Season 7 Episode 4 - South Asian Men in the Gender Justice Movement

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Did you know that in 2023, over 51,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or family members? (UN Women)

Violence against women is often seen as a “women’s issue”, but it’s not! Since most acts of gender-based violence are committed by men, men must also be part of the solution.

In this episode of the Maitri Podcast, we sit down with two inspiring community leaders — Dr. Dasharath Yata, Executive Co-Director of SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness), and Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the South Asian Network (SAN). Together, they explore how men can engage in the movement for gender justice and help build safer, more compassionate communities.

This conversation is a reminder that ending gender-based violence requires all of us — and that change begins in the everyday moments: in our homes, friendships, and communities. Please share this interesting conversation with all men in your networks. 

Our Guest speakers: 

Dr. Dasharath Yata, Executive Co-Director of SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness) is a passionate advocate for the South Asian community in Minnesota, leading programs that promote health, wellness, and social justice. SEWA-AIFW has been dedicated to bringing “Total Family Wellness” to the Twin Cities community since 2004. We have continued to expand and adapt to meet the needs of our community. Visit: https://www.sewa-aifw.org/

 Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the South Asian Network (SAN) brings decades of experience organizing and empowering minority communities, advocating for civil rights, and building interfaith solidarity. South Asian Network is a community-rooted resource serving, supporting, & advocating for the South Asian community: Visit: https://southasiannetwork.org/#

Maitri Podcast Host: Nandini Ray, Sr. Manager, Outreach, Prevention & Policy Advocacy

Maitri is a free, confidential, nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that primarily helps families and individuals from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict. 

Visit: www. maitri.org