2025
SHG Shakthi — Building Women Entrepreneurs, in Collaboration with MCC & ASHA Nivas
On 10th October 2025, Ms. Poorani of The Penn Collective interacted with 30+ women from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Chennai at Valleeswaran Thottam, as part of the Community Organising initiative of MSW students from MCC College and ASHA Nivas Social Service Centre. The session focused on women's entrepreneurship and transformative leadership, sharing best practices and drawing energy from the inspiring women participants.
Read MoreSouth Asia Young Women's Empowerment Academy, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ms. Poorani represented India (one of five young women selected) at the South Asia Young Women's Empowerment Academy, a three-day intensive workshop held from 16th–18th September 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Organised by International IDEA, UN Women Sri Lanka, and iKNOW Politics, supported by the European Union, the academy built skills and capacities through technical, interactive, and peer-learning modules. On Day 3, Poorani served as a lead discussant on "Access to Political Resources for Women" and shared The Penn Collective's upcoming Thaenkoodu initiative.
Read MoreBreaking Barriers, Building Futures: Women at the Helm of Local Democracy
On 31st August 2025 in Chennai, The Penn Collective hosted "Breaking Barriers, Building Futures – Women at the Helm of Local Democracy". The event began with the documentary "Avalidam Arasiyal" celebrating women Panchayat Presidents, followed by a panel discussion on barriers women leaders face. A street play by the Senkanthal Kalai Kuzhu wing depicted the struggles of women aspiring to enter politics. The Penn Collective also launched two initiatives: (1) Thaenkoodu — capacity building and mentorship for 100 women aspiring to run in the 2026 local body elections, and (2) Senkanthal — the cultural vertical of The Penn Collective using arts as advocacy.
Read MorePanel Discussion — Political Decentralisation and Gender Equity: Women's Participation in Local Governance
"Avalidam Arasiyal" was launched at the Madras School of Social Work, Chennai on 4th August 2025, with a panel discussion on "Political Decentralisation and Gender Equity: Women's Participation in Local Governance". Panelists included Dr. Kripa Ananth Pur and Ms. Kalpana Satish. The panel was moderated by Ms. Poorani from The Penn Collective, followed by a documentary screening.
Read MoreDiscussion on Women and Youth in Politics — in Collaboration with Schrodinger's Cat
On 12th July 2025, The Penn Collective in collaboration with Schrodinger's Cat hosted a discussion on "Women and Youth in Politics" at Agaram Foundation, Chennai. With Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and local body elections approaching, the session explored needs and ways to equip participants to become more politically engaged. The discussion left participants with many questions and answers unfolding in their own minds.
Read MoreChennai Street Play Festival — Veedhi Naadaga Vizha, in Collaboration with Kael Theatre
The Penn Collective participated in the Veedhi Naadaga Vizha (Street Play Festival) on 12th April 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM at Madras School of Social Work, organised by Kael Theatre. The festival celebrated the lives and works of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Safdar Hashmi, Badal Sircar, and other feminists and theatre artists during Social Justice Month. Entry was open to all and free.
Read MoreBook Launch and Review — "Basthi" by Thozhar Grace Banu, in Collaboration with Thirunangai Press
On 4th April 2025 in Chennai, The Penn Collective participated in the book launch and review of "Basthi" by Thozhar Grace Banu, in collaboration with Thirunangai Press. The book was reviewed by Divya, an IT professional, and Poorani from The Penn Collective, sparking a powerful and inspiring discussion.
Read MoreReclaiming Feminism — Movie Screening and Discussion
On 30th March 2025, 45+ people across ages and gender identities gathered in Chennai for "Reclaim Feminism: Movie Screening and Discussion", hosted at Agaram Foundation. Participants watched the documentary "Feminists: What Were They Thinking?", which portrays the lives of feminists who spearheaded the various waves of feminism. The screening was followed by an insightful discussion with personal reflections on lived experiences in a patriarchal society. The Penn Collective also celebrated its two-year journey, ending with the distribution of the "Penn En Adimai Aanal" book.
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.
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 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 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 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 More2024
Dream Building and Leadership for Adolescent Girls — Sakhi Annual Event, Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur
The Penn Collective concluded 2024 with a session on Dream Building and Leadership for adolescent girls at Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur on 27th December 2024, as part of the Sakhi Annual Event organised by Nalandaway Foundation. The session introduced concepts of sex, gender, and patriarchy, and discussed gaps in access to opportunities and role models for young girls at the intersections of gender, caste, and other marginalisations.
Read MoreWorkshop on Policymaking — SUSTAINOVATE, Stella Maris College, Chennai
On 27th November 2024, The Penn Collective conducted a workshop on Policy Making for ~60 school and college students as part of the SUSTAINOVATE initiative of the Sustainable Development Students Hub, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Students from Economics, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Physics, Food Processing, and Commerce participated, developing innovative policy ideas linked to the SDGs 2030.
