VOLUME 11:APRIL 2023

TANA BANA
Newsletter of Population First
What's Inside
From the Editor’s Desk
In this edition of our newsletter, we explore
From the Editor's desk
the theme of gender and health with a range
of articles and reviews. Our first article PAGE 01
focuses on the unique health challenges
faced by women throughout their lives, Lead Article
including reproductive, mental, and physical
health. We also examine the impact of PAGE 02
gender biased sex selection on women's
health, shedding light on the societal and Article on Gender
cultural factors that contribute to its Biased Sex Selection
continued practice.
PAGE 04
We mark World Health Day by sharing the
initiatives being undertaken by AMCHI to World Health Day
promote health and well-being, which is
Article
particularly relevant given the challenges
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. PAGE 06
Additionally, we have a book review on Dr.
Tanaya Narendra's "Dr Cuterus: Everything Interview of the Month
Nobody Tells You About Your Body," which
PAGE 08
offers a wealth of information on women's
health issues, and a movie review of
"Margarita with a Straw," a film that explores Book Corner
disability and sexuality. PAGE 11

Lastly, in the happenings, we report on the Reel Life

Shahpur field visit and the Laadli Partner's
Meet with Ms. Upala Devi, Regional Gender PAGE 12
Technical Advisor, UNFPA Asia and the
Pacific Regional Office and the launch of the Happenings
Call for Entries for the 13th Edition of
PAGE 13
LAADLI Media and Advertising Awards for
Gender Sensitivity, 2023. We hope this
edition of our newsletter provides valuable
insights into gender and health, encouraging
readers to continue exploring this important
topic.
PAGE 01
Lead Article
A Comprehensive Approach to Women's Health: From Reproductive
Health to Autonomy
Hetal Vora, Programme Officer - Gender, Population First

In the realm of healthcare, there is a pressing need to prioritize women's well-being and confront the systemic
disparities that impede their access to quality services. This article delves into the intricacies of this issue,
exploring the challenges women face in reproductive health, biases within the medical field, and societal
barriers. By advocating for improved access to reproductive healthcare, cultural competency training for
healthcare providers, increased inclusivity in research, and the empowerment of women in decision-making over
their bodies, this article aims to foster an equitable healthcare system that caters to the diverse needs of women.

When we talk about Health for All this World Painful menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and
Health Day, we need to operationalise the term other menstrual-related symptoms can
‘all’ and see who that includes and who it significantly impact women's quality of life.
excludes. Women are often the primary Access to menstrual hygiene products is not
caregivers in their families, and their health is always readily available and can be expensive,
crucial not only for their own well-being but also especially for those living in poverty or
for the health and well-being of their experiencing homelessness. According to a report
communities and they are often part of titled Spot On! published in 2014 by the non-
discussion but often left out of practice. For governmental organisation Dasra, lack of proper
centuries, women's health has been a topic of menstrual hygiene management facilities,
discussion, yet women continue to face unique including the availability of sanitary napkins and
and complex health challenges that are often education on menstruation, leads to almost 23
made worse by societal biases and prejudices. million girls dropping out of school every year.
Women's complaints of pain and other health Paid menstrual leave is also not a very common
concerns are often dismissed or downplayed by concept, so women are often forced to take
healthcare providers, and women's autonomy unpaid leave or use their sick leaves to manage
over their own bodies is often limited by their menstrual symptoms, which puts them at a
restrictive laws and policies that hinder access disadvantage when compared to their non-
to reproductive healthcare and other essential menstruating colleagues.
services. To address these inequalities, it is
crucial to prioritise women's health and well- Reproductive health is a critical aspect of overall
being and work towards a more equitable health and well-being. However, in India, several
healthcare system that addresses systemic reproductive health issues persist, including
inequalities and prioritises marginalised groups maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe
abortions, and childbirth-related complications.
One of the most significant health challenges According to the National Health Mission, India's
that women face is related to their reproductive maternal mortality rate in 2017-2019 was 113 per
health, including issues related to menstruation, 100,000 live births.
pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

