Survivors must be believed: Somy Ali on making India safe

Somy Ali

Somy Ali, a former Bollywood actress and founder of the non-profit organization No More Tears, emphasizes the need for women to feel safe as a true celebration of womanhood, especially on International Women's Day

Somy Ali

Ali highlights the importance of believing survivors of abuse, sharing her own experiences of being ostracized and dismissed when she spoke out against powerful men

Somy Ali

She advocates for real change in India, beyond just laws, calling for effective enforcement, protection, and societal shifts to support women

Somy Ali

Ali proposes the establishment of domestic violence shelters in rural villages, staffed by women and trained security personnel, to provide safe havens for abuse survivors

Somy Ali

Education on topics like stranger danger and body autonomy is crucial, according to Ali, as prevention begins with awareness from a young age

Somy Ali

She draws inspiration from women like Malala Yousafzai, Mukhtaran Mai, and Michelle Obama, who have defied oppression and made significant impacts

Somy Ali

Ali acknowledges Indian advocates like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone for their work in human rights and mental health, while also honoring the unnamed women who fight against domestic violence and trafficking

Somy Ali

Her message to women is one of resilience and strength, asserting that truth and justice will prevail despite attempts to silence them

Somy Ali

Ali expresses her determination to continue fighting for change in India, her father's homeland, with a vision of a world where survivors are heard and believed from the outset

Somy Ali

She concludes with an empowering message to survivors, likening them to seeds that grow despite attempts to bury them, emphasizing that they will never be silenced again