As a young Indian Muslim, my SRHR dream for India encompasses a society that champions inclusivity, acknowledges the role of intersectionality in accessing resources and information, empowers girls, protects children's rights, and resolutely bans the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Through comprehensive education, inclusive policies, and supportive environments, my dream for SRHR is rooted in prioritising all individuals' well-being, agency, and dignity.

Inclusivity: Intersectionality in Accessing Resources and Information:

In my SRHR dream for India, SRHR services are universally accessible, irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographical location. A comprehensive network of healthcare facilities offers a wide range of services, including reproductive health check-ups, family planning, contraception, safe and legal abortion, infertility treatments, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. These services are free or affordable, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access. Furthermore, these facilities prioritise cultural sensitivity, offering services that are inclusive of diverse religious, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. Trained healthcare professionals provide comprehensive care, respecting individuals' rights, maintaining confidentiality, and offering non-judgmental support. By developing targeted initiatives, providing culturally sensitive healthcare, and collaborating with community leaders, we can move towards equitable access to SRHR for all individuals.

Empowering Individuals: Comprehensive Education

Empowering individuals, particularly girls, through comprehensive SRHR education is vital. From a young age, individuals should be offered age-appropriate, evidence-based information that covers various aspects of SRHR, including sexual development, relationships, consent, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive health. This education must be inclusive, embracing diverse identities, orientations, and backgrounds, and should instil values of respect, consent, and bodily autonomy. By equipping individuals with accurate information and eliminating gender-based discrimination, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and reproductive choices and foster agency, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Banning the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Protection of Children's Rights

In my SRHR dream for India, banning the harmful practice of FGM is a vital component. Extensive research reveals the physical and psychological consequences endured by survivors. Legislation criminalising FGM, coupled with awareness campaigns and support for survivors, is essential to eradicate this harmful tradition. By unequivocally condemning FGM and raising awareness about its detrimental effects, we can protect the rights and dignity of girls and women, ensuring their physical integrity and overall well-being.

Protecting children's SRHR is crucial for the well-being of society. Strengthening child protection systems, raising awareness, and providing comprehensive SRHR education to children will create a safe environment where they can seek support and understand concepts like consent and personal boundaries.

Empowered Decision-Making: Ensuring Autonomy and Consent

In my SRHR dream for India, Individuals have the right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies, sexuality, and reproductive choices. They have access to a wide range of contraception options tailored to their needs and preferences, enabling them to plan their families effectively. Reproductive choices, including safe and legal abortion, are supported and respected without stigma or judgment. Consent is paramount in all relationships, and we move towards a society where it actively promotes a culture of consent, challenging harmful

In my SRHR dream for India, SRHR services are universally accessible, irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographical location. A comprehensive network of healthcare facilities offers a wide range of services, including reproductive health check-ups, family planning, contraception, safe and legal abortion, infertility treatments, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. These services are free or affordable, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access. Furthermore, these facilities prioritise cultural sensitivity, offering services that are inclusive of diverse religious, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. Trained healthcare professionals provide comprehensive care, respecting individuals' rights, maintaining confidentiality, and offering non-judgmental support. By developing targeted initiatives, providing culturally sensitive healthcare, and collaborating with community leaders, we can move towards equitable access to SRHR for all individuals.

norms and behaviours. Through education and social norms, we will foster a climate where open and honest communication about desires, boundaries, and consent is embraced, empowering individuals to navigate their SRHR with confidence and agency.

Supportive Environment: Eradicating Discrimination and Stigma

My SRHR dream for India also includes the fact that we strive to eradicate discrimination and stigma surrounding SRHR. Diverse identities, orientations, and expressions are celebrated, and individuals are free to explore and express their sexuality without fear or prejudice. The society recognises and addresses the unique needs of marginalised communities, including religious and ethnic minorities, ensuring that healthcare services are culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible. Supportive networks are established to assist individuals facing SRHR challenges, providing counselling, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Comprehensive efforts are made to challenge harmful social norms, such as child marriage and gender-based violence, creating an environment that respects and upholds the rights of all individuals.

While my utopian idea of a society with perfect SRHR practices may seem ambitious, but by striving towards comprehensive education, accessible and inclusive SRHR services, empowered decision-making, and a supportive environment, we can work towards a future where the rights of individuals are protected. Through collective efforts, collaboration, and sustained commitment, we can realise this vision and build a society that upholds all its citizens' well-being, autonomy, and dignity.

About the Author

Identifying as a young Muslim woman in India, Rashida is a passionate advocate for Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Quality of Life. With a major in sociology and a minor in literary and cultural studies from FLAME University, Pune, Rashida has a strong educational background in liberal arts that enables her to bring interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives to complex problems in the social sector. As a Program Manager at LetsLocalise, UK, Rashida's work focuses on sustainable and inclusive development practices. With a passion for creating a world where everyone has access to quality healthcare, Rashida is committed to making a positive impact on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Quality of Life of all individuals. Her experience in academic and field research allows her to bring in various lenses to navigate across the wide spectrum of development in the country, with a particular focus on the intersectional aspects of Sexual Reproductive Health. Rashida's strategic organizational planning and collaboration skills have enabled her to successfully complete complex projects and make a positive impact in the development sector. Her critical thinking and analysis skills, communication, and ability to engage with different stakeholders including the community, government, and social purpose organizations set her apart in the social sector.