Read MoreFrom Grassroots to Government: Women's Path to Political Empowerment — Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli
On 15th November 2024 (Children's Day week), The Penn Collective hosted "From Grassroots to Government – Women's Path to Political Empowerment" for 100+ UG and PG students of Engineering and Business Administration at Francis Xavier Engineering College, Tirunelveli. The session covered gender concepts, patriarchy, data on women in politics, barriers women face, and the importance of women's voices in decision-making.
Read MoreGender Sensitization for Children and Adolescents, Kizhvillivalam Village, Vandavasi
The Penn Collective and Karpom Karpipom conducted a half-day training for 30+ adolescents at Kizhvillivalam village, Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai district on 12th October 2024. Topics included healthy adolescence, self-identity, goal-setting, leadership, gender education, patriarchy, and the importance of education. A children's parliament was formed for the village and leaders were elected democratically.
Read MoreBook Reading & Introduction — "Book of Rebellion" in Collaboration with Her Stories
On 5th October 2024, Her Stories and The Penn Collective organised a Book Reading event on "The Book of Rebellion", exploring the lives of Nellie Bly, the first woman investigative journalist, and Sarah Chapman, a labour rights activist. Guest speakers Ms. Kavitha Muralidharan, Senior Journalist, and Ms. Vaishnavi from Workers Unity Tamil, enriched the conversation on women in journalism, pay disparity, and women's representation in trade unions.
Read MorePower Plays: Deconstructing the Roots of Sexual Violence — in Collaboration with Karpom Karpipom
On 14th September 2024, The Penn Collective and Karpom Karpipom hosted a screening of the documentary "But What Was She Wearing?" followed by a 5+ hour discussion on power, violence, patriarchy, gender norms, caste, religion, capitalism, and the state of implementation of the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013. The event was attended by people across ages and genders committed to creating a world free of sexual violence.
Read MoreDoActNotReact — Protest Demanding Safety for Women in All Workplaces
On 25th August 2024, The Penn Collective joined Voice of People and other civil society organisations at a protest at Valluvar Kottam, Chennai, demanding safety for women in all workplaces. The event included representatives from IT, textile, garment, sanitary, and teaching workers, legal experts explaining the POSH Act, parai and rap performances, sloganeering, and an endorsement kiosk with 11 key demands for the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Read MoreLeadHer Forward — Gender Sensitisation and Women's Leadership, CTTE College, Chennai
The Penn Collective conducted "LeadHer Forward: Fostering Gender Sensitisation and Women's Leadership" for UG and PG students of the Department of English at Chevalier T Thomas Elizabeth (CTTE) College, Perambur, Chennai on 19th August 2024. The session explored sex, gender, gender roles and norms through activities, and covered data on women in senior leadership roles across sectors, alongside barriers women face in accessing positions of power.
Read MoreBook Reading & Discussion — "Betromax Light-eh dhan Venuma?" in Collaboration with Her Stories
As part of the "Penniyam Pazhu" series, The Penn Collective collaborated with Her Stories to host a book reading and discussion on 28th July 2024. The session explored themes from the Tamil book "Betromax Light-eh dhan Venuma?" with participants sharing reflections and engaging in vibrant conversation.
Read MoreDecoding Democracy — Indian Elections 2024
On 22nd June 2024, The Penn Collective organised "Decoding Democracy – Indian Elections 2024" at Diet-In, Chennai. The event analysed data from the Lok Sabha elections, focusing on women's representation in the current Lok Sabha, and discussed factors contributing to the decline. Ms. Pallavi, Political Trainer from Maharashtra, joined online. The event concluded with a farewell celebration for Co-Founder Ashweetha, heading to Harvard.
Read MoreBook Reading & Discussion — "Kuthama Sollala, Gunama Solrom" in Collaboration with Her Stories
The Penn Collective, in collaboration with Her Stories and author Nivedita Louis, hosted a book reading and discussion on 11th May 2024. The event covered chapters "Ellam Therindha Ekambarangal" and "Pengalum Arasiyalum" from J. Deepa Lakshmi's book. Core topics included Mansplaining and Women and Politics, and their interconnection.
Read MoreLet Us In — Offline Event & One Year Anniversary Celebration
The Penn Collective celebrated its one-year anniversary on 9th March 2024 at Bessybeach, Chennai, with the offline "Let Us In" campaign event. The event featured interactive games, advocacy for women's inclusion in political and public spaces, sloganeering, and celebrations with participants, volunteers, and supporters.
