In the Jahajee Spirit...


Jahajee Sisters is a movement-building organization, led by Indo-Caribbean women, committed to creating a safe and equitable society. We foster solidarity and empowerment through dialogue, arts, leadership development and grassroots organizing.  

During the period of Indian Indentureship (1838-1917), Jahajee Bhai and Jahajee Bahen (ship brother and ship sister) were terms used by our ancestors to unify and support each other in the midst of the harsh voyage by sea from South Asia to the Caribbean.  Despite adversity, our ancestors were able to forge bonds, survive and thrive.  In this spirit, Jahajee Sisters seeks to build community and power to address critical issues challenging Indo-Caribbean women.

Excerpt from Bolo Bahen! Speak Sister! 

Picture

      We were once caterpillars 
      emerging from cocoons 
      now butterflies with iron wings 
      soaring to new heights. 
                      ~~~ 
      The reshaping of community
      is like blowing glass
      molded in the fire of violence 
      dipped in waters of reflection 
      creating priceless gifts 
      holding the beauty of unity.
Reflections on Jahajee Sisters' February 2010 Sister Circle:  
Self Love and Empowerment through Healing Mind, Body and Spirit

The February Sister Circle was like a simple village meeting between women of all ages, many of whom had met for the first time. Yet, the concept of sidestepping Western misinformation to share ancestral knowledge about wellness was itself revolutionary. Armed with organic teas, fruits, and above all, ancient wisdom, Ayurvedic teacher Alicia Jorawar and activist Pritha Singh pointed out the smoke and mirrors shrouding women’s health in our male-dominated society, where mothers and daughters, sisters and aunts are discouraged from speaking about our reproductive health and sexuality. They awakened us to a cultural travesty- that our modern society, as far-seeing as it appears, is utterly blind to the womb. Also, with our blind faith, we follow habits of self-neglect and self-destruction. How could I- how could you- not have been aware- not have been up in arms over this? Alicia and Pritha reminded us to honor our connection with the universe, with our wombs, and with one another. I was touched to hear women, young and old, seeking and giving advice to one another about their sexual health and relationships with their daughters and mothers. In that space and time, we had become a womb of safety and protection, and I felt the hand of Mother lifting us up in her arms, healing the absence of womanly guidance after all these years. - Sharda Shakti Singh, Participant

Sign up for updates!

Picture
Picture
Picture