Kahi ankahi baatein (Saying the Unsaid)
Technology gives you the assurance – people search for answers to bizarre questions on the Internet. Technology by itself is not changing anything but gives you… satisfaction. Having easy access to information provides a lot of support to marginalised communities. We were very clear that just by providing information we are not changing anything but maybe starting conversations. Core group member guiding content development for the platform
Creating material on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) topics has become a significant development priority, with many organizations developing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
These resources, however, are often only available in English and/ or provide limited information. Even those resources created in local languages present this information in a way that is difficult for young people to understand. Dissemination too can be a challenge, particularly to young girls because of the taboo around such conversations. This understanding motivated CREA to start an infoline, Kahi Ankahi Baatein (Saying the Unsaid), in 2014.
This infoline reaches out to young people in communities across Hindi-speaking states to disseminate information in short and storytelling formats in Hindi. The focus is on gender, sexuality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence. The platform is run in partnership with community radio stations and disseminated through an Interactive Voice Recording System.
Episodes include topics such as virginity, condoms, break-ups, body image, gender-based discrimination, gender roles and stereotypes, same-sex relationships, sexual harassment, stalking, online violence and marital rape. Most of the questions we received on the infoline related to sexuality, masturbation, same-sex attraction and consent.
Impact
- The infoline has become an accessible tool to provide correct information around issues that are otherwise too stigmatized to be openly discussed.
- In 2018, over 30,000 calls were received every quarter with 3% of the callers identifying themselves as transgender.
