Sama – Resource Group for Women and Health is based in Delhi, and is working on issues related to women and health. The organisation was founded in 1999 by a group of feminists who were part of the autonomous women’s movement, which views health from a broader perspective and finds linkages of women’s well being with various determinants of health.
Sama originated from discussions with women’s groups engaged in health advocacy, many of whom were involved in Shodhini, a women’s health initiative. Shodhini focused on sharing the experiences of women who united to pursue a woman-centred approach, offering a viable alternative to the existing dominant healthcare systems. This initiative was driven by two clearly defined objectives:
- To seek to understand traditional healers and their healing practices, document their use of herbs, preparation of herbal remedies and practice of non-herbal healing, including some of the practices that accompany the process of healing.
- To help women take charge of their bodies through a process of self-help so that they understand the body, its rhythms, as well as its power.
Recognising the pressing need for a dedicated resource group focused on women’s health, several founders, alongside various women’s collectives, came together following the Shodhini research project. They resolved to establish and formally register a resource group aimed at tackling health issues affecting women and other marginalised communities. Through initiatives centred on capacity building, research, advocacy, and knowledge creation, Sama emerged as a collaborative endeavour to provide an alternative approach to women’s health.
Origin of the name
When we started planning to register a women’s health resource group in 1998, we were discussing with the women and other community-level groups and other peer groups what they wanted the name to be. Everyone from our communities—from rural, peri-urban bustees, and tribal communities—suggested that we capture the vision of equality in the name and in the logo. Everyone’s health should be equal, regardless of their class, caste, or gender. Then the name emerged as Sama. Another founder member said it holds a meaning of listening in Sufi … listening to the stories of women, women from underprivileged backgrounds. It also represents the ambience or atmosphere, where equality is a core value. Everyone agreed, and the name emerged.
It was sounded out to the founders and other peer women’s groups, and it was finalised as Sama – Resource Group for Women and Health, which will promote equality in health. Women from rural areas who believe in equality gave the group its name.
The logo also represents equality, which is an inherent part of Sama’s philosophy and vision. The logo is a traditional design drawn by many rural women in South India. We found it appropriate, as the four sides measure equally and fully captures the essence of the organisation.