As the world observes International Women’s Day, it is crucial to confront a fundamental yet often overlooked issue—reproductive and sexual health. Despite significant progress, millions of women worldwide still struggle to access comprehensive healthcare, exercise bodily autonomy, and make informed decisions about their sexuality and well-being. Systemic barriers persist, from inadequate contraception and maternal care to deeply ingrained stigma surrounding menstrual and sexual health. These challenges don’t just affect individuals—they undermine gender equality on a global scale.
True empowerment begins with knowledge. When women receive accurate information, quality healthcare, and the backing of progressive policies, they take charge of their lives, education, and economic futures. Nations with strong reproductive health frameworks report lower maternal mortality, greater female workforce participation, and overall societal well-being. Yet, cultural taboos and policy gaps continue to stifle critical conversations, leaving millions without the resources they need.
This International Women’s Day must serve as a catalyst for change. Governments, healthcare systems, and communities must unite to dismantle these barriers by prioritizing comprehensive reproductive education, accessible healthcare, and legal protections. Women’s health is not a private concern—it is a societal imperative, integral to sustainable development and true equality. By fostering open dialogue and driving policy reform, we can build a world where every woman has the agency to make informed choices about her body and her future.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the 20th edition of the Asian Women’s Film Festival, hosted by International Association of Women in Radio & Television (IAWRT), Vani Viswanathan, Co-lead of Talking About Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues (TARSHI), sheds light on her organization’s initiatives and advocacy efforts towards disseminating curated information on sexuality and well-being. She delves into the pressing issues In Plainspeak magazine explores, shares insights into curating themes and collaborating with writers, and traces the evolution of feminism and archival work in India. Most importantly, she outlines the movement’s trajectory and what lies ahead. Here are the key takeaways from her thought-provoking discussion.
Q: Can you share how TARSHI is actively contributing to women’s empowerment through its initiatives and programs?
A: For 30 years, TARSHI has championed sexuality and well-being, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We are committed to advancing comprehensive sexuality education, equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools to engage students in meaningful discussions on these critical topics.
Beyond education, we now address a pressing yet often neglected issue—stress management and burnout prevention, particularly among social sector professionals. Working in this space comes with immense emotional and mental strain. We facilitate conversations that bring these professionals together, helping them navigate stress and implement policies and practices that foster well-being within their organizations.
Throughout our three-decade journey, we have trained numerous organizations in SRHR, empowering them to drive change within their communities. Our work extends beyond training—we have developed extensive resources, including In Plainspeak, our online magazine dedicated to exploring sexuality and well-being. Through these efforts, we continue to push boundaries, spark critical dialogue, and create a more informed and inclusive society.
Q: Could you elaborate on the key issues that In Plainspeak magazine explores and addresses?
A: For the past decade, our online magazine has explored the intersection of sexuality with diverse themes. Each issue delves into a specific topic, inviting contributions from anyone with insights or experiences to share.
A rigorous editorial process ensures that every piece is thoughtfully curated and presented in plain speak—clear, accessible language that remains nuanced yet easy to understand. When we launched the magazine, discussions on sexuality were often confined to dense academic jargon, making them inaccessible to many. Our goal was to break that barrier. We simplify complex ideas without oversimplifying them, creating space for deeper, more inclusive conversations.
Q: How do you select themes for In Plainspeak and engage with contributors to ensure diverse perspectives?
A: Each year, we take on the exciting challenge of curating fresh themes for our magazine. We brainstorm and select topics that shape the year’s issues, ensuring they offer new perspectives on sexuality.
To spark ideas for contributions, we share thought-provoking prompts. For example, how does migration intersect with sexuality? What are the connections between consent and sexual autonomy? By posing these questions, we invite diverse voices to contribute—some share personal narratives, while others present research or insights from their studies.
Every issue also features an exclusive interview with an expert deeply engaged in the chosen theme. We seek out individuals whose work offers valuable perspectives, adding depth and nuance to the conversation. Through this approach, we create a dynamic, inclusive space where sexuality is explored from multiple angles.
Q: How do you perceive the evolution of feminism and archival work in the country, and what direction do you see it taking in the future?
A: The internet has dramatically expanded access to knowledge about feminism. Today, people can explore its history, evolution, and impact with just a few clicks. They can trace the journey that brought us here and deepen their understanding of what feminism truly stands for.
Yet, misinformation persists. Many still misunderstand feminism, reducing it to stereotypes like man-hating or exclusionary narratives. The discourse must evolve beyond a binary lens and embrace the experiences of diverse gender identities. While the conversation is expanding, and we’ve made significant progress, challenges remain.
Now, more than ever, we must unite to defend hard-won laws, policies, and societal shifts that promote equality. The next challenge lies in pushing back against regressive narratives and ensuring that feminist discourse continues to evolve, remain inclusive, and drive meaningful change.
