This BBC Investigation is extremely shocking, and the allegations it describes are symptomatic of ingrained power imbalances and abuses within an unregulated industry.  

Generally, as an Industry, as yoga teachers and precarious workers, we work in environments where prolific abuses of power are enabled through unsafe working conditions, low pay, cultures of hierarchy, and an absence of accountability and reporting mechanisms.

The Yoga Teachers Union directly supports survivors and champions their voices, which are too often lost in stories such as this one.

By building collective strength and solidarity, we will continue to tackle sexual exploitation, grooming and trafficking wherever it may be alleged within the yoga industry.

• How can such a prolific and large-scale abuse of power as alleged have been ignored, kept hidden, and appear to have been able to go on for so long?

• What are large, influential Trade and Professional Bodies within the yoga industry doing to address and dismantle the hierarchies enabling any sexual exploitation wherever it may arise in the Yoga Industry as a whole and support survivors in yoga and wellness spaces?

The role of a union is to collectivise workers, organise, and to tackle the systems of power which uphold any abuses and exploitation. It’s time to invest more of our resources in grass-roots organising that unites us in power and solidarity. It’s time to join the union.

Yoga Teachers Union, IWGB
December 2024