Oh my gosh, my friend Ben and I had so much fun hanging out with the staff of Sheroes Hangout for a few days. They are ALIVE with playfulness, a great sense of community with each other, and engaging the world in advocating to stop acid attacks. The cafe was consistently packed with people both from India and many other countries who want to learn more and support this effort. Sheroes Hangout pulses with activity, inspiration and hope. I had tears in my eyes when we said goodbye. Big hugs to my sisters and brothers at Sheroes. I will never forget you!
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- A sign at the front counter listing resources for acid-attack survivors.
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- The view of Sheroes from the street
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- The cozy cafe is quite often packed. That TV screen is usually running a short video educating people about acid attacks and stories of survivors.
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- Rupa’s acid attack
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- Rupa and me
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- It’s in Hindi, so I can’t understand a word of it – but I’m sure it’s great!
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- Bala’s acid attack
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- (New Canadian friend!) Taelor, Dinesh and Bala using Google Translate to talk between Hindi and English
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- Madhu’s acid attack
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- Ben and Madhu each displaying their Om symbols
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- Geeta and Neetu’s acid attack
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- Neetu and Geeta with Ben in a sari, which was entirely Geeta’s doing. We found someone more mischievous than Ben!
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- Rukaiya’s acid attack
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- Rukaiya and Neetu delighting in Ben’s Muppets
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- The crew in the kitchen, lead by the multi-talented Dinesh (in burgundy)
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- Rupa and Taelor laughing through the absurdly inaccurate translations of Google Translate
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- Dinesh pinning a white ribbon pin on Ashish, symbolizing men’s efforts to stop violence against women
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- Neetu looking sassy in sunglasses
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- Imagine running a cafe where the kitchen is upstairs! Everyone on staff has great calves.
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- Look at those laughing faces!
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- Ashish and Ketan asked Ben and me to do a Facebook Live about engaging men in stopping violence against women and girls on Sheroes’ Facebook Page. Here we are with Ashish, relaxed and relieved after it’s done!
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- Ketan filming one of Ben’s pitches for financial support to relocate Sheroes Hangout
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- The Sheroes Hangout symbol “My Beauty Is My Smile”
