Avala Hejje

We have a dream.

We have a dream that one day the world belongs equally to women.

We have a dream that one day women claim their rightful space everywhere from playgrounds to boardrooms.

“Avala Hejje” (Kannada phrase that means “Her Steps”) is a social initiative, started by Shanthala Damle in 2017, with a dream to see women's foot prints everywhere from playgrounds to boardrooms. We believe that when women step forward, the society takes a leap. For the first seven years, personality development workshops, achievers’ interview series, and annual innovative programs were conducted. Many individuals, including Lekha Naidu, Usha Sampathkumar, Suma Annegowda, Surabhi Renukambike, Deepa Girish, Girija Akki from Raichur, and Shruti Kale, have provided their support and made a significant impact. Watch this short video about intial years of Avala Hejje

In 2024, 'Gubbivani Trust' extended its support to the vision of 'Avala Hejje', marking a significant development. Gubbivani Trust, which has been actively working in Mysuru for several years in the fields of civil rights and education, has entered into a mutual agreement to conduct its women empowerment programs under the title 'Avala Hejje'. Under the leadership of Malavika Gubbivani, a joint initiative has been launched to build sisterhood networks, support systems, and women’s communities.

A major initiative for 2025 is the organization of a special short film festival and competition exclusively for women filmmakers and directors of Karnataka. This festival will soon be officially announced in collaboration with Prerana Gopal.

Avala Hejje's Programs

Avala Hejje is a platform for women who aspire to reach their full potential and to fulfil their dreams. Our various programs are designed to enable women to come together, to learn from each other and to become go-getters.

Sisterhood Network: A joint program with "Gubbivani Trust" of Mysore, we are building not only strong networks, but also support systems to face adversities for women.

Balaga: Balagas are small groups of women that facilitate an environment for women to learn, grow and support each other, while upholding the principle of Sisterhood. Jointly with "Gubbivani Trust", we are training women to form Balagas at a college, workplace, residential areas, professional groups, etc.

Personality Development Workshops: are designed to equip women with practical and proven tools to recognise the barriers and to find keys to achieve their full potential.

“Karnataka’s Daughters” Series: A program to document contemporary women achievers in various fields.

Kannadati Utsava: An annual festival to celebrate the stories and experiences of women who have contributed to building our world.