The Impact Project 2014

In 2006, Sampat Pal Devi formed a small group of women to fight cases of domestic violence and abuse occurring in her village in Uttar Pradesh. Today, the ‘Gulabi Gang’ has tens of thousands of members spread across the state. Wearing their famous pink saris and wielding bamboo sticks, members of the group intervene and take action on behalf of the powerless to ensure the basic rights of the poor in rural areas. Photographed by Viviane Dalles, “Pink Gang – A gang for justice” will be shown as part of THE IMPACT PROJECT, a new themed segment of the 10th Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops which will showcase stories about individuals, groups, or small organizations working to make a positive impact on social or environmental issues. Explaining the reason behind starting The Impact Project, Programme Coordinator Francoise Callier said there was a need to balance the amount of “bad news” reported by mainstream media, as well as to showcase under-reported efforts of those working hard to make a positive difference. “Yes, there are bad things happening, but good things are happening too,” she said. “I want people to remember that the actions of just one person can lead to a great change.“