Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Rape Survivor Nun Launches Clothing Brand to Fund Legal Fight
A nun and two other nuns started a clothing brand called Stand By Me.
The first public sale will happen at an exhibition in Kozhikode.
The nun had accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape in 2018.
The three nuns now live together at St Francis Mission Home.
They call themselves the Kuravilangad Sisters.
They make clothes, bags, sari covers and home furnishings.
They will use the money to help pay for their legal case and everyday needs.
They say the project helps them become financially independent and support other survivors of violence.
A nun who accused former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape has launched a clothing brand with two other nuns.
The brand, Stand By Me — Survivors of Gender Based Violence, will debut at an exhibition in Kozhikode.
The Kuravilangad Sisters plan to use proceeds to support their legal fight and daily expenses.
The survivor and the two nuns have lived at St Francis Mission Home in Kuravilangad since the 2018 complaint.
The Women Entrepreneur Network exhibition will feature 99 stalls selling clothing, décor, accessories, jewellery and food.
- Who
- A rape survivor nun and two other nuns known as the Kuravilangad Sisters, with support from the Women Entrepreneur Network.
- What
- They are launching Stand By Me — Survivors of Gender Based Violence, a survivor-led clothing and stitching initiative.
- When
- The clothing line is scheduled to be unveiled on Saturday; the rape complaint was lodged in 2018.
- Where
- At the Parudeesa exhibition at Aspin Courtyard on Beach Road in Kozhikode, Kerala; the nuns live at St Francis Mission Home in Kuravilangad, Kottayam.
- Why
- To support the nuns’ legal fight against Franco Mulakkal, cover daily expenses and reclaim financial independence.
- Brand
- Stand By Me — Survivors of Gender Based Violence
- Founders
- The Kuravilangad Sisters: one rape survivor nun and two other nuns
- Legal dispute
- A 2018 rape complaint against then Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal
- Exhibition
- Parudeesa, organised with support from the Women Entrepreneur Network
- Location
- Aspin Courtyard, Beach Road, Kozhikode
- Exhibition scale
- 99 stalls featuring clothes, home décor, accessories, jewellery and food
- Planned use of proceeds
- Legal expenses, daily expenses and financial independence