Blank Noise

Champions change against street harassment, empowering individuals to confront and redefine the issue through powerful interventions and shared stories

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About

  • Headquarters

    Bangalore, Karnataka

  • Since

    2003

Blank Noise emerged as a pioneering global initiative addressing street harassment, countering the dismissive term "eve-teasing" that criticised the p Read moreervasive issue. Between 2003 and 2012, the collective collaborated with a growing community of 'Action Sheroes,' 'Action Heroes,' and 'Action Theyroes' to raise awareness about street harassment, redefine it, and challenge it head-on. This community built a repository of testimonials, driving powerful real-world interventions informed by these stories. Blank Noise's interventions aim to reshape the current atmosphere of fear, blame, and caution surrounding the issue. It champions the belief that everyone possesses the potential to combat gender-based violence. These individuals take active roles in addressing the problem. Through diverse media interventions like videos, audio recordings, performances, and posters, Blank Noise has ignited public discussions on sexual violence, fostering a safe platform for survivors' voices. Its approach dismantles women's fear-driven relationships with urban environments, creating an inclusive and informed dialogue fueled by the collective's own lived experiences and insights.

Demographies Served

Programs

  • I Never Ask For It Mission

    Blank Noise's "I Never Ask For It" mission aims to counter victim-blaming by gathering clothing testimonies. This ongoing initiative encourages individuals to share the clothes they wore during experiences of sexual violence, turning these garments into witnesses and voices of those encounters. By 2023, the goal is to collect 10,000 garment testimonials, symbolizing unity against victim-blaming. Through this mission, Blank Noise seeks to provide a healing process for survivors, where their voices are heard and believed, ultimately shifting public perception and fostering collective responsibility. Over the years, thousands of contributors, including Action Sheroes, allies, and institutions, have built this mission, gaining recognition from various media outlets.

  • Reporting to Remember Programme

    Blank Noise's "Reporting To Remember" initiative addresses the systemic victim blaming that perpetuates violence against women. Across cultures and nations, violence has often been excused in the name of honour, culture, and more, leading to a blame and shame culture that silences survivors. This environment has tragically led to suicides among women and girls who fear not being believed. This interconnected web of victim blaming sustains a cycle of violence and is deeply ingrained in collective memory. "Reporting To Remember" is a collaborative research project committed to documenting instances of sexual and gender-based violence that have been justified through victim blaming. It empowers individuals to become active contributors, aiming to challenge victim blaming, preserve memory, and foster systemic change.

  • Meet to Sleep Programme

    "Meet To Sleep" is a collective feminist movement involving sleeping outdoors as a form of protest. This action challenges the fear and warnings ingrained in women's experiences, aiming to create a new narrative within public spaces. By sleeping together, participants resist the need for constant vigilance, offering a new perspective on their bodies and surroundings. This movement signifies the right to be vulnerable and defenceless, working to establish a fresh collective memory rooted in pride and belonging. The initiative emphasizes healing and transformation, replacing fear, shame, and violation with solidarity and empowerment. Collaborating with feminist allies, women's rights organisations, and collectives worldwide, "Meet To Sleep" underscores the strength of feminist organising and solidarity. Initiated by Jasmeen Patheja in 2008, the movement's first public action occurred in 2014.

  • Talk To Me Programme

    Talk To Me is an intervention program conducted by Blank Noise, which aims to defuse tension and hostility in potentially threatening situations. Two strangers are brought together for a one-hour conversation where they sit face-to-face and discuss various topics, excluding sexual violence. Invitations are extended to strangers through multilingual letters, encouraging them to engage over tea and samosas. The dialogue encompasses subjects such as fears, hopes, and dreams, fostering connection and understanding between individuals. Conducted by Action Sheroes, Theyroes, and Heroes from Blank Noise, this initiative contributes to the creation of safe urban environments and spaces, inviting others to join as well.

  • Being Idle Programme

    Being Idle is an initiative by Blank Noise that invites women and girls to reclaim their status as citizens by embracing a state of bold idleness. This movement, active from 2006 to 2009, empowers participants to become Action Sheroes, Heroes, or Theyroes by rejecting societal warnings, engaging in eye contact, and standing idly against city railings. This practice allows them to redefine their relationship with their urban environment. Blank Noise chapters across India, including cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and more, encouraged citizens to join this movement, fostering solidarity and unity. Through various online platforms and communication channels, Being Idle Action Sheroes/Theyroes/Heroes communities were formed, bringing people together to challenge social norms and advocate for change.

Leadership Team

  • Jasmeen Patheja

    Founder, Director, Facilitator & Trustee

  • Kosturi Ghosh

    Pro Bono Advisor

  • Andrea Coleman

    Team Member

  • Srilatha Batliwala

    Team Member

  • Karuna Nundy

    Advisor

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    0-5

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • FCRA

    Not Available

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    BLANK NOISE C/O SRISHTI INSTITUTE OF ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY YELAHANKA, NEW TOWN, Bangalore, 560064

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit