Founded in 1989, Sakhi for South Asian Women strives to end violence against women, working with survivors and their families to build stronger communities. In 2003 Mr. Chalasani worked with the organization to establish a scholarship fund in memory of his late sister. Named the Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund, the scholarship provides funds for women who are socially or economically deprived. These women also can receive education or vocational training.
Each year the organization highlights its efforts and raises funds at its annual gala. With the theme Gender Justice: A Future for All, this year’s event was held on May 4 at Tribeca Three Sixty in New York City. Leading women’s advocates and community supporters gathered to honor Reshma Saujani, the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, and Yasmeen Hassan, the global executive director of Equality Now. At the event, Sakhi announced it partnered with Girls Who Code to offer a coding club. The gala raised more than $320,000, which will fund youth programs and client services.