Sachhi Saheli

Sachhi Saheli is a grassroots non-profit organization initially conceived by a group of dedicated doctors and teachers driven by the urge to understan Read mored the struggles faced by young girls in the country. What started as a humble effort among friends to instigate positive change in the lives of girls gradually evolved into Sachhi Saheli. The mission of Sachhi Saheli is to empower every woman to lead life on her own terms by fostering collective action at all societal levels. It conducts workshops, training programs, and modules aimed at dispelling societal taboos and myths around menstruation, reproductive health, and sexual abuse. This journey began when Dr. Surbhi Singh, a gynecologist, started pondering whether her medical efforts were adequately benefiting society. Witnessing patients grappling with issues arising from societal superstitions and myths, particularly among women and young girls, inspired her to venture beyond medical treatment. Seeking to address the deep-rooted problems prevalent in society, Sachhi Saheli commenced with small sessions on self-hygiene in schools. It became evident that the issues were multifaceted and pervasive throughout society, prompting the inception of Sachhi Saheli. The organization endeavours to eliminate these issues at their inception in society. It conducts workshops and sessions in schools and colleges to bridge the gap in health and sanitation education provided by the existing education system. Additionally, it is engaged in projects targeting parents, conducting training and awareness sessions for mothers to educate and sensitize their children about health and hygiene. Misconceptions about personal and menstrual hygiene not only impedes the growth of girls but also affected boys mentally and physically. Gender-based biases entrenched in our society fuelled inequality between girls and boys. To counter this, the organisation designed specific programs and training sessions aimed at sensitizing both boys and girls. Such efforts have received consistent support and partnerships from governmental organizations like NDMC, WDC, DLSA, DCPCR, as well as reputed corporates across various sectors. After making strides in menstrual health and hygiene awareness, Sachhi Saheli now aims to bridge gaps in comprehensive sex and sexuality education, especially among youth and educators. The latest initiative focuses on fostering a culture where discussing sexuality education is not just about classroom subjects but involves providing age-appropriate information. Sacchi Saheli addresses the following issues - • Menstrual Health & Hygiene Management - The prevalent misconception that menstruation is unclean or impure has resulted in a stigma surrounding this natural process. This stigma often deprives menstruators of a dignified experience, restricting access to essential materials and facilities for proper menstrual management. The lack of open conversation and accurate knowledge contributes to perpetuating this stigma. Sachhi Saheli strives to bridge this knowledge gap by disseminating accurate and essential information among diverse beneficiary groups, including students (of all genders), parents, teachers, health workers, and social workers. • Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights of Women - In India, the concept of sexual and reproductive health rights often remains unfamiliar or overlooked due to prevalent taboos surrounding sex and sexuality. This lack of awareness, coupled with limited access to affordable and non-judgmental healthcare, leaves women vulnerable to various health issues such as infections, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions. According to a 2019 report by the Family Planning Association, 14% of pregnancies among women under 20 were unplanned, and half of maternal deaths in girls aged 15-19 were due to unsafe abortions. Sachhi Saheli's mission is to empower women with comprehensive knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, the organization aims to sensitize healthcare workers to offer non-judgmental and confidential healthcare services to women. • Comprehensive Sexuality Education - Despite efforts from educators, governmental bodies, and NGOs, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, commonly known as Sex Education, has not been integrated into school or college curriculums in India due to prevailing cultural norms and concerns about potential negative impacts on young people. Contrary to these beliefs, evidence suggests that Comprehensive Sexuality Education equips young individuals with essential skills and values to navigate decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, fostering a positive attitude towards gender equality. The absence of this knowledge leads them to seek answers from unreliable sources, resulting in incorrect, confusing, and conflicting information about their bodies, gender, and sexuality. In order to bridge this educational gap, Sachhi Saheli is dedicated to educating and raising awareness among parents, teachers, and students about the significance and different components of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. The organization aims to empower young individuals to make responsible decisions and protect themselves from coercion, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and other vulnerabilities. • Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment is a prevalent issue affecting individuals regardless of gender or profession. In India, the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill passed in 2013 primarily focuses on protecting women and their modesty. While the Act safeguards women against sexual harassment in all workplaces in alignment with SDG-5, it overlooks the reality that sexual harassment can also impact men. "Men are as susceptible to sexual harassment as women." Sometimes, men may inadvertently become offenders due to their lack of awareness or perpetuation of patriarchal mindsets ingrained during upbringing. Recognizing the need for increased awareness and understanding of the issue, Sachhi Saheli aims to sensitize women and others about the rights and legal measures available to protect against sexual harassment, emphasizing practical usage. Moreover, it actively educates and sensitizes men about appropriate workplace behaviour to prevent unintentional actions that could lead to penalties due to ignorance. Sachhi Saheli is dedicated to fostering positive changes in attitudes and behaviours through gender-neutral programs and sessions advocating equal opportunities for all, irrespective of sex or sexuality.