Behan Box (India)

Mission and Vision

BehanBox was created to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, with a specific focus on gender, labor, and public policy. The organization is committed to using journalism not just to expose inequality, but to envision and promote actionable change toward a more gender-equal India.

“Anyone talking about women in work comes to talk to us.”

Anoo Bhuyan Rao, Founder

Impact Through Innovative Storytelling

Early on, BehanBox partnered with Article 14 to investigate the lives of female health workers. Using social media-friendly formats such as short audio clips, they reached wider audiences with underreported stories. This work resulted in improving government incentives for healthcare workers and increasing public dialogue around their vital contributions.

Building on this success, BehanBox launched its “Women and Work” beat, deepening its focus on working-class women.

Editorial Philosophy and Audience Engagement

BehanBox measures success through long-term impact rather than short-term metrics like page views. It tracks qualitative indicators, such as shifts in understanding and the use of its content in educational or policy spaces. The outlet is known for its rigor and accuracy, especially important in India’s polarized landscape around gender issues.

By fostering trust and thoughtful dialogue, BehanBox has positioned itself as a space where readers can engage with complex social issues without sensationalism.

Sustainability and Strategic Vision

Refusing to chase trends or traffic, BehanBox has developed a values-aligned revenue model. It is primarily funded through project-based grants and an emerging membership program. Additionally, it offers storytelling services to feminist organizations, using its editorial strengths to help others communicate effectively.

Looking ahead, the team is preparing to launch a monthly newsletter designed for workers across different sectors. They are also developing a major archival initiative that documents two decades of female healthcare workers’ experiences, blending oral histories with policy analysis to preserve these stories for the future.

Sustainability Outlook: With a mix of grants, memberships, and storytelling service offerings, BehanBox remains true to its mission while building financial resilience