Established in 1984, Cultural Academy for Peace is a non-profit organization committed to nurturing a society based on peace, justice, reconciliation, and respect for life. It works primarily for women and children who are survivors of various types of crimes and abuse as well as for promoting women’s empowerment and rights. Cultural Academy also spearheads change and development at the community level through multiple initiatives focused, most importantly on ensuring adequate access to necessary resources among many other activities.
It focuses on various channels of advocacy, lobbying from Panchayat to Parliament level, and networking with the government, and national and international organizations to work for nonviolent social change and build up a sustainable peaceful society.
Cultural Academy for Peace (CAP) Works For:
Combating Domestic Violence and Exploitation
Addressing, Challenging, and Overcoming Gender Inequality
Ameliorating Economic Disparities
Advocating against Social Injustice
Raising Awareness
Promoting Sustainable Community Development
Creating a gender-just and peaceful society
CAP's community-based interventions target specific issues such as health promotion, sustainable livelihood development, vocational education, and gender sensitization, striving to empower residents to become agents of change within their communities through fostering partnerships and promoting grassroots participation. Additionally, CAP offers skill training and education to women who have faced educational disruptions, thereby enhancing their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
CAP also equips diverse groups—from educators to corporates and youth—with vital knowledge in key legislation for the welfare of women and children. Furthermore, CAP actively lobbies with governmental and legal departments to advocate for amendments in existing policies, ensuring they address current needs and act as a voice for those at the grassroots level.
Through these comprehensive efforts, CAP continues to advocate for human rights, empower vulnerable groups, and build a more equitable and peaceful society in India and beyond.
VISION
Towards a gender just society based on human values, equality, development and peace.
MISSION
To create a society based on peace, justice, reconciliation and respect for life where models of domination and destruction are replaced by those of nurture and cooperation.
LEGAL STATUS
Cultural Academy for Peace is registered under the Travancore – Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act 12 of 1995 (Reg No: ER 469/2001)
Contributions to the society are exempted u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961
Beena Sebastian was born and raised in an ecumenical community (Ashram) dedicated to building a just society that promotes a culture of peace, justice, and non-violence. Inspired by her parents, Acharya K.K. Chandy and Mary Chandy, who were founding members of both the Ashram and the Fellowship of Reconciliation India (FOR India), as well as her community living experience, she has dedicated her life to spreading the spirit of peace and non-violence. As the Founder President and Chairperson of the Cultural Academy for Peace, she heads the NGO committed to the sustainable development and upliftment of many underserved and victimized populations, advocating for a peaceful society where gender-based violence no longer prevails. She also excels as a trainer and facilitator in gender sensitivity, active nonviolence, conflict management, mediation skills, domestic violence, and various acts pertaining to the welfare of women and children.
Her extensive roles also include serving on the Board of Directors and as the President of the Ernakulam District Committee for the National NGO Confederation, as well as being Chairperson of various committees such as the Ernakulam District Committee on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace and the Anti-Human Trafficking Vigilance Cell. She collaborates with various national and international organizations with the pursuit of a gender-just and peaceful society at the heart of all that she does.