A Walk Through the Centre

Before the session, I was taken on a walk through the centre. It was heartening to witness the diligent record-keeping ensuring the maintenance of cleanliness—a crucial aspect, considering the community it serves does not have toilets at home. These spaces are more than just sanitation facilities; they offer a safe environment, encourage hygiene, and even provide areas for breastfeeding mothers.

With the available open space, the centre has expanded to offer digital literacy, stitching, and beauty courses for the women of the Jahangirpuri and Naraina communities. This initiative not only empowers women economically but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.

The Power of One now Sahas Bharat Read More here>>

The #LetsTalkPeriod Session

The session welcomed 30 incredible women from across Delhi—all of them managing these public toilets turned safe spaces. Over 90 minutes, we dived deep into menstrual health, aiming to educate, dispel myths, and introduce sustainable solutions. Using presentations, videos, and a silicone reproductive model, we discussed:

• The anatomy of menstruation – understanding flow, cycles, and the natural processes of the body.
• Common menstrual ailments and remedies – equipping them with knowledge to manage their health better.
• Myth-busting and cultural alignment – referencing temples, cultural events, and festivals across India that celebrate menstruation, reaffirming its sacredness.
• Introduction to the menstrual cup – explaining its benefits, usage, and maintenance as a sustainable alternative to pads and tampons.

Each participant was gifted a menstrual cup, making them ambassadors of sustainable menstruation in their communities. The enthusiasm was overwhelming, with the women eager to take this knowledge forward and advocate for better menstrual health in their circles.

A Ripple Effect of Change

The feedback was deeply moving. One of the women said, “Thank you for gifting us life.” Many of them are first-time earners, and their confidence is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and economic independence. I was told that the centre sees a daily footfall of 500 women and children, making it a crucial hub for driving change at the grassroots level.

As we posed in front of the toilet—something one wouldn’t traditionally think of as a celebratory moment—it struck me how spaces evolve when they are filled with purpose, dignity, and empowerment.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. With 30 women now equipped with knowledge and sustainable solutions, the impact will extend far beyond this single session. The commitment to menstrual health, sustainability, and community-driven change continues, and I am grateful to be part of this journey.

To all the changemakers—thank you. Let’s keep the conversation going.

About the Session Conductor – Simply Suparnaa

This session was conducted by Simply Suparnaa, a passionate advocate for gender sensitivity, sustainable menstrual hygiene, and social impact. She is the founder of the #LetsTalkPeriod movement, working to normalize conversations around menstrual health and empower communities with sustainable solutions.

Beyond menstrual health advocacy, she is also the founder-curator of SABERA (Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards & Summit), which recognizes impactful social and business initiatives across India. With over two decades of experience in media, advertising, and cause-driven initiatives, she continues to drive awareness and action towards women’s health, sanitation, and community empowerment.

The post #Let’sTalkPeriod: A Session on Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene at Garima Grih appeared first on Woman Endangered.

At SABERA 2024, where changemakers were celebrated for their impact on society, a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance titled “He4She” captivated the audience. The performance symbolized the harmony of masculine and feminine energies, exploring themes of inclusion and balance deeply rooted in India’s cultural wisdom.

Performed by the talented duo Bhadra Sinha and Gayathri Sharma, He4She was choreographed exclusively for the event, blending classical storytelling with a contemporary call for unity and equality. Through their art, the performers brought to life three powerful excerpts from ancient scriptures, each illustrating the interplay of Shiv and Shakti and the timeless relevance of their divine union.

Three Stories of Balance and Inclusion

1. Shakti’s Ferocity Calmed by Shiva

The first segment portrayed the fierce battle between Shakti and the demon Mahishasur, a testament to the unyielding strength of feminine power. Overcome by her rage after slaying the demon, Shakti’s fury threatened to disrupt universal harmony.

It was Shiva who intervened, lying before her to pacify her wrath. In a moment of profound connection, Shakti placed her foot on Shiva, calming herself and restoring balance. This powerful story emphasizes the importance of mutual support between energies, highlighting the need for equilibrium in both personal and societal realms.

