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.
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