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Takhelchangbam Ambravati

Takhelchangbam Ambravati (known as Ambra) is a grassroots volunteer with Women Action for Development, a local NGO near Imphal, the capital of Manipur, a state in northeast India. She visits local women to collect information about human rights violations, domestic violence and trafficking.

Journalism by Takhelchangbam Ambravati

Compensation for rape victims, or justice?

06/27/2012

Detail from a poster made by WAD (Women Action for Development), the organisation that Ambra works for - Thingnam Anjulika Samom | Panos London

A new government scheme that has been recently rolled out in Manipur offers rape victims a chance to apply for financial compensation. However, Ambra fears that while the scheme will help women financially it won’t help to bring them justice and that rapists will walk free.

From ridicule to fulfillment; ‘I have made the journey’

06/06/2012

Ambra showing her son's high school marks - Thingnam Anjulika Samom | Panos London

Talking of her own ‘journey from victimhood to self-reliance,’ Ambra blogs about how a moment of determination was the turning point for her and her sons.

Controversy as methadone treatment reaches Manipur

05/21/2012

People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and relatives lighting candles - Thingnam Anjulika | Panos London

Ambra blogs about some controversial topics around treating people with drug dependencies in Manipur. Also, a new initiative looks to diagnose HIV in infants as early as possible.

‘No alternatives’ drive HIV positive woman to sex work

04/16/2012

An AIDS awareness poster hangs in a corner of Nungshi's hut - Anjulika Thingnam | Panos London

Caring for two children can be difficult in Manipur, especially when you have no means of stable income. Some women turn to the only source of income available to them. Women Action for Development has been supporting Nungshi (not her real name) to start a new life.

‘Mob justice’ follows rape allegation

03/14/2012

A rape survivor in the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre - Sven Torfinn | Panos Pictures

Ambra’s support group is helping a young girl who became the victim of ‘mob justice’ after a Manipur policeman’s suicide put her in the firing line.

Democracy “is a farce” in Manipur polls

01/27/2012

Villagers cast their vote amidst high security in the polling station in Moirang. About 62 percent of the 802,000 registered voters voted in an incident-free second phase of Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) elections for the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency on April 22nd 2009 - Sanjit Das | Panos Pictures

The culture of elections in the state is of bribery, corruption and proxy voting. Democracy – which is based on people electing their own representatives – has become a farce of money power and muscle power.

Sensitising the community to protect women in Manipur

01/09/2012

Detail from a poster made by WAD (Women Action for Development), the organisation that Ambra works for - Thingnam Anjulika Samom | Panos London

Takhelchangbam Ambravati talks about her work in Manipur supporting women who live with domestic violence.

The story of an HIV widow

12/01/2011

A person living with HIV in Manipur, northeast India, makes ribbons for World AIDS Day

A woman had been married for just five and a half months when her husband died. While going through his possessions after his death, she found documents which showed that her husband had been HIV positive for a long time and was even taking antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

Conflict Widows’ Forum protest against violence

11/16/2011

Widows campaign against conflict in Manipur - Takhelchangbam Ambravati | Panos London

The level of violence in Manipur – both within and outside the family – is immense. So even though we have a deep conviction that our work will make a difference, our faith is put to the test many times.

Fast intervention and working together saves women’s lives

10/28/2011

Women sell knives at the “Women’s Market” in Imphal. Manipuri women have traditionally borne the brunt of economic responsibilities in the household - Takhelchangbam Ambravati | Panos London

Recently we have been trying to re-awaken and re-invigorate government departments and bodies, trying to get them involved in ensuring justice for the women who are survivors of violence and discrimination.

Takhelchangbam Ambravati