Who We Are
Founded in 2023, The Penn Collective Trust is a feminist organization working towards gender justice, bodily autonomy, and political participation for women in Tamil Nadu.
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Let's practice politics
Women's History Month & 3rd Anniversary — Aan Pavam & Summa Dhan Iruken
Celebrating Women's History Month and The Penn Collective's 3rd anniversary with two special sessions on 7 & 8 March 2026. Registration is mandatory but free.
Read MoreJustice at Crossroads — Addressing Gender-Based Violence & Systemic Failures
A Republic Day special discussion on Violence Against Women from a rights perspective, held on 26th January 2025 at Ashok Nagar, Chennai, hosted in collaboration with Her Stories. The session explored the history of women's rights movements and special laws in India, examined contemporary issues, and discussed socio-political and judicial reforms as solutions. The event honoured the 15 women who played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. The team was primarily made up of men as allies, contributing to the dialogue.
Read MoreDistrict-Level Gender Sensitisation and Elimination of Violence Against Women, Tirupattur
The Penn Collective was privileged to be part of the District-Level Gender Sensitisation programme organised by the District Court of Tirupattur under the guidance of the Madras High Court on 22nd February 2025. Beneficiaries included judges, advocates, bar council members, police officials, district-level nodal officials, and school and college students. Ms. Poorani handled a session on Sex, Gender, Gender-Based Violence, international conventions and constitutional provisions to ensure gender equality and eliminate violence against women.
Read MoreNamma Vazhkai Sama Vazhkai — Feminism in Everyday Life Online Campaign
The Penn Collective launched the online campaign "Namma Vazhkai Sama Vazhkai (Our Life Equal Life) — Feminism in Everyday Life" from 26th February to 6th March 2025. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and promote gender equality in daily actions — in workplaces, schools, homes, and communities. Participants were invited to share stories, experiences, and ideas through photos, videos, or creative posts on social media, followed by an offline event in Chennai.
Read MoreFrom Grassroots to Government: Women's Path to Political Empowerment — Erode
In collaboration with the Erode Parenting Hub and Denara Studio, The Penn Collective organised a half-day session on "From the Grassroots to the Government – Pathways to Women's Political Empowerment" on 1st March 2025 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Set against the backdrop of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, the session focused on equipping women to participate in politics as empowered candidates and awakened electors, and witnessed active discussion on women entering politics with the right understanding.
Read MoreBuilding One's Power and Community — in Collaboration with Global Shapers Community, Chennai
On International Women's Day, 8th March 2025, Co-founder Ashweetha conducted an online session in collaboration with the Global Shapers Community, Chennai. The session explored the importance of observing and asking "Why" for growth, books and education as tools for empowerment, the power of choice and overcoming societal expectations, and understanding personal, positional, and relational power — with a focus on why relational power is the key to long-term success for young women.
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