Public Radio International: UC expert on Durga Vahini women who take up arms
UC's Rina Williams researches women and Hindu nationalist politics, and says women who find empowerment through an organization that spreads hate is an uncomfortable idea
In the article "Good wives, good soldiers: Durga Vahini women take up arms to protect Hindu identity", UC's associate professor of political science Rina Williams weighs in on the Hindu nationalist women's movement in India called Durga Vahini.
The women of Durga Vahini believe that Hindus face a real threat and are combat training to protect Hindu identity in India — and train women, some as young as 15, to do the same. The Durga Vahini are named after the fierce Hindu goddess known to protect society from evil.
Since 1991, the group has amassed 35,000 women across 29 states who have agreed to “launch” India on a “path of progress” — by any means necessary.
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