Knowledge Development and Dissemination

Research and Publications

Swayam has always valued the importance of collecting and developing knowledge as well as disseminating information to our immediate and wider audiences. We conduct research on violence against women and other related issues, we then use the findings to inform our campaign strategies. Research information and data is also used as an evidential weight driving our advocacy efforts for broader social change.

Swayam also compiles reports and informative publications including posters, booklets, factsheets, short documentary films and music files. We often collaborate on various publication with other organisations for specific campaigns.

Some Research Studies

A study on the impact of domestic violence on women’s access to physical and mental health care, reproductive rights and agency through interviews with women survivors of domestic violence and the gynecologists' of public hospitals. A paper with the findings was presented at JU National Women’s Conclave in 2019.

A study on the condition of widows in shelter homes in West Bengal as part of a study initiated by the National Commission for women (NCW) in five states of India, namely, UP, Uttarakhand, Orissa, and West Bengal in 2016. The study brought to light the poor condition of shelter homes across these states, with a sharp contrast between Government run homes and private homes.

Intimate Peril: Domestic Violence against wives in West Bengal - A two site study, 2011    The study looks at the nature, extent and characteristics of domestic violence against wives in two working class communities namely Metiabruz in Kolkata and Diamond Harbour in South 24 parganas. 

Young Minds Speak- Gender Inequality and Violence Against Women. A Study on Attitudes of School Children, 2005
The study makes an assessment of school’s children’s attitudes to and experience of gender inequality, violence against women and girls particularly domestic violence and explores the belief structures that encourage gender inequality and justify gender-based violence.

Gender Equality and the Judicial System in West Bengal- A Report, 2001
The research sought to examine the nature and extent of bias against women within the judicial system, analyse how the judiciary views women who approach courts of law for redress and suggest ways in which the processes of administering justice could become more gender sensitive.

Some Publications:

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, 2005: A litigation guide and compilation of judgements - includes a section on strategies and compilation of judgements from High Courts and the Supreme Court. The book is in its second revised edition and is being used by lawyers, social activists and legal professionals to help women access their rights.

DhumDham Aye DheyeDheye, a book of rhymes for children on Gender Equality in Bengali written by the renowned social activist Kamla Bhasin. The book is being used to inculcate the idea of gender equality amongst children through a brief interactive sessions with them.

Mon EkAyna - A training manual in Bengali on working with Men and Boys on Gender Equality, originally published by CHSJ Delhi, translated from Hindi. 

Sopan - a Gender training Kit in Bengali to meet the training needs of grassroots groups and women’s groups.

Resource Directories with detailed information of support services in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly to provide easy access to information and assistance to women, children, elderly people and to organisations working with them.

A note book/planner on Domestic Violence to help women’s organisations get information and details on the issue which they can use in their work. 

Click here to see our research and publications in our Resources section- coming soon

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." 
— Margaret Fuller (American women’s rights advocate in the 19^th century)