PAGE 02
Lead Article
Additionally, a study published in the Indian Trans women face unique health challenges that
Journal of Medical Research found that around are often not addressed in mainstream
19% of pregnancies in India were unwanted, and discussions of women's health, including
approximately 56% of all abortions were unsafe. hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgeries,
Furthermore, every year, around 45,000 women and mental health issues related to their gender
in India die due to childbirth-related identity.
complications. According to WHO, approximately Advocating for policies that prioritise women's
25 million unsafe abortions take place each year, reproductive health and autonomy is crucial,
resulting in the deaths of around 7 million women especially considering the recent anti-women
and complications for many others. Childbirth- policies that have come up across the world like
related complications are also a major issue, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and similar
particularly in developing countries. Every year, decisions. Restrictive laws are taking away
approximately 2.6 million newborns die, and women’s autonomy more and more.
around 2.7 million are stillborn. These statistics
highlight the need for better access to family To address health challenges, prioritizing
planning services, safe abortion services, and women's health and tackling systemic
quality maternal health care in India. Improving inequalities is crucial. Training healthcare
reproductive health care is crucial not only for providers in culturally competent care and
individual health but also for the well-being of addressing biases, investing in public health
families and communities. Biases in the medical initiatives targeting marginalized groups, and
field can also impact women's health, with some increasing representation in research can lead
healthcare providers holding stereotypes and to better treatments. Promoting women's
biases that can lead to misdiagnosis or autonomy over their bodies is essential,
inappropriate treatment. The fact that most drugs including access to comprehensive reproductive
and other medical practices are made for white, healthcare and safe abortion services. Legal and
able bodied males also creates hindrances in social barriers hinder women's access to
women’s access and treatment of health issues. reproductive healthcare globally. Support for
A study published in the Journal of Women's organizations providing reproductive healthcare
Health found that women with heart attacks were and advocacy for legal reforms are needed.
more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, in part Addressing cultural norms, reducing stigma, and
because their symptoms were not recognized as promoting comprehensive sex education
being related to heart disease. empower women to make informed decisions
about their health.
It is important to recognize that women are not a
homogenous group, and the intersectionality of Women's health is a complex issue, requiring a
race, gender, and socioeconomic status can also comprehensive approach. They face unique
play a role in women's mental and physical challenges compounded by societal issues. To
health. Unfortunately, women's health challenges promote well-being, prioritize women's health,
are also often compounded by societal issues improve healthcare access, support research,
such as the negation of their pain, lack of and empower women. This fosters a just and
autonomy over their own bodies, and the equitable healthcare system that values
relegation of women's health as a secondary women's needs and autonomy, irrespective of
priority. race, income, or ability.
PAGE 03
Gender Biased Sex Selection and its Impact on Women and Girls
in India
Anuja Gulati, Programme Management Specialist, UNFPA India

This article talks about how Gender Biased Sex Selection (GBSS) in India has led to
skewed sex ratios at birth resulting in an estimated 4.6 lakh girls missing annually
between 2013 and 2017. Patriarchal mindsets, forced abortions after sex determination
and tremendous pressure on women to produce sons are contributing factors to gender
biased sex selection and how there is a need to address discriminatory social norms,
cultural attitudes and beliefs in order to tackle the problem.

Anuja Gulati is a development professional with over three decades of experience of

working on gender and rights issues. She works as a Program Management Specialist
at UNFPA, where she has worked for the last 22 years in different capacities.

