This Independence Day, however, we profile five women who are trying to change this narrative by amplifying conversations around menstruation health, child marriage, gender violence, and discrimination.
Shanthi Muniswamy, Annu Kumari, Pooja Singh, Sohani Bhatnagar, and Roshni Perween are initiating dialogue around issues such as menstruation, child marriage, gender violence
The 2023 Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) report, released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on June 12, reveals disheartening facts about gender rights in India. Despite 76 years of independence, the report shows that over 99.22 percent of the population in India still holds biases against women, with over 86.26 percent holding at least two biases. The report also highlights a collective bias against women’s physical integrity, including issues such as intimate partner violence and reproductive rights.
Shanthi Muniswamy, Annu Kumari, Pooja Singh, Sohani Bhatnagar, and Roshni Perween are leading the conversation on critical issues like menstruation, child marriage, gender violence, and more.
On this Independence Day, we shine a spotlight on five inspiring women who are working tirelessly to change this narrative. They are amplifying conversations around menstruation health, child marriage, gender violence, and discrimination.
Shanthi Muniswamy
Shanthi Muniswamy is a transgender activist and artist associated with the Aravani Art Project. As a member of Alli Serona, a collective of civil society organizations, creators, and think tanks, Shanthi advocates for the voices of the informal sector in Bengaluru. Through her artwork and advocacy, she promotes inclusivity and initiates conversations for change. Shanthi’s passion for solo traveling and poetry reflects the importance of exploring one’s identity and dreams through creative pursuits.
Annu Kumari
Annu Kumari’s journey began in Amawan, Bihar, where she defied early marriage to pursue her dream of becoming a police constable. Through her participation in the Kishori Samooh program, she gained knowledge about period management, nutrition, and overall health. Annu became aware of the harmful consequences of early marriage and took a stand to prevent it in her village. She prioritized education over marriage, guided by her mentor, Sheela Devi. Currently, she is training at the Bihar Police Training Academy, inspiring other young women to chase their dreams against all odds.
Pooja Singh
In the village of Marmo, Rajouli, Pooja Singh, a 25-year-old woman, faced the challenges of early marriage but never lost hope. With the support of the Population Foundation of India, she pursued her education up to the 11th grade and is determined to change her community’s mindset about women’s rights. Pooja’s journey serves as an inspiration to many other women in her community.
Roshni Perween
Roshni Perween, a Change Leader from Bihar’s Nguvu, overcame the trauma of child marriage and gender-based violence. She launched a digital campaign backed by the Nguvu Collective to fight against child marriage in the Seemanchal region. Roshni aims to eradicate child marriage by the end of 2024. She is spearheading awareness programs in schools and ensuring accessibility to helpline numbers for women and child development. Roshni is determined to change the fate of young girls in her community.
Sohani Bhatnagar
Sohani Bhatnagar, a 19-year-old law student from Bhopal, has become a menstrual educator after facing taboos around menstruation. She uses social media as a platform to advocate for menstrual issues and question the stigma associated with periods in a country that worships the goddess Kamakhya Shun. Sohani works to dispel myths surrounding menstruation and promotes menstrual health, women’s safety, and equal access to education. Through initiatives like the ‘Girl Up’ club, she empowers underprivileged adolescent girls and advocates for mandatory lessons on menstrual hygiene in schools.
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