Sambhali Trust works to protect the children of Jodhpur from sexual abuse and helps teens navigate puberty through its Aadarsh program. Led by staff member Vimlesh Solanki, it was the first educational program to address the issue of sexual abuse openly in Jodhpur.

"For us, dignity is not a privilege—it’s a basic right. Garima is about making people feel seen, safe, and strong. It’s a journey of healing and hope, not just for the LGBTQIA+ community, but for society at large," says Govind Rathore, founder of Sambhali Trust.

Sambhali takes a holistic approach. It provides education, vocational training, protection from gender-based violence, and legal and psychological support. Until now, one critical gap remained: addressing the health and wellness needs of the people they serve.

Sambhali Trust opened a new project called Sarai, which means “resting place.” Located in the heart of Jodhpur, the Sarai building beautifully illustrates Sambhali’s goal of providing holistic support for the community it serves.

The Sambhali U.S. Board of Directors recently added three wonderful new members, Nishita Challa, Ellie Hamburger, and Lynn Broadbent, each of whom brings great experience, passion, and energy to move Sambhali U.S. forward.  

This fall, Sambhali Trust launched its latest center of refuge for those facing discrimination and marginalization. Sambhali Sarai, which means “resting place”, provides emergency shelter for women escaping gender-based violence and for members of the LGBTQ+ community facing violence or who have been turned out by their families.  

By creating and sustaining self-help groups, the women at Sambhali have given themselves an opportunity for economic participation and a sense of self-worth.

The impact of the vocational training program at the Sambhali Empowerment Centers is evident in the lives of the woman who participate.

Education through Sambhali has transformed Samta and Sonu’s lives.

The Aadarsh workshops in schools teach changes happening during puberty, sexual abuse and harassment, internet safety, and avoiding crime.

The Jaisalmer program’s route to success was fraught with many challenges and is a reminder of what women and girls here must themselves overcome to obtain an education.

Nidhi recently defied all the odds and decided to stand up for herself and her children by re-enrolling in the sewing center and education classes at Fatima.

After years of studying hard to make up for the poor education Priya received at village schools, she became the first Sheerni girl to graduate from secondary school and the first to attend college.

Rajshree became a tutor at Sheerni and today she heads Sambhali Trust’s education program.

In her journey from a small child in a rural village to a confident college student in the city, Manisha found her passion for helping others and gained her voice as a role model for generations to come.

The pandemic strengthened the people and programs of Sambhali.

At an age when she should have been living her life as any other child playing with dolls and reading books, Saroj Juliya was instead a child bride.

Rita, 52 years old, has been with Sambhali Trust for over 12 years, making her one of the most senior and most experienced team members.

Kelly describes meeting the girls at the Sheerni Boarding Home as life-changing.

Girls are strong, girls are powerful, and girls deserve access to education.