Gender inequalities have persisted in India for Repeated and closely spaced pregnancies and
centuries placing women and girls at a abortions, in the desire for a son, can lead to
disadvantage. In recent years, discrimination has maternal morbidity and mortality. Complications
taken the form of Gender Biased Sex Selection such as pelvic inflammatory disease; preterm
(GBSS), which has resulted in skewed Sex Ratios at labour, uterine rupture and haemorrhage are
Birth (SRB). According to SRS data (2018-20) only common amongst women who undergo repeated
907 girls are being born for every 1000 boys in our induced abortions. These complications can be
country. It is estimated that the practice of gender life threatening and require immediate attention.
biased sex selection has resulted in 4.6 lakh girls
missing annually at birth, between 2013 and 2017. Annamaria Millazo in her paper Why are adult
GBSS is a result of a complex web of social, women missing: Son preference and maternal
economic, and cultural factors, which include survival in India, 2014, states “Maternal and
preference for sons and deep-rooted prejudices adult mortality is higher among women with a
towards daughters; wide access and availability of first-born daughter. As a result of strong son
technology and its misuse; and the desire of couples preference, such women are more likely to
to have small families, but not without sons. engage in fertility behaviour that adversely
affects their health. This effect is found to be
Patriarchal mindsets that prefer sons over daughters stronger among women with generally more
put tremendous pressure on women to produce sons vulnerable health, lower access to maternal
and have shown to increase violence against women care…… typically the poor and uneducated” In
and denial of rights. The obsession for a son often situations where abortion is restricted for
makes a woman undergo forced and frequent purposes of sex selection, a woman terminating
abortions following sex determination. Tremendous a pregnancy for this purpose is likely to go in for
psychological pressure is exerted on women through an unsafe procedure, further increasing the risk
threats of bigamy and desertion, for their perceived of maternal morbidity and mortality. The
inability to bear a male child impacting their psychological impact of repeated abortions can
reproductive, mental and physical health. also lead to depression, anxiety and other mental
health issues.
PAGE 04
 GenderonBiased
Article SexHistory
Women's Selection and its Impact on Women and Girls
Month
in India
Further, women who repeatedly give birth to girl Ensuring girls have access to gainful
children bear the consequences in terms of violence, employment- decent work and pay and the right
both physical and mental. Violence can have fatal to own and inherit property;
and non-fatal health consequences including
physical, psychological, and reproductive health Addressing anxieties around son preference for
consequences. A key psychological and mental old age support by improving access of
health consequence is the low self-esteem of women communities to social security and old age
who give birth to daughters. pension schemes.

GBSS has also shown to increase sex related

crimes like rape, abduction, trafficking and practices
such as polyandry. There is sufficient anecdotal
evidence of women being trafficked for marriage or
being married off to more than one man, such
practices can further exacerbate discrimination and
violence.

The cultural preference for a male child leads to

neglect and discrimination against daughters. This
can contribute to reduced access to nutrition, health
care, education, lower social status, and increased
risk of abuse, especially in families where the
previous children are girls. A study by ICRW- Post
natal discrimination against Indian girls: Severe
stunting, 2009, revealed that “rural girls with two or
more older sisters have significantly higher risk of
severe stunting than other children, often due to
nutritional disadvantage”. These differentials in
nutritional status are likely to be carried into the
reproductive years, resulting in anaemia of pregnant
women.

It is important to address discriminatory social

norms, cultural attitudes and beliefs that promote
son preference. This can be done by:

Enhancing the value of women and girls,

ensuring they have access to information and
services and are able to make decisions about
themselves and their lives;
PAGE 05
World Health Day - #HealthForAll
AMCHI's People-Centric Approach: A Model for Achieving Health
for All
The world is currently facing unprecedented health
challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19
pandemic. With the 75th anniversary of the World
Health Organization (WHO), this year's World Health
Day is a crucial reminder of the incredible efforts of
healthcare heroes who have been working tirelessly
around the clock to save lives and help us navigate
through this crisis. However, this year's theme
"Health for All" is not just about celebrating our AMCHI uses participative techniques to engage
accomplishments. It is a call to action to ensure that communities, their youth, adolescent girls,
healthcare is accessible to everyone. women, village level committees, and gram
panchayats, in understanding key health issues
At the heart of achieving health for all is prioritising like malnutrition, mother and child health,
our own health, hygiene, and sanitation. By doing adolescent health, life skills, etc. and empowers
so, we can make positive behavioural changes that them to find solutions at the community level.
impact not only ourselves but our entire community.
But, to make this change happen, we need to AMCHI's impact has been significant, and the
improve access to resources like financial support field team has been working closely with the
for building toilets, clean water sources, and health delivery system to make it more
functional primary health centres. It is equally crucial responsive to the needs of the people. For
to ensure that our healthcare providers have the instance, parents of tribal children with severe
capacity to deliver sensitive, high-quality care to malnourishment would often not admit their
those in need. The shift towards prioritising health, children in the district hospital as they could not
hygiene, and sanitation starts with individuals and afford to miss their daily wages. The
communities. When we motivate them to adopt these compensatory payments were not released on
behaviours, they become the drivers of change at time, and the hospital and its procedures were
the systemic level as well. This people-centric, intimidating to them. The facilities in the
participative approach to provide health for all must children's ward were also not child-friendly.
involve working at the systemic and service delivery
level and also at the community and personal level. AMCHI's team worked with tribal communities to
create awareness of child malnutrition and its
Population First's AMCHI program (Action for long-term impact. However, children with severe
Mobilisation of Community Health Initiatives) is a malnutrition who needed hospitalisation, could
grassroots project that has been empowering not access hospital services due to the reasons
communities and motivating service providers since mentioned above. To address this issue, AMCHI
worked with the health department to introduce
2007 in many villages in Shahapur block of Thane
the post of a Rogi Mitra in the rural hospital.
District.
PAGE 06
World Health Day - #HealthForAll
AMCHI's People-Centric Approach: A Model for Achieving Health
for All
This individual was responsible for guiding the
parents through the processes of admission,
discharge, and coordinating with the health
department to expedite the compensation payment
process. They also worked with the hospital
management to provide basic amenities and make
the children's ward more child-friendly. The impact
was significant, with more malnourished children
being admitted to the hospital.

