Vithika Yadav about Awareness: Even today in the society, it is not easy to talk openly on issues like sexual health and abortion or voluntary abortion. In such a situation, human rights activist Vithika Yadav is doing important work in providing correct and reliable information to the youth. On the occasion of Women’s Day, Grihalakshmi had a special conversation with her on her journey and women’s health and rights.
Question.1 Tell us something about your childhood and family?
My childhood was spent in Alwar, Rajasthan. Education was given great importance in our family. Both my parents were in government service. He taught us not to accept anything without thinking, but to ask questions. There was openness at home, but many limitations were visible in society, especially on topics related to girls. These experiences taught me to be fearless and listen carefully to others, which later decided the direction of my work.
Question.2 How did you get inspiration to work in this field?
Like many girls growing up in India, I was hesitant to ask questions about my body or sexual topics. At the beginning of my work, I had the opportunity to work with adolescent girls who had gone through difficult situations like trafficking, violence and exploitation. Many girls did not have proper knowledge about their body and rights. One girl told me, “I don’t understand what the truth is.” That’s when I realized that the biggest problem was the lack of reliable information. This is what kept me motivated to work in this field.
Q.3 How did your studies help you in this direction?
I graduated in History from Lady Shri Ram College. Reading history develops the understanding that society and rights change with time and one has to struggle to achieve them. During college itself, I had decided that I wanted to work in the field of human rights. Studying gave me the perspective to understand the system, while people’s experiences inspired me to work proactively.
Q.4 What is the common objective of Love Matters India, Teen Book and Pratigya Abhiyan?
All of these initiatives have the same goal—to promote open, trusting, and unbiased conversations about sexual and reproductive health topics. The silence and misconceptions around these topics run deep in our society. Our endeavor is to provide such a platform, especially to the youth, where they can ask their questions without any fear and get the correct information. Providing clear and reliable information through digital mediums is a great need of today’s times.
Question.5 Why is there hesitation in the society on these subjects?
For a long time, these topics were not considered worthy of open discussion. Many people fear that if children are given information, they will go on the wrong path. Along with this, harsh attitude towards girls is also a reason. To change this situation, families should openly talk to children according to age and it is necessary to include scientific sex education in schools.
Question. 6 What are the challenges despite abortion laws being in place?
Laws related to abortion in India are considered progressive, but there are still many difficulties on the ground. There is a shortage of trained doctors and health services in small towns and rural areas. Many women do not even know under what circumstances abortion is legal. Apart from this, social pressure and concern about privacy also become a big problem.
Question. 7 Your message to Grihalakshmi’s readers on Women’s Day?
Every woman has the right to take decisions related to her body and life. Safe reproductive health services are part of the fundamental right. Getting the right information is very important and seeking health services is a responsible step. When women become aware and support each other, only then will the society become healthier and stronger.
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