Latest news with #Nasreen
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Broken vending machines expose Madhya Pradesh's failed promise of menstrual hygiene
A silent crisis is unfolding across government schools in Madhya Pradesh, after the state's commitment to menstrual hygiene lies in shambles as sanitary pad vending machines, once introduced with much fanfare, now lie defunct, unfilled, or missing tribal districts, the crisis has deepened further, with government schools and hostels operating on zero budget for menstrual hygiene like 'experience the freedom' have become hollow phrases in Madhya Pradesh. In place of support, girls are met with empty dispensers, malfunctioning machines, and administrative indifference. What should be safe spaces for learning have turned into sites of stress and indignity—especially in under-resourced tribal At Sarojini Naidu Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Bhopal, where nearly 1,300 girls are enroled, the only vending machine is locked inside the staff room. Teachers cited ongoing construction for the delay in the India Today team visited, the machine appeared functional but failed to dispense a pad after a five-rupee coin was inserted. A teacher admitted the machine hadn't been working for a long time, and that sanitary pads were often provided by staff from personal supplies. Only after testing the machine did the vice principal call a technician to repair Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Jehangirabad, with over 1,500 students, the condition was worse. The sole vending machine, donated by an NGO, was buried under dust and completely non-functional. It had not been maintained or refilled in months, with no accountability in sight. According to Vice Principal Vidushi Gupta of Sarojini Naidu School, 'There was construction going on, so we couldn't install the machine in the right place. It's been damaged—we've called someone to repair it.'advertisementWith no dedicated government budget, many schools rely on the Red Cross Society Fund, collected through annual student fees. Each student contributes Rs 20 to the fund, which is partly forwarded to the education department and partly retained by schools. Teachers use these limited funds to purchase sanitary pads, a stopgap measure at best. Nasreen, a senior teacher at the Jehangirabad school, said, 'The vending machine has been non-functional for a long time. We use Red Cross funds and sometimes depend on NGO donations. Teachers help on their own when nothing else is available.'TRIBAL GIRLS WORST HITThe crisis is far worse in the tribal belts, where the government claims to be focusing efforts. During the 2025 Budget Session, the Tribal Affairs Department admitted to allocating zero funds for sanitary pad vending machines in tribal regions from 2019 to 2025. Hostel girls receive just Rs 45 per month for menstrual needs—an amount grossly insufficient to maintain data highlights the severity of the problem:Sheopur: 0 machines in 21 schoolsMandla: 0 in 201 schoolsShahdol: 0 in 133 schoolsAlirajpur: 13 in 93 schoolsJhabua: 17 in 117 schoolsDhar: 5 in 233 schoolsKhargone: 4 in 155 schoolsBarwani: 14 in 147 schoolsSeoni: 7 in 119 schoolsDindori: 20 in 131 schoolsAnuppur: 3 in 135 schoolsadvertisementThese figures reflect systemic neglect in delivering basic healthcare to marginalised girls.'Whenever our periods start, we go into panic. There are no pads. We fear stains and judgment,' said Poonam Verma, a student. Another, Sarika Sable, added, 'The machine here hasn't worked in months. If friends don't help, we're left with nothing. It affects our health and our confidence.'STATE'S SCHEME TO PROMOTE MENSTRUAL HYGIENEIn August 2024, the Madhya Pradesh government claimed a breakthrough—transferring Rs 58 crore directly into the bank accounts of girls in Classes 6 to 12 at Rs 300 per student per year. This sum, meant to support 1.93 crore girls, translates to just Rs 25 per month—barely enough for one pack of sanitary pads, let alone a month's supply. Actual monthly needs typically range from Rs 70 to voices like Congress MLA Vikrant Bhuriya have slammed the initiative, calling it a 'scam worth crores.''The state says it's giving Rs 45 per girl for hygiene in the government hostels, but it has admitted there is no budget for vending machines in tribal areas. Schools are running without basic hygiene arrangements,' he told India Today. According to Bhuriya, over 3.3 lakh girls dropped out after Class 8 due to lack of hygiene infrastructure and Minister of State Krishna Gaur defended the government's approach. 'Our government is committed to providing free pads and installing machines. If there is negligence anywhere, it will not be tolerated. Authorities are responsible for this, and funding has been given,' she Watch
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladeshi fundamentalists label women activists ‘sex workers' to silence, discredit their work: Dhaka Uni professor