On this World Health Day, let us all commit to

putting people first and making "Health for All" a
reality. We must acknowledge and celebrate our
healthcare heroes, make health services more
people friendly, create community awareness
about health issues, services available and their
responsibility in accessing them, strengthen the
Gram Sabhas, village level committees and
women’s groups to create demand for quality
services and engage young people as active
partners in the health programmes and campaigns.
AMCHI's efforts and their impact are an excellent
example of how people-centric, participative
approaches can make a difference. To learn more
about AMCHI's efforts, visit the website
https://populationfirst.org/amchi-page/

PAGE 07
Interview of the Month
Women and Mental Health: Unique Challenges and the Importance
of Support - Interview with Dr. Anu Mehta
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well being, yet it often goes overlooked or
dismissed in society. Women, in particular, face a unique set of mental health challenges
that are often not given the attention they deserve. We spoke with Dr. Anu Mehta, a
mental health professional, about the challenges women face and the importance of
support.

Dr. Anu Mehta is the pioneer and the First Master Trainer in India and in Asia, in a
diagnostics tool called META-Health, Information technology called NES-health and
Advanced Clearing Energetics, a therapeutic tool, created by Richard Flook. She is the
only one who practises Information technology called NES-Health and is integrating her
work with knowledge of META-Health in India today.

