SHIVANGI DESHWAL
Helping women help themselves
Welcome to the centre, a space that bridges the realms of research, advocacy, and social impact under the expert guidance of Shivangi Deshwal, a distinguished gender-based violence prevention specialist. A dedicated professional who has made significant contributions to research, advocacy, and intervention. Her impactful work encompasses various dimensions of gender-based violence, both locally and globally.
On the international front, Shivangi has taken her expertise to South Sudan, a region grappling with the aftermath of war. In this challenging context, she has conducted gender-based violence training sessions with frontline community volunteers. This hands-on involvement in training aims to empower local stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to address gender-based violence effectively, even in post-conflict environments.
In India, Shivangi has been actively involved in groundbreaking research and supervision of an app designed to intervene in domestic violence cases. Her expertise lies not only in understanding the nuances of gender-based violence but also in implementing innovative solutions that leverage technology for real-world impact. By overseeing the development and supervision of the app, Shivangi has played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy of interventions in domestic violence cases in Mumbai.
Furthermore, Shivangi's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations extends to her work with refugee communities. As part of a research project on Rohingya Refugees in the United States, She actively collaborated with service providers, leveraging her research skills to help enhance their services for refugee populations. This involves a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by refugees, particularly focusing on the Rohingya community. By bridging the gap between research findings and practical service improvements, Shivangi contributes to creating more effective and tailored support systems.
In collaboration with the first female Additional Solicitor General of India, Indira Jaising, Shivangi has undertaken a unique initiative—creating a gender glossary that analyzes Supreme Court and High Court judgments using a feminist lens. This project represents an innovative approach to legal scholarship, influencing the discourse surrounding legal decisions and promoting a gender-sensitive interpretation of the law. Through her collaboration with legal authorities, Shivangi contributes to shaping a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Shivangi received the Long Strider Award from Gargi College, University of Delhi. She is set to appear in a Netflix Documentary discussing her research on Jatt masculinity in Punjabi music.
She had been pursuing a Ph.D. and serving as a graduate research assistant at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, USA.
Shivangi's research focuses on the intersectionality of caste and class in the help-seeking behavior of survivors of domestic violence from South Asian communities.
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A RESEARCH SPACE WITH A MISSION
Helping women help themselves
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In her lectures and training sessions, Shivangi employs feminist consciousness-raising as a cornerstone of her pedagogy. This approach goes beyond traditional teaching methods by encouraging open dialogue and shared experiences. By creating a space for individuals to explore and reflect on their own perspectives, Shivangi fosters a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and its systemic roots. This consciousness-raising not only enhances awareness but also serves as a catalyst for collective action and advocacy.
Central to Shivangi's caregiving model for frontline workers is the incorporation of a holistic approach inspired by fictive kinship, community building, and empowerment. Drawing on the concept of fictive kin, which emphasizes supportive relationships beyond biological ties, Shivangi encourages a sense of communal responsibility among caregivers. This approach not only strengthens the support network for those on the frontline but also promotes a shared commitment to the well-being of survivors.
Community building is a key element in Shivangi's model, recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing gender-based violence. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, Shivangi empowers frontline workers to navigate the challenges they face collectively. This community-centric approach amplifies the impact of individual efforts, creating a network of support that transcends geographical boundaries.
Shivangi envisions an ideal service that integrates the best of both worlds—melding traditional Eastern values with a Western problem-solving approach. Her model embraces the Eastern ideals of interdependence, sisterhood, and support, recognizing the strength in communal bonds. Simultaneously, it incorporates a Western problem-solving approach that emphasizes action based on options discussed collaboratively with caregivers and leverages the availability of social service resources.
Shivangi's teaching philosophy and caregiving model reflect a commitment to creating a world where gender-based violence is not only understood but actively combated through shared knowledge, support networks, and transformative action. Join us in redefining the discourse around gender-based violence and building a future based on compassion, understanding, and empowerment.
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