2. Shakti Soothing Shiva’s Anger

The second excerpt explores the tale of Shiva’s rage when Kamadeva, the god of desire, interrupts his meditation. Enraged, Shiva destroys Kamadeva, leaving his consort, Rati, in despair. Shakti intervenes, embodying compassion and wisdom, to pacify Shiva’s anger and offer solace to Rati.

This story demonstrated the strength of nurturing energies and the power of feminine wisdom to restore harmony. The performers brought this moment to life through expressive movements, reminding the audience of the importance of compassion in navigating conflict and rebuilding connections.

3. The Unity of Ardhanarishwar

The final segment showcased Ardhanarishwar, the divine form that unites Shiva and Shakti in a single body, symbolizing the inseparability of masculine and feminine energies. This form transcends duality, celebrating diversity and inclusion as fundamental to universal harmony.

The duo’s choreography reflected the essence of this union, with movements that blended strength and grace, individuality and togetherness. The segment was a powerful representation of He4She’s central message: the beauty of coexistence and equality in all forms.

The Performers: A Fusion of Professional and Artistic Excellence

Bhadra Sinha, a journalist, and Gayathri Sharma, a communication leader at Rolls Royce India & APAC, infused their performance with passion and purpose. Their dual roles as accomplished professionals and dedicated artists made their contribution to SABERA 2024 even more inspiring.

Gayathri also served as the pre-screener for the awards this year, her involvement extended beyond the stage, reflecting her commitment to promoting inclusion and unity through multiple avenues.

Their performance, steeped in classical artistry, was a testament to the transformative power of cultural storytelling.

A Celebration of Balance and Harmony

The He4She performance was more than an artistic showcase—it was a profound reminder of the relevance of ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Through the lens of dance, the performance highlighted themes of balance, inclusion, and unity, aligning perfectly with SABERA’s mission to honor initiatives that drive positive change.

As the audience erupted in applause, it was clear that He4She had resonated deeply, reminding everyone present of the enduring importance of embracing harmony in all aspects of life.

For more inspiring stories from SABERA 2024 and beyond, stay connected with WomenEndangered.org. Together, let us celebrate the art, courage, and wisdom that inspire change and foster inclusion.

They were acknowledged for the performance by IPS Chhaya Sharma, the lady cop who brought Nirbhaya Justice. Madam Chhay was also the guest of Honour

Contact us for more information and to apply for the SABERA awards.

For Membership, Sponsorship or Speaking Opportunities write to suparnaa@simplysupanaa.com

To submit your SDG-aligned campaigns for the SABERA jury to evaluate, Register here. 

The post He4She Performance at SABERA 2024 appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The event was hosted at the exclusive Directors Club Lounge in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj—a hidden gem that I explored during a short tour courtesy of PVR representatives. However, the heart of the experience was the interaction at the conference facility, where I shared a delicious five-course meal with eleven inspiring women managing Delhi’s ‘Pink Toilets’ turned ‘Garima Grihs’.

Read more about SABERA Awardee and guest of Honour Chhaya Sharma

The Pink Toilets Initiative: Recognized by SABERA

The Pink Toilets initiative, honored by the SABERA Awards, is a stellar example of how public-private partnerships can drive real change. What began as a civic facility for women has been transformed into safe, clean spaces and hubs for empowerment under PVR Nest’s guidance.

Managed by an inspiring group of women like Kiran, Kavita, Babita, Pooja, Laxmi, Chandini, Anjum, Monika, Mithilesh, and Reena, these centers now offer skilling courses in sewing, beauty, and hygiene. They’ve also become safe spaces for breastfeeding and community education, impacting neighboring areas by promoting cleanliness and health awareness.

Lakshmi, who oversees the RK Puram center, reflected on her journey:
“Initially, I would burst into tears when people in the community taunted me for asking them to keep their surroundings clean. Even my family questioned why I wanted to work in a toilet. But thanks to the persistence and encouragement of my cohort leaders, I persevered. Today, I am respected for the work I do.”

These centers have not only provided a source of income for these women—many of whom are now the primary earners in their families—but also created safe, welcoming spaces that benefit entire communities.

PVR Nest’s Power of One Program: Driving Social Impact

The Power of One program by PVR Nest highlights the potential of grassroots initiatives to create a ripple effect of positive change. This public-private partnership focuses on uplifting women and girls from vulnerable urban slum communities by providing skilling opportunities and socio-economic advancement tools.

The program’s WeRise Changemaker initiative has been specially designed to build leadership and communication skills for community leaders. Members of the Pink Toilets initiative participated in the first edition of this program, which is helping them develop the confidence and knowledge to become role models and changemakers.

I was honored to lead the opening session, “Every Woman is a Leader,” where I shared insights about harnessing inner strength to inspire and influence positive change in one’s community. It was an engaging and humbling experience, with each woman’s journey serving as a testament to resilience and empowerment.

A Day of Inspiration

The day concluded with meaningful conversations over a sumptuous five-course meal at the Directors Lounge. I returned home deeply inspired by the courage and determination of these women, who are breaking barriers and creating ripples of change in their communities.

The Pink Toilets initiative, recognized by the SABERA Awards, stands as a powerful testament to how women when given the right tools and support, can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.

SABERA 2024 are scheduled for December 11th at the India Habitat Centre, where more such stories of Impact will be celebrated. To attend register and reserve delegate passes here

The post Empowering Women One Pink toilet at a time appeared first on Woman Endangered.

On September 21, 2024, I had the privilege of conducting a transformative workshop at VIT Pune, aimed at combating violence against women. This session marked my second interaction with the talented second-year BTech students at this esteemed institution. My first visit in 2022, as part of an impactful initiative, rolled out in collaboration with JOSH TALKS and their client TVS, involved engaging engineering students across twelve states in India on this crucial topic.

Read about the in-person workshops with VIT Pune

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

At the core of this workshop was a comprehensive understanding of what gender-based violence entails. Participants delved into its various forms, recognized the phases of life where such violence can occur, and discussed effective prevention strategies. We highlighted the importance of understanding these elements and taking action to eradicate this grave societal issue and ensure justice for victims.

A key highlight of the session was the inclusion of insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma, the head of the Special Unit for Women and Child in the Delhi Police. Her instrumental role in cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case provided the students with a real-world perspective on the urgency and complexity of addressing violence against women.

Read more here यौन उत्पीड़न के मामले में क्या करना है – What to do in case of Rape ?

Insights from the Pre-Workshop Survey

Before the workshop, we surveyed 36 participating students to gauge their knowledge of gender-based violence. The results were revealing:

• Over half of the respondents (19 out of 36) believed that at least one in every three women faces some form of violence in their lifetime.
• About half of the respondents (14) thought that only two out of ten victims ever seek justice.
• A similar number (13 respondents) felt that violence against women begins in infancy.

These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of violence and the critical need for ongoing education and awareness on this issue.

A Platform for Inquiry and Inspiration

The hour-long workshop encouraged an open and engaging dialogue among the students, regardless of gender. Their eagerness to ask questions demonstrated a shared commitment to understanding and combating violence against women. Many expressed the need for continued discussions and workshops, highlighting the importance of integrating these conversations into educational settings.

Meet the Facilitator

The session was led by Suparnaa Chadda, widely known as Simply Suparnaa, the founder of the Simply Suparnaa Media Network. A notable UN Women Awardee, Suparnaa has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s rights and empowering communities through education and awareness. Her passion and expertise were pivotal in guiding the workshop, inspiring countless students to become advocates for change. Suparnaa also acknowledges SDG-aligned initiatives through the annual SABERA Awards which includes लैंगिक समानता (Gender Diversity & Inclusion).

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we concluded the workshop, it became clear that knowledge and awareness are the first steps toward making a tangible impact in the fight against violence against women. By instilling these values in young minds, we can foster a generation of leaders who are committed to creating safer environments for all.

This workshop not only educated students but also equipped them with the tools to inspire change in their communities. It’s time to turn awareness into action! For hosting a workshop with your university students write to womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

The post Breaking the Silence: Empowering Students to Combat Gender based Violence Against Women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

In response, I opened a window to explore the myriad career paths available to them, emphasizing three fundamental conditions: interest, the ability to work hard, and a commitment to continuous learning. I made it clear that as long as these three aspects are in alignment, no dream is out of reach. It was heartening to see their faces light up as they realized the vast array of opportunities awaiting them.

But beyond individual success, I also planted a seed of thought about the importance of spreading goodness and contributing to the welfare of a larger community. I emphasized that true fulfillment in life comes not just from personal achievements but from making a positive impact on society.

However, new challenges have arisen, such as the mounting expenditures of rebuilding the school as directed by disaster management authorities. Despite efforts to keep up with financial obligations, including the 7th pay commission fees, SSMI faces a lack of support from the local corporation. Sunita Ji highlighted the disparity between cities like Mumbai, where NGO-run schools enjoy greater autonomy in managing expenses, and Delhi, where MCD-aided schools struggle to meet their needs.

SSMI itself is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in the face of challenges. Recognized by the SABERA awards, the institution, under the leadership of Sunita Ji, has thrived despite numerous obstacles. Sunita Ji’s visionary leadership has kept the school financially stable through innovative solutions, such as empowering local women to revive indigenous crafts and create products. One notable success story is the case study of Hindbags, a project initiated by an intern from France, aimed at making SSMI financially stable by utilizing indigenous crafts. What started as an idea on paper has blossomed into a successful venture, with Hindbags now importing up to 80,000 bags monthly. Sunita Ji further empowered self-help groups to directly import these bags, ensuring sustainable income for the community employing over 100 women.

Moreover, the limitations of CSR mandates pose further hurdles. Construction projects, crucial for the school’s infrastructure, are not covered under CSR, creating additional financial strain. This disjunction between well-meaning policies and on-the-ground realities underscores the need for reforms in education and CSR frameworks to better support institutions like SSMI.

My visit to SSMI left me inspired by the resilience of its students and staff and reminded me of the transformative power of education. It reinforced the importance of not only nurturing individual dreams but also fostering a spirit of community and service. Sunita Ji and her team exemplify the spirit of innovation and determination, demonstrating that with perseverance and ingenuity, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

The post From Dreams to Reality: How SSMI Inspire Students & Women Towards Leadership appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The post Empowering Women: Insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma at SABERA appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Location: Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka, India

The Leadership Conclave held at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, was an awe-inspiring event that brought together leaders and visionaries from over 40 countries. The conclave centered around the theme of “Nurturing a Values-Based Leadership Approach,” with 5 sessions. I had the honor to chair the session on women and ethics in leadership. The esteemed panelists, Dr. Kiranmai Pendyala, Ms. Prerana Langa, Ms. Kristin Engvig, and Dr. Snehal Donde, shared their insights and experiences, offering a diverse range of perspectives on this crucial topic.

As the session chair, it was my privilege to open the discussion by highlighting the significance of ethics, and women, and drawing inspiration from spiritual guidance to demonstrate courage amidst challenges. I emphasized the importance of walking the talk, even in the face of adversity. By setting an example and embracing ethical principles, leaders can inspire others and create sustainable, inclusive organizations that nurture women for leadership roles.

Dr. Kiranmai Pendyala, Corporate VP of HR at UPS India Technology Center, brought forth her invaluable learnings on fostering sustainable and inclusive organizations. She emphasized the need to nurture an environment where women are empowered to take on leadership roles. By providing equal opportunities, mentorship, and support, organizations can harness the immense potential of women leaders and pave the way for a brighter future.

Dr. Snehal Donde, a Fulbright Scholar and Dean of Administration at Bhaktivedanta Research Centre, highlighted the importance of environmental mindfulness. She spoke passionately about rejuvenating water bodies and creating a sustainable future. By recognizing and minimizing the environmental impacts of our actions, leaders can contribute to the well-being of the planet and future generations.

Ms. Prerana Langa, the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, shared her insights on instilling values within organizations to motivate people to do good. She emphasized that when organizations prioritize values and ethics, it creates a positive and uplifting work culture that encourages employees to make a meaningful difference in their communities. By aligning their actions with their values, leaders can inspire their teams to embrace a higher purpose.

Ms. Kristin Engvig, the Founder and President of WIN ‘Inspiring Women Worldwide’ from Switzerland, brought Nordic wisdom to the conclave. She emphasized the importance of balancing both masculine and feminine energies in leadership. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting inclusive decision-making, leaders can create a harmonious environment that fosters creativity, empathy, and collaboration.

The Leadership Conclave at Sathya Sai Grama was a testament to the power of values-based leadership. It provided a platform for leaders from various countries and backgrounds to come together and exchange ideas on nurturing ethical leadership and empowering women. The conclave showcased the significance of spirituality, environmental consciousness, and values in shaping effective leadership.