Q1. What are some of the unique mental health Today, modern women often feel isolated and
challenges that women face compared to men? alone in their relationships. Loveless marriages,
unsolved sexual issues, sexual abuse, sexual
The expectation is that an ideal, successful woman misalignment and secrets cause mental health
has to have a sharp and . intelligent brain capable of issues. Lack of intimacy, strict watchful control
understanding, earning, and preserving money and over her emotional relationships and need for
relationships. She has to have the figure of a Barbie intimacy add to the problem.Rigid cultural
doll, the talent of a master chef, a beautiful smile of conditioning might force her to stay and tolerate
an air hostess, the warmth of a loving daughter, the her unhappy relationships aggravating her
patience of a dutiful wife, an all time mom, and an feelings of being isolated, insecure and unsafe.
accommodating daughter-in-law. A Goddess with She may feel empty inside and may not know
numerous hands to bring fruition for the wishes, how to fill this emptiness within herself. She
desires and needs of all her loved ones. With 24 experiences acute depression, anxiety, irritation,
hours at her disposal, she needs to be successful restlessness, lack of focus, loss of concentration
100 per cent of the time in all areas of life, one who and control and feels the urge to escape. She
sacrifices her personal growth to belong to the might use her work to compensate for her
family. The inability to self-nourish can make her emotional non-fulfilment and as an escape route.
feel stunted and not good enough, causing anxiety, The intense involvement at work might make her
depression, and obsessions. The only way for her to lose her ability to view things objectively and
deal with this imbalance is to learn to love and value calmly and make her feel agitated, exhausted,
herself. But she values herself only when her loved worn out, and helpless with no way out. Cultural
ones value her. norms and expectations put pressure on
She allows herself to fall in love with oneself only relationships to work and be successful. These
within the safety of her cultural and societal lead to rebellious, powerless feelings. She is
boundaries. unable to control the situation or protect herself.
She also might lose hope that things will improve
Q2.How do societal and cultural factors impact and may not take essential decisions.
women's mental health?
PAGE 08
Interview of the Month
Women and Mental Health: Unique Challenges and the Importance
of Support - Interview with Dr. Anu Mehta
Q3. What are some of the potential long-term Emotional Conflict: the loss of
consequences of untreated or undertreated mental someone/something dear to us due to death
health issues in women? or separation or divorce, miscarriages and
abortions, argument, betrayal, or
Science proves that our grandmothers carried a part unfaithfulness of a partner or friend and
of us inside their wombs. constantly blaming ourselves.
We need to understand the implication of this on our Postpartum Depression
future. A female foetus is born with all the eggs she Other triggers: Experiencing anger around the
will ever carry in her lifetime. So when your home, work arguments, difficult pregnancy,
grandmother was carrying your mother in her womb, uncomfortable pregnancy, fear of miscarriage
you were a tiny egg in her ovary. The three of you and the healthy development of a baby.
have been together for a very long time.Observation
is that the ancestral mental and physical Q5.How can friends and family members best
environment impacts us before and after our birth. support women who are struggling with mental
Our health has an impact on our unborn child and health issues?
our grandchild. The unhappiness, sadness, and
disconnectedness of a mother, sister, grandmother, People view mental health issues as a weakness.
wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law have a ripple If only we could educate society and bring about
effect on everyone since we are all interdependent acceptance of mental health, many would be
and interconnected. So we need to surround all happier. In my opinion, I see more women than
women in this world with love. men actively involving themselves and attending
self-help classes. Educated people in our society
Q4. How can mental health professionals work believe that going to counselling is a fad that
collaboratively with other healthcare providers to only the rich and famous can indulge in. The
address the interconnected nature of women's three A’s; consist of tools to deal with mental
mental and physical health? health problems: Bringing about Awareness
around mental health by educating the masses,
Most of us have experienced the stress of losing a Accepting that mental health problems are as
loved one, money, pet or property due to separation/ common as physical health problems, and taking
migration/ death. appropriate Actions to deal with emotional issues
When we undergo this mental stress, our physical connected with Mental health. We all need to
body also reacts. We become obsessive and lose take small and sure steps by taking responsibility
our sleep and appetite. Both our physical and mental for our Mental Health. Running a program to help
bodies talk with each other within our bodies. women understand the concept of gratitude and
Examples of physical disease and mental compassion will increase appreciation,
interconnections: acceptance, and self-confidence.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]
PAGE 09
Interview of the Month
Women and Mental Health: Unique Challenges and the Importance
of Support - Interview with Dr. Anu Mehta
Educating women about finances will make them We need to reach marginalised communities
feel equal and give them the freedom to make which are marginalised, rather than waiting for
choices. Safer counselling centres and good them. Art therapy, techniques like games, drama,
counsellors will aid women in expressing their visual arts, drumming, rhythm, songs, simple
emotions effectively and getting prompt help. Lastly, tapping techniques like Emotional Freedom
if her family stands by her rock solid, she will feel Techniques, and meditations to increase
supported and connected. happiness to improve Mental health.

Q6. What can be done to address the stigma

surrounding mental health and seeking help,
particularly for women?

Scary visions of being locked up in an asylum,

electric shocks, and carrying the label MAD were
closely associated with mental health. No one wants
to be called MAD. We cannot use Google or
YouTube tips as a substitute for our counsellor.
Many eminent celebrities have spoken openly about
their depression and anxiety.

Counsellors are trying their best to cope with

children at school/college. Mass education is the
need of the hour. When we are not feeling okay and
if we take the responsibility to seek help, a lot will
change. We can create awareness of mental health
in our small circles of friends and family, and the
level of happiness will increase, increasing the
meaning of life.Good mental health professionals
can donate their services to communities,
educational institutes and NGOs. Free of charge
Train the Trainer Program can be created for
identifying and dealing with traumatic situations.
These trained people would commit their part that
they will work in their community with these
resources free of charge.

