematic in numerous ways, sought out "feminist" spaces. Unfortunately, I found that many of those spaces were not very inclusive of my needs as a woman of color. This is because identity politics, rallying around a single axis of identity for a common struggle, are too often prone to essentialism:

In the case of identity politics, two claims stand out as plausibly “essentialist:” the first is the understanding of the subject that makes a single axis of identity stand in for the whole, as if being Asian-American, for example, were entirely separable from being a woman... The second form of essentialism is closely related to the first: generalizations made about particular social groups in the context of identity politics may come to have a disciplinary function within the group, not just describing but also dictating the self-understanding that its members should have. Thus, the supposedly liberatory new identity may inhibit autonomy, as Anthony Appiah puts it, replacing “one kind of tyranny with another” (Appiah in Gutmann ed. 1994, 163). Just as dominant groups in the culture at large insisted that the marginalized integrate by assimilating to dominant norms, so within some practices of identity politics dominant sub-groups may, in theory and practice, impose their vision of the group's identity onto all its members.

And hence, in my opinion, the need for a space like South Asian Sisters: to ensure that an androcentric vision of unity does not dominate the South Asian discourse. Granted, our group contains considerable diversity in itself, and it will be a continuous process to ensure that each voice gets heard and respected. I know that many people who read about our activities will still be prone to attacking or pigeonholing us in one way or another, especially due to the safe harbor of anonymity that the Internet provides. However, I challenge you to meet any of our members in person or attend a "Yoni Ki Baat" performance and not be completely blown away by the talent, brilliance, beauty, humor, and strength that exists in each member of this group.

Yoni- Kya Baat Hain!

2004-11-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Yoni Ki Baat 2004 was a great success, thanks to all the writers, performers, audience members, and supporters of the effort. In addition to the two shows at UC Berkeley and Stanford, selected pieces were performed at a UC Davis event entitled "What Can Brown Do For You?" co-sponsored by the Middle Eastern & South Asian Law Students' Association (MESALSA) and Awaaz, a progressive South Asian American magazine.

Here is some feedback we got for this year's show:

"I just saw the show and I must say it was awesome...much of it was funny with a purpose and the more serious performances were very well choreographed. I think, through the laughter, the audience really connected with each performer's message."

"I wanted to write to you because I was deeply moved by your show--the range of your presentations, the courage of the performers, and the overall energy of the entire event."

"I just wanted to say that I attended your show last night and thought

it was truly amazing.  I was able to relate to so many of the monologs and you did a wonderful job.

"Just returned from a performance of selections from “Yoni Ki Baat” organized here at UC Davis. This is a retelling of “The Vagina Monologues” from a South Asian-American perspective. It’s a remarkably good show—better in my view than the original inspiration. It’s hilarious, affecting, and powerful." - Anupam Chander

"The show was awesome- it was my first 'yoni ki baat' and I was totally blown away by the awesome performances!" "Just wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful evening of yoni talk and performance on Saturday. Each of you were amazing and prolific in the words and delivery! Whatever anyone says, it takes tremendous courage and conviction to get on stage and express such a personal side of each of us...and you all did beautifully!"

"hello sa sistas, just wanted to say three cheers on the stellar performances on saturday night! you all did a wonderful job expressing your yonis! it takes guts, courage and uteruses (!!) to get up there on stage and do what you did, more power to you -- and can't wait for next year's show!" "I wasn't bored for one second. Seriously. I was thoroughly captivated, both pre- and post- intermission."

What Bollywood Song Would Your Vagina Sing?!

2004-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

South Asian Sisters proudly present

YONI KI BAAT

Have you ever wondered why the Yoni isn't a more celebrated part of the human anatomy?

Why is it that the woman's womb doesn't get enough compassion and credit for all that women do?

Isn't the Yoni a vital member of any community?

Come celebrate your Yoni with other women from theSouth Asian American Diaspora (inclusive of Afghani, Pakistani, Indian, Nepali, Sri Lankan, Maldive, Bhutanese, and Bangladeshi descent) with Yoni Ki Baat, a courageous play performed in English.

What Bollywood song would your yoni sing?
What is your yoni's immigration status?
If your yoni could say two words, what would they be?

TWO SHOWS!!

Saturday, October 30th, 8:00pm
155 Dwinelle, UC Berkeley Campus (co-sponsored byNarika)
**advance tickets for this show only available throughwww.sulekha.com/events

Saturday, November 6th, 8:00pm
Cubberly Auditorium, School of Education, Stanford University Campus (co-sponsored by Saheli andMaitri)

Tickets: $10 sliding-scale at the door (tickets will be available at the door for both shows)

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Bay Area non-profits that help South Asian women fight domesticviolence.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need volunteers for tickets, ushering, set-up, andfood. If you are interested, email yonikibaat@yahoo.com with "volunteer" in the subjectand specify which location(s) you will be able tovolunteer. Volunteers will receive free admission!

Visit www.sasisters.org for more information.