Organized by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, the conclave served as a catalyst for change, inspiring leaders to embrace a values-driven approach in their organizations and communities. By nurturing ethical leaders who lead by example, we can create a better world that promotes equality, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The conclave left a lasting impact on its attendees, sparking meaningful conversations, and providing a roadmap for creating a values-based leadership approach. As we reflect on the insightful discussions and learnings shared during the conclave, let us continue to champion ethics, empower women, and strive for a leadership style that embodies compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the greater good.

The post Nurturing a Values-Based Leadership Approach: Women and Ethics in Leadership appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Last year, I reached out to Ruma Roka, who has been a SABERA awardee, to discuss the idea of the #LetsTalkPeriod session at the Noida Deaf Society. It would require a sign language interpreter to communicate the session to the girls and their mothers, who would also be invited to the 90-minute workshop followed by hot samosas and a soft drink.

On the 25th day of January 2023, WE conducted our very first session with a classroom of girls with hearing impairment along with some of their mothers. The girls were interactive from the word go and had lots of questions, observations, and comments. It was heartening to see that they weren’t shy to express their views on Periods or Menstrual hygiene! Maybe their inability to hear has cocooned them of the social constructs and taboos!

Their openness and confidence definitely reflected the safe space that the Noida Deaf Society and its teachers provide for them to help them live well-rounded life despite their disabilities. I was apprised of some horror stories of how deaf girls are extremely vulnerable and can be subject to exploitation by their own teachers. Being visually able, young deaf girls like all other teenagers, like to dress up and look good. There have been cases where the teachers have exploited them sexually, in the lure of a dress or jeans, the heinous acts being hidden in the girls’ inability to speak up for themselves.

We gifted the girls, 20 LAADLI Kits(containing 5 cloth pads, 2 jackets, and I small purse ) that were received pro bono from Stonesoup trust. The girls were also taught how to use, wash, dry, and store them.

The feedback from the girls post the session was humbling and I am grateful for this opportunity.

Karishma was the Indian sign Language interpreter. The only request I had to heed was to go slow. On average, an interpreter is required to take a break after 60 minutes but Karishma was just as passionate about it.

We wrapped the session, as usual with some yog asanas and simple home remedies to address irregularities through periods including cramps, body aches, and rash but the most important factor is to reinforce a positive association with this natural regular cycle that mother nature has bestowed on us to sustain the universe. This also helps allay a lot of these symptoms when we look forward to the periodic cycle.

Incase, you would like us to conduct this workshop in your institute or organization, do write to us at womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

You can also contribute here to help us reach out to more girls and women with the #LetsTalkPeriod session and to gift a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution of a menstrual cup or cloth pad.

The post Menstrual hygiene session I Girls with hearing impairment appeared first on Woman Endangered.

We were on the last leg of the sessions that needed to be completed on combating violence against women across India. Telangana and Karnataka were done in quick succession in November 2022 but one last one was still left pending. The schedule was tight with SABERA 2022 around the corner and the impending exams of the JOSH TALKS student coordinator Vanshika. In addition to this, the state colleges were also on the verge of going for their winter break. There was a slim window available and Vanshika somehow managed to fix a session in Odisha (a state I had long wanted to visit). Almost overnight all concerned confirmations and logistics were organized. And on the morning of 15th December, we landed in Bhubaneswar to complete 12 states and the 20th session, on Standing up for what’s right across the youth of the country through different states.

The session was planned for the next day on the 16th, so we made the most of the day available when we landed. First, to visit the Konark or the Sun Temple and soon after to pay our obeisance to Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Did you know Odhisa was originally called Utkal* (as also mentioned in the national anthem)?

The next day, that is the 16th of December, we received an overwhelming reception on the college campus of the Einstein Academy of Technology and Management. The session to stand up for what’s right seemed to have reached a befitting finale! An outreach I strongly believe is a blessing from my Guru who empowers me with the energy to do so. I draw a lot of the content from the case learnings of Nirbhaya including the steps we documented with Chhaya Sharma to seek justice in case of sexual violence.

