Focus: Society

Alternative Concepts, Dialogue and Change

Our work in this field is based on two pillars. We establish and support creative social spaces in which left progressive ideas and concepts can be discussed, developed and implemented. We are also engaged in enabling and strengthening gender equality. Together with our partners in South Asia, we organise workshops, seminars and academic summer schools.

Moreover, we facilitate dialogue between social and political activists in the region. We provide the means for a strong network of people involved in processes of social as well as ecological transformation. To strengthen exchange and dialogue between activists, intellectuals and political institutions in the Asian region, we are also working closely with our RLS colleagues in the Beijing, Hanoi, Manila and Almaty offices.

Social justice and solidarity are key principles for our organisation. It is important to engage constructively with gender justice to ensure greater freedoms for all and support overall well-being. To transform gender power relations and norms, it is essential to empower every individual across the spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientation.

To learn more about our work on social transformations, take a look at the projects listed below or check out our Archive.

Making Boys Part of the Solution

EQUAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | There are many organisations and programs that fight against gender discrimination by working with girls and women. We target adolescent boys and aims at raising them in a gender equitable way.

Political Representation of Minorities in India

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF DALIT STUDIES | Despite laws to protect marginalised groups in India, such as Muslims or Dalits (formally known as ‘Untouchables’), they still face widespread discrimination in India, especially with regard to economic status and their representation in the legislature.

Engaging with the Legacy of Rosa Luxemburg

CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | The project attempts to engage with the Legacy of Rosa Luxemburg by disseminating and critically engaging her ideas on women's struggles for equality and socialism within contemporary Indian society. The project has been successfully completed in 2019.

Spaces to Discuss Marxist Theory

SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY | How relevant is Marxist thought for us today? The annual international conferences organised by the South Asian University and RLS are devoted to discussing this question and strengthening networks of people from the left political spectrum. The project has been successfully completed in 2019.

Social Movements as Actors of Change

MAHANIRBAN CALCUTTA RESEARCH GROUP | The Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal have seen the emergence of various socio-political movements during the second part of the 20th century. Although many of them decisively influenced the course of Indian politics, the social context which allowed them to emerge is still poorly understood. The project has been successfully completed in 2019.

Political Education for Nepal's Youth

CENTRE FOR NEPAL STUDIES | The Centre for Nepal Studies seeks to provide an open space for Nepali youth to come together, discuss, and learn more about current political issues. While our partner’s research and workshops lies on theoretical and practical questions of the contemporary political left, the centre also aims at establishing a network of intellectuals, political actors and youth activists in Nepal. The project was completed in 2018.

India Looks East

MAHANIRBAN CALCUTTA RESEARCH GROUP | For a long time, India did not pay much attention to its eastern neighbours and had a difficult relationship with China. Since the late 1990s however, India has begun to increase its engagement and seeks to foster strategic relations with countries in South East Asia. The project was completed in 2018.

Documenting Social Exclusion

CENTRE FOR EQUITY STUDIES | Despite considerable economic growth in recent years, many of India’s citizens still struggle to get access to basic public goods. Our partner, the Centre for Equity Studies, examines how state institutions fail to provide equal access to necessities like healthcare, sanitation and safe working conditions. The project was completed in 2018.

Promoting Women's Rights in India

CENTRE FOR WOMEN´S DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | Gender issues have increasingly become part of the Indian public debate in the last years. Despite growing public support for women’s rights, gender inequality remains strongly reinforced by patriarchal societal structures and social norms. The project was completed in 2018.

Emancipatory Pedagogy

SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY | In recent year, the Indian education system has been undergoing an extensive neoliberal transformation. Today, almost one third of all student attend private schools. In order to develop viable alternative methods of education, RLS collaborated with the South Asian University on a pilot project for the development of an alternative curriculum. The project was completed in 2015.

Gender and Work in West Bengal

SCHOOL OF WOMEN´S STUDIES | Gender plays a crucial role in the Indian labour market. The choice of profession, migration pattern or participation in workers’ unions are all fundamentally influenced by gender roles and expectations. The project was completed in 2015.

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung