In a world where voices of dissent are often silenced, Ishtar Lakhani has emerged as a formidable force for change. Born in 1985, this South African feminist activist has dedicated her life to advocating for the marginalized, particularly sex workers, whose rights are frequently overlooked.
With a career steeped in social justice, Lakhani’s work is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and unwavering commitment to human rights. Her influence has not only been recognized in her home country but also on the global stage, earning her a spot on the prestigious BBC 100 Women list in 2020.
Early Life and Education of Ishtar Lakhani
Ishtar Lakhani’s journey towards becoming a beacon of social justice began in her early years. Born in 1985 in South Africa, a country with a complex history of apartheid and inequality, Lakhani was exposed to the realities of social injustice from a young age. This early exposure undoubtedly shaped her worldview and fueled her passion for activism.
Ishtar Lakhani attended the University of the Witwatersrand, where she pursued an MA in Anthropology, a field that deepened her understanding of cultural and social dynamics. Her academic background provided her with the tools to critically analyze societal structures and injustices, laying the foundation for her future work in advocacy.
The One in Nine Campaign: A Catalyst for Change
Lakhani’s career as an activist took root in her work with the One in Nine Campaign, a radical feminist advocacy network focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence. This campaign was named after the statistic that only one in nine women who experience sexual violence in South Africa report it to the police, highlighting the pervasive issue of underreporting due to fear, stigma, and systemic failures.
As a coordinator, Ishtar Lakhani played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of survivors and challenging the societal norms that perpetuate violence against women. Her work with the One in Nine Campaign was not just about advocacy; it was about creating a movement that demanded accountability and justice.
Love and Revolution: A Space for Activism
In addition to her work with the One in Nine Campaign, Ishtar Lakhani’s activism took a creative turn when she founded Love and Revolution, an activist bookshop, coffee shop, and community space in Johannesburg. Love and Revolution was more than just a place to grab a coffee; it was a hub for activists, thinkers, and anyone committed to social change.
Through this space, Lakhani demonstrated that activism can take many forms, from grassroots organizing to revolutionary sandwich-making. Love and Revolution became a symbol of Lakhani’s belief in the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where people can come together to share ideas, support one another, and build movements.
Advocacy for Sex Workers’ Rights
Perhaps one of Ishtar Lakhani’s most significant contributions to social justice has been her advocacy for the rights of sex workers. From 2014 to 2019, she served as the Human Rights Manager for the Sex Education and Advocacy Working Group (SWEAT) in South Africa, an organization dedicated to promoting the health and human rights of sex workers.
In this role, Lakhani worked tirelessly to challenge the stigmatization and criminalization of sex work, advocating for policies that protect the rights and dignity of sex workers. Her approach to advocacy is deeply rooted in creativity, recognizing that innovative and unconventional strategies are often necessary to bring about change.
Lakhani’s work with SWEAT extended beyond South Africa, as she collaborated with organizations worldwide to develop creative advocacy campaigns. These campaigns addressed not only the rights of sex workers but also broader issues such as bodily autonomy and integrity, countering Islamophobia, and resisting rising authoritarianism. Through her work, Lakhani has shown that the struggle for human rights is interconnected, and that advocacy for one group’s rights is inherently linked to the fight for justice for all.
The Free the Vaccine Campaign
In 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ishtar Lakhani joined the Free the Vaccine campaign, co-coordinated by the Centre for Artistic Activism and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM). The campaign aimed to ensure that a COVID-19 vaccine would be reasonably priced, available to everyone, and free at the point of delivery.
Lakhani’s involvement in this global campaign underscored her commitment to equitable access to healthcare, recognizing that the pandemic had exacerbated existing inequalities. Her work on this campaign was another example of her ability to merge creativity with activism, using art and public engagement to push for systemic change.
Recognition and Impact
Ishtar Lakhani’s contributions to social justice and human rights have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was named one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, a recognition of her influence and impact in the country. The following year, she was included in the BBC’s 100 Women list, which highlights the world’s most inspiring and influential women. These accolades are a testament to Lakhani’s dedication and the significant impact of her work.
Also Read:Ishtar Lakhani: A Passionate Advocate for Sex Workers’ Rights