It was only after the session was complete that someone pointed out that it’s 10 years today on 16th December since Nirbhaya! Imagine our surprise and the dots connecting without us being aware. While we may forget but when Devi Ma guides everything just seems to fall in place perfectly.

We’ve come a full circle. I was guided by my Guru to channel constructively the seething anger and helplessness I felt when the Nirbhaya case unfolded. And indeed it has been a befitting finale with the visit to Jagannath Puri and Konark sun temple thrown in for good measure 🙂

*UTKAL = UTKRISHT + KALA. Or the most beautiful art which reflects through not just the land’s historical monuments but is alive and throbbing in the cultural expressions from weaving, painting, sculpting, or even silver filigree work and more.

Here are some quick tips on both the places we visited.

You must hire a guide at the sun temple to understand the historical significance and architectural marvel at Konark. It is believed that the main deity was suspended in mid-air through heavy-duty magnets from all sides. The magnets were so strong that they disrupted the navigation of the invader’s ship’s route. The first thing the Portuguese did on discovering the temple was to dislodge these magnets, which resulted in the collapse of the deity and the main Garb Griha of the temple.

At Jagannath Puri, no bags or phones are allowed so ensure to keep them safe either in the vehicle or one of the shops outside. If you manage to go around the evening you can witness the change of the Dhwaja atop the temple tied to the Chakra at 6 pm. The Chakra itself when viewed from any side of the temple will always seem to be facing the onlooker. Be wary of the Pandits who promise you prasad or a piece of the Dhwaja, they are just out to make a quick buck on the devout’s faith. You can partake in Prasad of khichadi, daal, sabzi, and sweet sitting at the Anna GrIh at a nominal cost of Re 100.

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>

To read about the Hyderabad Chapter click here>>

To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>

To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>

To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>

To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.

The post Odisha I 12th state I Combating Violence against women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

An approximately 45-minute drive from the airport would take you to the Vardhman College of Engineering, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Vardhman provides technical education to over 5000 students and boasted of the highest Gender ratio of 60:40 among all the colleges/universities that we have traveled to so far. In fact, we were apprised that some of the courses like that of computer science attracted a 50:50 ratio. In Kerala, earlier, we had noticed a higher ratio of girls in specific courses like Civil Engineering. In our conversation with the Principal Dr. JVR Ravindra and the HOD of electrical engineering Dr. Asif, while discussing gender parity in engineering courses, they shared their observations on Kerala, where a lot of the girls were absorbed by the Gulf Construction companies. Considered a valuable asset as the girls made very diligent and sincere workers in comparison to their male counterparts.

We reached a day before the session scheduled for 18th November and in quick succession of the session in Bangalore, Karnataka on 15th earlier in the week. Our first trip to Hyderabad beckoned us to visit at least some of its iconic sites. Of all the places we chose the Salar Jung, museum. Hiring a guide we walked down the dusty (quite literally) shelves of world history as recreated by the personal collection of artifacts of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan or popularly known as Salar Jung III.

The next day we reached a jam-packed hall to conduct the session with students of all genders in rapt attention. A 60-minute interactive workshop embellished with extensive research data, and videos are wrapped with the steps to be taken that have been documented with IPS Chhaya Sharma, in case of sexual violence. A customary selfie post the workshops is a testimony to our interaction and the impact it makes on the fertile minds of the youth despite the intense session. As an immediately actionable suggestion, we also encourage the institutes to invest in counselors not just as a cursory requirement but to measure and monitor the well-being of the students all through their course. At Gitam university in Andhra Pradesh, the students have access to online counseling all year round through Yourdost. We were told that the university has taken the subscription on behalf of the students and counselors are in touch with the faculty in case an intervention is required.

We flew back to Delhi the same evening, though not before some shopping at the Karachi Bakery (The tutti Frutti biscuits are worth the hype). Vanshika continues to coordinate and streamline all logistics involved including identifying and scheduling the sessions with the different state universities. She is inspiring in her own right, besides interning with JOSH TALKS she also tops her class at Delhi University where she pursues her Master’s Degree in Sociology.

We still had another session to go before the year ended. Only we didn’t realize it would be on the 10th year since Nirbhaya on 16th December. Now that’s a story for the next blog!

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>

To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>

To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>

To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>

To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.

The post Stand up for what’s Right I Hyderabad Chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.