Gaali Bandh Ghar

Gaali Bandh Ghar (lit. 'No Swearing House') is an Indian social campaign aimed at eliminating the use of sexist slurs and abusive language. Launched in 2014 by Sunil Jaglan, a social activist and founder of the Selfie With Daughter campaign, the initiative seeks to promote respectful communication and challenge societal norms surrounding abusive language.

Gaali Bandh Ghar

Native name	गाली बंद घर
English name	No Swearing House
Date	2014–present
Location	India
Also known as	Ban on Abusive Words
Theme	Anti Profanity
Motive	Respectful communication
Patron(s)	Sunil Jaglan

History

Jaglan observed that men in his village frequently used abusive language, particularly towards women, during panchayat meetings. His inspiration to start the campaign came after his daughter returned home asking him about the meaning of a curse she had heard on the playground.

Motive

The campaign aims to establish communities, households, or streets that commit to refraining from the use of profanity. Village leaders officially designate these areas as "gaali-bandh" or "no-swearing."

Impact

The campaign has garnered support from women who are frustrated with sexist slurs. Many participants have reported that the initiative has helped them realise they do not need to use abusive language, leading to a noticeable reduction in their own usage of such language.

Following an incident in which U.S. President Joe Biden used profanity towards a journalist, the Cosmopolitan (magazine) noted that Sunil Jaglan, a village sarpanch in India, is running a campaign to combat sexist slurs. The magazine highlighted the contrast between Jaglan's efforts to address abusive language against women and the president's use of profanity in the White House. This commentary attracted significant international attention.