Pink Saris 2010
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-0606
Produced by Kim Longinotto
Directed by Kim Longinotto
DVD , color, 96 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Domestic Violence, Human Rights, Multicultural Studies, Women’s Studies
Date Entered: 01/13/2011
Reviewed by Gloria Maxwell, Reference Librarian, Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City, MOSampat Pal, a member of India’s lowest caste, known as the Untouchables, was married at age 12. She was forced out of her town for disobeying her in-laws. This is typical for many young girls and women in India, even today. She now lives in another village with her partner, who is from the highest caste, while she is of the lowest caste. Her village is in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state’s Banda District. It was here that Sampat Pal founded the Gulabi Gang, a group of women who are recognized by the pink saris they wear. "Gang" stands for not being submissive and "Pink" for women. Sampat Pal is known throughout India for her work with the Pink Gang, which was established to force the police to take action against the abuse and mistreatment of young girls and women. Many girls are married at age twelve, even though it’s against the law. Girls are expected to live with their in-laws, who are frequently the source of abuse and even rape. In a divorce, the girl’s family will not take her back, so she is essentially homeless and without resources. Unmarried girls who become pregnant are often killed by their families. These are the types of abuse and mistreatment that Sampat strives to correct.