There was always a need to revolutionize the job system for married women. They, who wanted to get back to work after marriage or after having a baby or suffering a tragedy, face a lot of difficulties in resuming their careers.
We all know that the Indian society is a bit thorny towards a women’s career. Sadly, that’s an unsaid fact. But, we are fortunate enough to have initiatives like the SheRoes café in Lucknow, situated opposite to Dr. Ambedkar park in Gomti Nagar.
It is an initiative by Alok Dixit, founder of Sheroes, and Chhanv Foundation. It came into existence when the them Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav, was intrigued by the idea that a cafe can support acid attack survivors.
Sheroes Lucknow was opened in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Mahila Kalyan Nigam. Akhilesh Yadav thought of opening many such cafes in Uttar Pradesh to support more women.
Sheroes Cafes is no ordinary cafe
It is an entrepreneurial project started to help the survivors in their career by training and preparing them for the future, are run by brave women. They have proven to be more stronger and courageous. They made sure they won't be dependent on anyone for their livelihood.
These brave women, who are acid attack survivors, make the existence of SheRoes café so special.
11 facts why Shereos Cafe Lucknow is most loved and most special hangout place in Lucknow for Lucknowites:
1) Sheroes Cafe is run by acid attack survivors
It is run by acid attack survivors, women who dare to live their life. These women come from various spheres, and some haven’t even visited a restaurant before working here.
They are out casting the tag of “victims” and renaming it as fighters. This is one café in Lucknow city where inspiration and coffee are served on the same table.
2) Sheroes Cafes regularly host events
If you follow them on social media, you would find that they keep on hosting events like book launches, debates, music events, open mic sessions, social awareness program, etc.
It’s very hard to find such a happening café in Lucknow. You can follow them today itself to stay tuned with the events at Sheroes café Lucknow!
Darsheel Safary, Deepika Padukone and other celebrity had come to Sheroes Cafe for their event in Lucknow.
3) Sheroes Cafe sparks bibliophile inside you
It’s one of a kind of place which can spark the bibliophile inside you. They have a shelf full of books to read. Even kids’ books are available at SheRoes café Lucknow.
It’s best at evening, where with a coffee mug, you can enjoy you a good read peacefully. Consider dropping in at the Café in the evening soon.
4) Sheroes Cafe sells hand-made jewelry
Great news!!! This café also sells hand-made jewelry and crafts. These jewelry items are made by Kavita Verma, an acid attack survivor who works at SheRoes Café Lucknow and recently started making paper jewelry.
She makes some really colorful earrings and bangles which can go very well with your next ethnic wear. You will not return without carrying a shopping bag while coming out of SheRoes when you visit there. #SheDreamsAgain.
5) Sheroes Cafe peaceful atmosphere
A coffee/tea is always served with an ear to ear smile. Not only the coffee served to you is warm but also people serving them are warm-hearted. Some of the brave women working there at SheRoes are supporting their family or their own case hanging in the court.
They are not just brave but also beautiful inside out. You can also volunteer to be among them in the cafe in your free time.
Many writes and artist gather here for Inspiration as Coffee and inspiration are served on the same table. And trust me, it will give you a lot of peace!
6) Sheroes Cafe menu
The Sheroes café menu has variety for everyone. I would recommend you to try out their Thali, in case you are really very hungry. For casual takes, try SheRoes hot spicy vegetable noodles along with aromatic coffee.
In fact, you can have this foodgasm at home also. SheRoes Café has collaborated with food delivery companies like Zomato, Swiggy, etc. to deliver food at your doorstep.
7) Sheroes Cafe real life heroes
Sheroes café Lucknow provides you an excellent opportunity to meet real life Hero. An acid attack survivor takes about 3-4 years to recover from the injury. The injury leaves scar physically as well as on their seft-esteem.
8) Sheroes Cafe provides an open air ambiance as well
Sheroes cafe Lucknow premises have many section including Books, jewelry it also has an area completely open air where you can sit, talk, meet or sing together.
9) Lucknowites love for Sheroes Cafe
However, in year 2018 UP government has ordered to close down the Sheroes cafe. The Uttar Pradesh Mahila Kalyan Nigam has stated that it does not want to continue this project without giving a good reason. As by few sources, the close down was ordered for the construction of some public project. Many Lucknowites came forward together signing the petitions and doing social activity. They demanded government to take back the closing order for Sheroes Hangout Cafe. Later Government drooped the plan of closing Sheroes Cafe. Sheroes cafe stayed strong and won, like the brave ladies who run it.
10 - Sheroes from Survivors
Here at Sheroes hangout Lucknow they undergo behavior training to rejuvenate their life. Also, they are associated with King George Medical University (KGMU) where they undergo dozens of plastic surgeries. It takes a lot to become Sheroes from a Survivor. Sheroes is a remarkable effort in helping in uplifting their self-esteem, which is belittled by some members of this society. This place welcomes you so warmly that you can't help but endear them.
11- Chhapaak Movie tribute to Sheroes
Chhapaak Movie based on the real life acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal where Deepika Padukone plays Laxmi Agarwal. This movie is a tribute to the brave acid attack surivor with social message to stop acid attack. Two of the brave ladies from Sheroes Hangour form lucknow have also acted in the movie. Sheroes Cafe run by acid attack survivor has also been in the news with the release of this movie. Deepika Padukone also celebrated her 34th Birthday at Sheroes Cafe Lucknow.
It is an inspiring hangout, where you can actually find your inner peace. It tells us the stories of these brave spirited women who refuse to bow down and instead become warrior from survivor.
You can find warriors like these in Agra and Udaipur, where new waves of feminism are inspiring to all. It means, you will find SheRoes Café in Agra and Udaipur as well!
Interestingly one such kind of place is ECHOES café in Delhi and Bangalore.