PAGE 10
Book Corner
Dr Cuterus: Everything Nobody Tells You About Your Body
Author: Tanaya Narendra
Dr Shalini Mullick

Words like vagina, clitoris, penis, scrotum tend to As you can guess, the use of all these devices
confound and embarrass people. Maybe even you, ensures that she doesn’t talk down to the reader.
dear reader? Even though everyone has a body, Instead she sustains the attention-and interest of
nobody wants to talk about it. the reader, walking them along what is usually a
Isn’t that a truism , if there ever was one? confusing or boring didactic presentation. And,
I don’t think any of us can forget the first time we that as all of us know, is not an easy task.
were introduced to the reproductive system-Biology Chapter by chapter, and incorporating small
lessons in Grade 7 or 8? I definitely remember a quizzes along the way, the author not only
‘guest’ teacher droning about ovaries and sperm provides credible information in an easy to
(that’s all that registered to the young school kid that understand manner, she also debunks common
I was). I left the class shrouded in a coat of mystery myths and misconceptions.
because I had no idea where (seriously!) the ovaries One thing that especially worked for me was how
were. And there was no one I could ask. she has consistently called out misogyny at
But, if Dr Tanaya Narendra, who is well known as Dr every step-be it menstrual taboos or female
Cuterus, (her Instagram avatar) has her way, this hygiene products. She also touches on the role
embarrassment and hesitance will be a thing of the of capitalism and marketing in the role of
past. products targeted at women.
Dr Narendra , in her debut book, takes upon herself That said, one area that the books should have
the onerous task of sharing information about genital shed more light on is the spectrum of gender and
and sexual health-starting from the anatomy of ‘down
the non-binary. While she does briefly mention
there’, to menstruation, contraception, to safe sex
the difference between gender and sex, it is a
and STI’s, she defines the canvas of her writing and
concept that needs-and deserves – more
covers it using simple, jargon free writing. Her use of
emphasis. The emotional and mental health
wit and humour is bang on, as it cuts through the
issues that come with unnatural expectations
unease that is usually associated with any
about our bodies especially in times of social
information about private parts, sex , fertility and the
media could also have been covered more
like.
exhaustively. Itmust also be mentioned that some
She keeps her medical knowledge crisp, and the text
readers may not be familiar with the usage of
is blended with simple, self-drawn (also cute and
Hindi words thrown in, but that will not be a blip
peppy) diagrams and unique analogies, some of
in the reading experience.
which are priceless. A few examples , just to give you
None of these factors, however, take away from
an idea: Diagrammatic representations of ovaries and
the impact and importance of this book at all.
uterus, using the situation from DDLJ where Raj and
Published by Penguin India, the book is a unique
Simran face opposition from Simran’s father to
attempt to remove the stigma associated with
explain contraception!, the Kathi rolls (guess what?),
sexual and genital health and sex itself. And a
referencing the epic scene from Mughal-e -Azam to
explain vasectomy! very successful one at that.
PAGE 11
Reel Life
Margarita with a Straw (2014)
Margarita with a Straw (2014), directed by Shonali Bose and co-written by Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar, is a
powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of gender, health, and disability.