Zobaida Nasreen said that 'those who served on the [women's affairs] committee are now being openly threatened and defamed, with many labelled as 'sex workers' to silence and discredit them' read more Garment workers come out of a factory during lunch hours at the Ashulia area, outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Reuters A prominent academic and activist from Bangladesh has raised alarm over what she describes as a worsening climate for women's rights in the country, saying that those who speak out are increasingly facing threats, harassment and social pressure. News18 quoted Zobaida Nasreen, a professor at Dhaka University and a leading figure in last year's protest movement, as saying in an interview from Germany that the situation for women has become 'pathetic,' with conservative and religious groups pushing back hard against any reforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nasreen, currently in Germany on a scholarship program, accused the Bangladeshi government of giving in to fundamentalist factions opposed to reforms aimed at strengthening women's rights. Backlash against policy recommendations Nasreen pointed to recent developments following the appointment of a women's affairs commission under the administration of Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus. The commission had submitted a set of recommendations aimed at improving the legal and social standing of women, including provisions for sex workers and reforms to inheritance laws. 'The recommendations put forward by the women's commission, intended to improve the status of women in the country, have been outright rejected by fundamentalist groups,' Nasreen said. 'Worse, those who served on the committee are now being openly threatened and defamed, with many labelled as 'sex workers' to silence and discredit them.' Groups like Hefazat-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami have led protests against the commission's proposals, reportedly pressuring the government to abandon them. 'Disturbingly, the government appears to be influenced by these groups,' Nasreen added. A reversal of progress The current climate marks a stark contrast to last year's mass demonstrations, where women played a visible and vocal role. 'During last year's protests, women participated in large numbers—even in the middle of the night, wearing whatever they had on. At that time, no one objected. But now, those same women are being targeted with abusive language and harassment,' she said. Nasreen also criticised the National Citizen Party (NCP), which leads the current government, for its silence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I also believe that the NCP is complicit in this. Their silence is telling—they have not spoken out against this backlash, which indirectly supports the targeting of women.' A climate of fear Nasreen said the effects are being felt in daily life. 'Women are afraid. Many have started changing the way they dress—not because of any legal requirement, but because of mounting social pressure. The psychological and social pressure is immense. They are living in constant fear and under significant stress.' She also spoke of being indirectly threatened herself, recalling that she received a letter advising her to cover her head before returning to her university. 'I was active in the movement and opposed the Sheikh Hasina regime—I faced harassment then as well. What's happening now is deeply troubling. Anyone who dares to speak out against fundamentalist forces is being targeted,' she said. The Bangladeshi government has not commented publicly on the claims or the alleged threats made against the women's commission and activists. Rights groups have warned that the combination of social conservatism and political silence could erode hard-won gains in gender equality in Bangladesh, a country once praised for its progress on women's education and participation in public life.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Gayathri lifts Super Singer Junior 10 trophy, wins villa worth Rs 60 lakh
Gayathri lifted the trophy of the Super Singer Junior 10 held on Sunday in Chennai. She was presented the key to a luxurious villa worth Rs 60 lakh. Kamal Haasan and AR Rahman were the chief guests for the grand finale of Super Singer Junior 10. Nasreen was chosen as the first runner-up while Aadya and Sarasruthi shared the third comes from a music family, where her father and forefathers played musical instruments at temples. She was emotional after she was crowned the winner and so was her the photo: Nasreen was the first runner-up and took home a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. Aadya and Sarasruthi shared the second runner-up position and Rs 5 lakh cash prize. Lynet took home a cash prize of Rs 3 grand finale saw performances from current and former Super Singer contestants paying tribute to Kamal Haasan. Five-year-old Sri Varshini sang 'Kanmani Anbodu' and 'Jinguchaa' along with Kamal Haasan, which became one of the most memorable moments of the my heart70 year old kid and 5 year old kid#KamalHaasan #supersingerjunior Shakthi (@Stargirl117519) May 25, 2025advertisementKamal Haasan shook a leg to his iconic 'Yen Jodi Manjakuruvi', sung by contestant Lynet as a part of her final When @IKamalHaasan sir bursts into an impromptu dance we know we are in for a grand treat with #Thuglife! #ThugLifeFromJune5 #KamalHaasan Kamal Haasan's Diehard Kamalians (@DiehardKamalian) May 25, 2025The singing-based reality show was judged by singers Mano, KS Chithra and music director Imman. Ma Ka Pa Anand and Priyanka Deshpande were the hosts of Super Singer Junior 10. The show was aired on Vijay Television and JioHotstar.
