Sheroes Hangout (run by acid attack survivors) – by chance, via Google search, I came across this cafe situated behind goSTOPS – backpackers hostel at Taj Nagari Phase 1, RK Puram Phase-2, Agra – a tourist area.
As per Google search, Sheroes Hangout (initially a crowdfunded project) is the brainchild of the Chhanv Foundation – an NGO founded by journalists Alok Dixit (Kanpur) and Ashish Shukla (Unnao) – renowned social activists.
Chhanv Foundation has supported hundreds of acid attack survivors by providing them with legal/medical/education/employment assistance.
The idea was to rehabilitate survivors of acid attacks.
Now, the rent of this cafe is paid by the revenue generated from the cafe having a fixed vegetarian menu with cost.
Earlier, it was ‘pay what you want.’
Salute to the two journalists who started this wonderful project.
Sheroes Hangout is not a cafe like any other. It’s unique in the world.
It was added to my list when in Agra.
I visited this cafe around the afternoon hours and the moment I entered I felt I am in a home.
The Cafe was nice and clean. One of the best beautiful unique cafes.
Timings: 10 am till 10 pm (7 days open)
I was welcomed to Sheroes Hangout by an acid attack survivor.
The ladies who work here are humble and welcoming.
I requested cold coffee (Rs. 220) which was one of the best I have ever had. Do go for cold coffee when you visit this cafe.
SHE + HEROES + HANGOUT = SHEROES HANGOUT
Sheroes Hangout is one of its kind cafe in India run by acid attack survivor women. It is an initiative to stop acid attacks.
It’s not a business. It is a movement.
This cafe brought acid attack survivors out of their isolation to face the world via cooking and serving tourists.
It is the world’s first cafe run by acid attack survivors earned praise in international media.
During setting up Sheroes Hangout, Alok Dixit met Laxmi Agarwal, whose story has been presented on the silver screen in the Deepika Padukone movie – ‘Chhapaak.’
Sheroes Hangout has given survivors the courage and skills required to become emotionally/financially secure. Several acid attack survivors are dependent on this cafe for their livelihood. Women, who at one time, wouldn’t dare step out of their homes are now happy.
“Just because someone has attacked you with acid doesn’t mean you remain indoors,” says one of the acid attack survivors.
Courageous fighters they are. Some of the women are now the primary earners in their families. They are the actual heroes.
This is not only an excellent cafe, but this is also a motivational and inspiring place.
Sheroes Hangout is popular with tourists, particularly foreigners visiting Agra.
The cafe not only gives acid attack survivors employment but also acts as a platform to raise awareness about acid attacks and in taking this issue to an international level through the tourists that the cafe attracts.
British actor Jason Isaacs AKA Lucius Malfoy during his India tour visited this cafe.
Former Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni Silveri and German First Lady Elke Büdenbender also visited this cafe.
It is also visited by Great Britain’s Miss Universe and many eminent celebrities across the globe.
Many of the patrons of the cafe are foreign tourists.
The initiative recently won Nari Shakti Award from the President Of India for all their phenomenal work.
If you like to help, donate to Chhanv Foundation, which runs the Sheroes Hangout in Agra, Lucknow, and Noida, or simply visit and have a cold coffee or meal. You can also buy souvenirs like T-shirts/Kurti/Bracelets/Slippers etc. to help the cause.
Must visit cafe. Amazing experience. Do visit once at least on your next trip to Agra/Taj Mahal. Highly recommended.
I say – Agra trip would be incomplete without visiting this cafe. I wish them loads of happiness.