The movie follows the story of Laila, a young woman Another powerful aspect of the movie is its
with cerebral palsy, as she moves from India to New portrayal of the challenges faced by people with
York to pursue her studies. Throughout the movie, disabilities. In a scene where Laila visits a
we see Laila navigating the challenges and hospital in the US, we see how inaccessible
opportunities of living with a disability while also
healthcare can be for people with disabilities.
exploring issues related to her sexuality,
The scene highlights the importance of having
independence, and identity.
sign language interpreters and ramps to make
healthcare accessible to everyone.
The title of the movie "Margarita with a Straw" is
symbolic of the main character Laila's journey
One of the major critiques of the movie, also
towards self-discovery and independence. In the
movie, Laila uses a straw to drink a margarita, which pointed out by some disability advocates, has
she initially struggles with due to her cerebral palsy. been for casting an able-bodied actor in the role
However, she perseveres and eventually masters the of Laila, rather than a disabled actor. While Kalki
skill, becoming more confident in her abilities. Koechlin's performance as Laila is laudable, the
lack of representation for disabled actors in
The margarita with a straw represents Laila's mainstream media is a significant issue that
newfound freedom and agency as she explores her cannot be ignored.
sexuality, independence, and identity. It's a powerful
metaphor for how small things can make a big Throughout the movie, we see Laila's strength
difference in someone's life, especially for those with and resilience in the face of adversity. She
disabilities. The title also speaks to the inclusivity and overcomes barriers and challenges to pursue her
diversity that the movie advocates for, as everyone dreams and aspirations. Her final speech is a
should have the opportunity to enjoy life's pleasures, testament to her courage and determination, as
regardless of their abilities or differences. she speaks out about her experiences as a
person with a disability, challenging stereotypes
One of the most striking aspects of the movie is the
and advocating for inclusivity and diversity in
way it challenges societal norms around women's
society.
sexuality, especially for those with disabilities. In a
scene where Laila uses a vibrator, the movie breaks
Overall, Margarita with a Straw is a must-watch
the taboo around discussing sex and disability in
for anyone interested in understanding the
Indian culture. This scene is not only empowering but
intersections of gender, disability, and sexuality.
also highlights the importance of inclusivity and
diversity in society. While the movie has its critiques, the film's
engaging storyline, powerful performances, and
inspiring message make it a standout film that
will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
PAGE 12
Happenings
Laadli Partners Meet and Launch of Call For Entries of the
13th Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender
Sensitivity.
A Laadli Partners Meet was held on 25th April, language used, there is still a lack of medico-legal
2023 with Friends of Laadli and Ms. Upala Devi, literacy and inclusiveness in reporting. A few
Regional Gender Technical Advisor, UNFPA Asia advertisements were shown that provided a gender
and the Pacific Regional Office at the Executive sensitive narrative instead of being sexist.
Centre, Bandra East, Mumbai. Dr. Sharada began
with a presentation about Laadli's journey,
The meeting also featured discussions by Friends
highlighting its accomplishments and current
of Laadli and Team Population First, who shared
efforts. The discussion then centred around the
their stories of being associated with Population
impact of media on social consciousness and
First and the Laadli initiative. Attendees included
Laadli's media campaign, which works with
notable names such as Anuja Gulati, our Executive
journalists and media students to redefine gender
Trustee S V Sista, Dolly Thakore, Suneeta Rao,
perceptions and promote a positive image of
women in society. Vinta Nanda, Samira Khan, Meghna Ghaipuri,
Leena Pujari, Rashmi Lamba, Vinaya Deshpande,
India has one of the largest numbers of young Shivam Gupta, Shalini Sinha, and Manas Rath.
people with significant purchasing power and are Conversations were held on various gender issues,
aspirational, making them a crucial target for media including the effects of Female Genital Mutilation on
influence. However, there is still a strong son women and taboos about menstruation. Laws and
preference and daughter aversion in society, and implementations across the world, such as Roe vs.
the stereotypes of what girls can and cannot do Wade, were also discussed. Anuja Gulati concluded
must be broken to open up the world for them. Girls the presentation by asking Upala about
are undervalued and denied the right to education, opportunities to collaborate, how to connect with
healthcare, and nutrition. They also face violence other regional initiatives, and what role Population
throughout their lives. First and UNFPA India office can play in connecting
media work with similar initiatives. Ms. Upala
The discussion then shifted to how Laadli Initiative promised to conduct a region-wide webinar and
is working to build capacities, create a supportive provide opportunities to present the work done by
ecosystem, institute reward mechanisms, and
Laadli.
create public awareness to effect change. Laadli's
impact has been significant, with 88% of awardees
The meeting concluded with the launch of the Call
aspiring to receive a Laadli Media Award, and 97%
for Entries for the 13th Laadli Media and
of awardees believing that they have been able to
Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity, 2023.
change the perception of people around them. The
Overall, the meeting was productive and
presentation also featured a research study by
Samira Khan on gender sensitivity and the informative, highlighting the crucial work being done
coverage of rape in Indian news media, which by Laadli and its partners to effect change in
found that while there is more sensitivity in the society.
PAGE 13
Happenings
Laadli Partners Meet and Launch of Call For Entries of the
13th Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender
Sensitivity.
📽️Watch the 1-min video:
https://youtu.be/OKOx8Nr6Emg

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