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About Us

Founded in 1996,Vikalp is a registered society,Gujarat under the "THE REGISTRATION ACT 1856". Vikalp is an organization that advocates for the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ people. We work closely with rural tribal communities, training and nurturing self-sufficient sister organizations. Vikalp, works for the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities among different genders, classes, castes, and regions. We strive for the recognition of women as equal, productive, and reproductive individuals and lobby to increase women's access to choices, social justice, health, education, and livelihood.



Vikalp evolved at the intersection of class, caste, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The organization intervenes in the everyday lives of marginalized women and LGBTQI+ people. It works to enhance access to health,education,paid work and other often-neglected aspects of the vulnerable communities' lives.

Our Mission

Vikalp's mission is to advocate for the rights and welfare of marginalized women and LGBTQIA+ people. The organization is committed to addressing issues like women’s justice, economic empowerment, and sexual rights, especially within rural and tribal communities. Through collective and grassroots movements, Vikalp works to ensure equal opportunities, promote sexual rights, and foster economic self-sufficiency for women and other vulnerable groups.

Vikalp envisions a society where gender and sexuality are not barriers to access, opportunity, or justice. The organization’s efforts aim to ensure women's recognition as equal citizens, advocating for policies that foster gender equality and social justice.

Our Approach

Vikalp’s approach is based on collectivizing and organizing community-based groups through capacity building and leadership training to achieve independence and self-sustainability. The organization focuses on empowering marginalized women and sexual minorities through collective mobilization, which has been critical in addressing issues like female literacy, women-led alternative justice mechanisms, and sexual rights.


Key methods include:


  • Formation of grassroots groups: Vikalp establishes sustainable community groups where shared responsibility and independent decision-making are central to success.

  • Creating collaborators: The organization works with community leaders, men, and other groups to create broad-based support, essential in overcoming domestic violence and other issues affecting marginalized communities.

  • Committee formations: To address specific issues, Vikalp forms committees from within the communities, allowing members to take leadership in local actions.

  • Regular Training and Leadership Development: Vikalp provides continuous training on legal rights, sexual health, and other key topics to empower vulnerable groups. The leadership development program focuses on cultivating local leaders who can champion the community’s needs, despite challenges like illiteracy, caste-based politics, and local identities.

  • Increasing participation: Vikalp encourages greater participation within its groups, as more active members lead to stronger advocacy and greater impact.
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Vikalp Crisis Center

For any queer persons in crisis, be it couples or singles needing a safe space, Vikalp Shelter is the one in times of need!

Vikalp (Women's Group) is providing upto one month of accommodation for the queer community.

Help will be provided in the form of counselling, skill buiding, job search, or wherever support is needed to get you on your feet again!

This is open to all queer folks across India.
For more details,contact:
Helpline number:+91 26535 77588 (between 10am and 6pm)
Phone: +91 9879725969(24*7)

Vikalp (Women's Group) Office:Vikalp (Women’s Group), 5/E Saptgiri Complex, Opposite Vivanta Hotel, Akota Road, Vadodara, Gujarat – 390 020, India
Below, you'll find a button that leads to inspiring stories of how we have made a difference in people's lives. Click to explore the journeys of those we've helped.

Chai Chini Cafe

Chai Chini Cafe is a cozy, inclusive space under Vikalp, where everyone, especially the queer community, can feel at home. Come hang out, sip chai, and enjoy a welcoming environment where you can truly be yourself.

Get Involved With Us

Donate

Your contribution helps us continue our work advocating for human rights and supporting marginalized communities.

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Volunteer

Join our team and make a direct impact by working on our projects and initiatives in various communities.

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Our Publications

Our NGO’s publication section features a rich collection of resources, including books on various social topics, posters showcasing impactful messages, brochures, pamphlets, and more. These materials are available for anyone interested in learning about our initiatives or exploring our campaigns.

Check out our publications ➡

Latest Articles

Pandemic Poverty – A contemporary wave

In one of the April fortnightly editions of Down to Earth, a magazine focusing on the theme of the politics of environment and development, an article by Richard Mahapatra talks about the reinstatement of a state of mass poverty in India. For most of us, the slogan of “Garibi Hatao“, popularized in the 1970s by …

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A Collaboration with Save Indian Trans All India Lives (SITAL)

September 2021 marks the 18th month since the imposition of the very first lockdown due to COVID-19 in India. For marginalized queer/trans persons living on the periphery of survival, it has been an arduous journey. The sudden lockdown created an unprecedented sense of isolation and fear, and within the blood families, problems intensified. But there …

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An Attempt to Critique “Normalcy”

Trigger Warning: The essay below mentions and describes corrective rape and homophobia, lesbophobia, and transphobia. On July 7th, 2021 Gujarati newspaper Sandesh carried an article titled “હું અને મારી બહેનપળી મેરેજ નથી કરવા માંગતા, જિંદગીભર સાથે જ રહી શકીશું?” which translates to “Me and my friend do not want to marry – can we live …

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