Usawa Literary Review
Study Circle
A workshop-led space for unpacking gender, power, and society.
The Usawa Study Circle is an attempt to build a space for slower, more intentional conversations around gender, justice, and lived experience.
Through curated, workshop-format sessions, we explore themes such as gender, justice, and trauma — blending academic insight, personal testimony, and popular culture to spark meaningful, feminist-informed discussions. Each session brings together writers, journalists, and scholars to examine the socio-political narratives that shape our lives.
Sessions are free and open to all. We believe access to these conversations should not be a barrier. If you find value in what we do and would like to support future sessions, voluntary contributions are always welcome.
Steered by
Ankush Banerjee
Reviews Editor, Usawa Literary Review
Sessions are free, with registration required. Limited slots per session.
Nothing scheduled yet
Our next session is being planned. Follow us on Instagram @usawamag or check back here for announcements.
Session 1 · Gender & Sexual Violence
In the Aftermath — with Urmi Bhattacheryya
The inaugural session of the Usawa Study Circle explored Urmi Bhattacheryya’s book After I Was Raped — a powerful account of five survivors and the long, uneven aftermath of sexual violence. The conversation examined the ethical complexities of documenting trauma, the limits of women’s agency, the role of stigma and silence, and the need for healthier masculinities rooted in care and allyship.
Urmi Bhattacheryya
Freelance journalist and author of After I Was Raped (Pan Macmillan). Primarily reporting on sexual violence against women and children, and health and social justice. Her book charts the aftermath of long-running rape cases in court, in the lives of five survivors in India. Longlisted at Tata Literature Live; shortlisted for Best Debut, Times of India AutHer Awards. Recipient of the UN LAADLI award for gender-sensitive reporting and former Gender Editor at The Quint.