Press release: “Once a Sakhi, always a Sakhi” Gala

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Sakhi’s 27th Anniversary Honorees

Abigail Disney & Pierre Hauser, Daphne Foundation
Master of Ceremonies
Roshini Raj, MD., Author and Media Personality

Friday, May 6th, 2016
Gotham Hall, New York City

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Senti Sojwal, 

MARCH 7, 2016 — This coming May 6th, 2016, New York’s first South Asian women’s organization, Sakhi for South Asian Women, will celebrate an incredible 27 years of service and advocacy at historic Gotham Hall with the “Once a Sakhi, Always a Sakhi” Gala.

Throughout its history, Sakhi for South Asian Women has fought to unite survivors, communities, and institutions to eradicate domestic violence and form healthy communities. This is a historic year for Sakhi as they launch their Sexual Assault Program to provide further trauma-informed care and support to those in need. Sakhi’s philosophy of empowerment has always centered first on supporting women’s agency and empowering survivors to regain charge of their lives and see themselves as positive agents of change.

Sakhi’s upcoming gala will honor Abigail Disney (filmmaker, philanthropist, scholar, activist), and husband Pierre Hauser, co-founders of The Daphne Foundation and longtime Sakhi supporters. The foundation, of which Sakhi is honored to have been a grantee since 1998, has made millions of dollars in grants on issues including women’s rights, AIDS advocacy, children’s health, labor conditions, violence, incarceration and community organizing. Through the foundation, Ms. Disney and Mr. Hauser provide ongoing general operating support to their grantees, along with grants for technical assistance, infrastructure improvement, and resource development.

“As a longtime advocate for women’s rights and gender justice, I am thrilled to be part of Sakhi for South Asian Women’s 2016 gala,” says Ms. Disney. “Throughout Sakhi’s 27 year history, they have championed the needs of survivors, fought for New York’s South Asian community, and empowered women to take back control of their lives. I’m honored to be a part of this celebration of Sakhi’s achievements, and look ahead to the exciting work they have planned for the future.”

The “Once a Sakhi, Always a Sakhi” celebration will be emceed by Dr. Roshini Raj, who wears many hats as a certified gastroenterologist and internist, parent, author, media personality, and most recently co-founder of TULA, a healthy-living brand.

“This is an exciting year for Sakhi for South Asian Women,” says Executive Director Shalini Somayaji. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating so many different groups and individuals who have been intrinsic to our success as an organization. As we continue to grow and adapt to better serve and advocate for New York’s South Asian women and immigrant communities, I’m grateful to take a moment to celebrate the supporters who have encouraged us every step of the way. We are nothing without our community.”

Though Sakhi has come a long way since the five women who gathered twenty-seven years ago to make a positive community impact, the heart and drive of the organization remains the same: to empower women to live their best lives.

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