Read MoreWomen and Politics — Panel Discussion at Madras School of Social Work
The Penn Collective was invited to a panel discussion on Women and Political Empowerment among students of Social Work at Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) on 8th March 2024, International Women's Day. The discussion was organised by the Gender Equity Cell of MSSW and Feminist Association for Social Action (FASA).
Read MoreLet Us In — Online Campaign
The Penn Collective launched the "Let Us In" online campaign on 4th March 2024, ahead of International Women's Day and the one-year anniversary of the collective. Participants were invited to write "Let Us In" on their palms, take a selfie, post it on Instagram tagging @thepenncollective, and nominate other women to join.
Read MoreGender Sensitisation and Political Empowerment for Adolescent Girls, Gandhigram School, Dindigul
As part of AWARE India's week-long camp, The Penn Collective facilitated a session on Political Awareness for adolescent girls at Gandhigram Sevikashram School, Dindigul on Republic Day. The participants were introduced to women political leaders, their achievements, and pathways to pursue politics as a career. At the start, all participants drew politicians as male figures — by the end of the session, that perception shifted. Participants resolved to assume leadership roles in their villages to address local issues.
Read More2023
Constitution Day — We, The People of India
A Constitution Day special event featuring documentary screening, group discussions on constitutional values, and a gallery walk on women in the Constituent Assembly — proving that democracy thrives when people engage.
Read MoreState-Level Consultation — Child Marriage Free Tamil Nadu
The Penn Collective participated in the State Level Consultation for a Child Marriage Free Tamil Nadu, jointly organized by the Dept of Social Welfare & Women Empowerment and Kailash Satyarthi Foundation, presenting recommendations on child marriage prevention.
Read MoreStories of Sisterhood — Online Campaign
The Penn Collective's Stories of Sisterhood campaign launched on September 12, 2023, inviting women worldwide to share 3-minute videos of solidarity and sisterhood on Instagram — deconstructing the myth that women are women's worst enemies.
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Six Months Anniversary & Meet and Greet
The Penn Collective celebrated six months of impact with a Meet and Greet event, announcing the launch of the 'Stories of Sisterhood' campaign — a celebration of women's solidarity.
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Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges — Women in Politics
Ms. Ashweetha and Ms. Poorani delivered a session on Women in Politics for Populus Empowerment Network India, covering global and national statistics, challenges women face in political spaces, and the work of The Penn Collective.
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One Day Workshop — Introduction to Politics
The Penn Collective's first One Day Workshop on 'Introduction to Politics' — a day of knowledge sharing, skill building and inspiring conversations with experienced guest speakers on women in politics.
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Penniyam Pazhagu — Reclaiming Agency in Marriage
A Penniyam Pazhagu session on how the institution of marriage traumatizes men and women from childhood, examining the marriage market, economy, legislative attempts at equality, marriage-induced violence and gendered norms.
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Solidarity — Manipur Protest
The Penn Collective participated in a protest organized by the All Women's Federation condemning the violence against women in Manipur, demanding that the ruling government acknowledge its inaction.
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Penniyam Pazhagu — Women and Workplace
A Penniyam Pazhagu discussion on July 1, 2023 exploring the barriers keeping women out of the workforce, glass ceilings, structural challenges, the PoSH Act 2013, and political will needed for change.
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Training — Interns of MP Jothimani
Ms. Poorani of The Penn Collective met MP Jothimani of Karur and conducted a gender and caste sensitization session for the MP's interns, facilitated by the Indian School of Democracy.
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Solidarity — Wrestlers' Protest
The Penn Collective joined the protest at Egmore, Chennai in solidarity with Indian Women Wrestlers, demanding justice and accountability under the PoSH Act and POCSO.
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Penniyam Pazhagu — Women & Society
A series of feminist discussion sessions covering bodily autonomy, women and marriage, women and workplace — creating a space for honest conversations about patriarchy and gender justice.
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Beyond Bodies — Conversations on Objectification of Women
A powerful Penniyam Pazhagu session on May 28, 2023, discussing how women's bodies are policed, controlled and commodified by patriarchal society — from beauty standards to bodily autonomy, marriage rituals to media representation.
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EKEK Campaign — Engal Kalam Engal Kanavu
An online and offline campaign challenging women's access to public spaces. Participants photographed themselves enjoying public spaces they had always wanted to occupy, sharing stories of belongingness and solidarity.
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Gender Sensitization — AM Foundation
On April 1, 2023, a Gender Sensitisation and legal awareness program was organized for Doctors, Nurses and community healthcare professionals by the AM Foundation in association with The Penn Collective in Manali, Chennai.
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Launch of The Penn Collective
With 14% women representation in Lok Sabha and a national average of 9% for state assemblies, there is a severe dearth of women leadership in politics. On International Women's Day 2023, The Penn Collective was launched — a Non-Partisan Collective looking to redefine politics for women in Tamil Nadu.
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