Avala Hejje – meaning “Her Steps” – is a social initiative launched in 2017 by Shanthala Damle, with a vision to see women’s footprints everywhere—from playgrounds to boardrooms. In its first seven years, Avala Hejje carved out its own identity through consistent personality development workshops, a women achievers' interview series, and innovative annual programs. In 2024, it took a new form as the women’s empowerment department of the Gubbivani Trust.
The primary goal of the Women’s Empowerment department is to equip aspiring women with the skills needed to take bold steps toward their goals, to help them overcome social prejudices and boundaries, and to provide a platform where women can support and uplift one another in achieving their dreams.
“Karnataka’s Daughters” is a unique video interview series that documents contemporary herStory by featuring accomplished women from across Karnataka. Spanning fields such as education, medicine, media, arts, literature, cinema, politics, science, and technology, these role models share their journeys, skills, insights, and the challenges they overcame in pursuit of their dreams. Available on the Avala Hejje YouTube channel, these stories offer young women not only valuable learning but also deep inspiration and motivation.
Personality Development Workshop for Young Women
Almost every year we hear that “girls outperformed boys” when the results of 10th and 12th class are announced. Yet, a few years later, young women begin to fall behind in their professional career.
Avala Hejje’s workshop aims to change that—to inspire ambitious young women to go beyond limits and realise their full potential.
We conduct the workshops in collaboration with colleges and other organisations. Using interactive learning methods such as group discussions, videos, real-life examples, case studies, and group activities, the workshop is delivered in simple, conversational Kannada and English. It covers the following core areas:
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Identify the biases, stereotypes and barriers that hold women back.
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Practice techniques to overcome the obstacles.
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Hone creative thinking skills.
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Learn from the experiences of successful women.
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Become confident go-getters
"Kannadati Utsava" was an annual festival organized by Avala Hejje from 2017 to 2022, celebrating the lives, voices, and contributions of women from Karnataka through diverse and creative forms of expression. It aimed to build a shared cultural memory around the often-unseen impact of women, while inspiring reflection, recognition, and collective steps toward a more equal society.
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2017 - "Kannadatiya Hejje" : A three-day exhibition was held at Rangoli – Metro Art Center,, Bengaluru. The event showcased over 40 women-centric artworks, including paintings, poetry, articles, short films, and performance arts.
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2018 - "Nannadondhu Kathe" : The festival featured screenings of seven short films created by women, along with panel discussions and interactive sessions. After the inauguration at Gandhi Bhavan, Bengaluru, screenings with discussions were also conducted at Infosys, Mysuru, Sahyadri College, Shivamogga, Akkamahadevi Karnataka State Women’s University, Vijayapura, and Jnanabharathi University, Bengaluru.
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2019 - "Stree Nota" : An inter-college, state-level short play competition was organized, focusing on women-centric themes through plays written and directed by women. The performances were held at Suchitra Film Society, Bengaluru, and accompanied by panel discussions on the concept of the "Female Gaze.".
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2020 - "Bikkattinalli Ditta Hejje" : Due to the unforeseen global crisis, a three-day webinar conference was conducted focusing on women’s leadership during challenging times.
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2021 - "Aadhunika Bombe Habba" : The event was celebrated in Raichur, featuring inspiring stories of contemporary women through doll arrangements. The event also included animated videos of cartoon dolls and a costume exhibition titled "Nanna Mechina Mahile" by children.
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2022 - "Miss Mahalaxmi" : A unique and innovative Ramp Walk event was held in Mahalaxmi Layout, Bengaluru. Women showcased their dreams, professions, and talents through various costumes in a PASSION Show (NOT a fashion show!). Additionally, under the theme "Hale Beru Hosa Chiguru" (Old Roots, New Shoots), women from different generations of the same family – grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters – participated in a ramp walk, symbolizing their bond and legacy.
Since 2025, under the Gubbivani Trust, Kannadati Utsava has evolved into the annual "Avala Hejje Short Film Festival", continuing its mission by spotlighting women’s stories through the powerful medium of cinema.