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
INALA – An immersive performance telling the SA story
Show celebrates South African heritage and talent. The much-anticipated gala event will take place on 22 May 2025 at the Mandela Auditorium, Joburg Theatre. Picture: Instagram/joburgtheatre London's award-winning creative company, Sisters Grimm, is set to bring the globally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated musical Inala to South Africa for its official premiere. The much-anticipated event will take place on 22 May at the Mandela Auditorium, Joburg Theatre. It celebrates the return of a cultural phenomenon with a night of artistic excellence. The original plan was for a once-off, but due to overwhelming demand there is a second performance the following day. Special moment This special moment marks the global relaunch of the show ahead of its permanent residency as one of the premier West End shows in London, hosted at the House of Sisters Grimm. With meaning in their eyes and determination in their voices, the cast of Inala is telling the South African story through dance and song. WATCH the preview of INALA ALSO READ: Nasreen's the thinking Swiftie's kind of music Performers INALA, meaning 'abundance of goodwill' in Zulu, celebrates South African heritage and talent, featuring music co-written between 2009–2014 by the legendary Joseph Shabalala, of the world-famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Ella Spira MBE. The 2025 production features the voice of Ndaba Mandela and choreography by Mark Baldwin OBE. London's award-winning creative company, Sisters Grimm, is set to bring the globally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated musical INALA to South Africa for its official local premiere #INALA @joburgtheatre Vids: Supplied May 22, 2025 World recognition To date, the show has graced some of the world's most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert Hall and Hampton Court Palace in London and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and has played for royalty on multiple occasions, consistently earning standing ovations. Following its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2014, Inala received widespread critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album in 2016 . With millions of views worldwide and outreach programmes that have benefited over 12 000 children, the production reflects Sisters Grimm's commitment to social empowerment through the arts. In recognition of Inala's global success and significant impact on international trade and the creative industries, King Charles awarded MBEs to the founders – creative producer and former Royal Ballet ballerina Pietra Mello-Pittman and painter and composer Ella Spira. ALSO READ: Actress Zikhona Sodlaka celebrates 20 years in the industry with masterclasses
India Gazette
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Bangladeshi women's rights activists rally against anti-feminist wave
Dhaka [Bangladesh], May 16 (ANI): Thousands of Bangladeshi women's rights activists on Friday gathered on Manik Mia Avenue near the Parliament building in Dhaka to demand equal rights and dignity for women. The rally, held under the slogan 'A march of solidarity at the call of women' (narira dake maitri yatra) aimed to protest against attempts to deprive women of their rights in the name of religion. The protest follows a wave of anti-feminist sentiment in Bangladesh, sparked by controversy over the interim government's Women's Reform Commission recommendation to recognize sex workers as laborers. Hardline Islamist groups opposed the move, making derogatory comments about women. The activists condemned recent statements that demeaned women and demanded equal rights and dignity. They expressed solidarity with the protest, emphasizing the importance of protecting women's rights. Bangladesh Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a student-led uprising in August last year. Hasina fled to India and an interim government led-by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. 'The interim government had formed a Women's Reform commission. When the commission recommended recognizing sex workers as labour, hardlines Islamist political parties and groups opposed it. The made derogatory comments about women,' a transgender activist told ANI. 'I have come to express solidarity with this protest for everyone's rights,' the activist added. Women danced and sang to protest discrimination against women. After the iron fist rule of Sheikh Hasina came to an end, women's reforms took a back seat. Talking to ANI, Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen strongly criticized the interim government, highlighting atrocities against women and the rise of Islamic terrorism. She called for quick elections and questioned the legitimacy of the current government. 'It's not just violence against women in the country. Theft, robbery, terror, rape, murder is all going on. That means law enforcement is not doing anything. So I think elections should be held quickly and the political party that comes into power is in power. It's good that they run the country. Because this government is illegal, and this government has no right to run the country,' she said. Voicing against religious extremism and emphasising values of secularism, women's rights and freedom of speech, she has been at the receiving end of extremist elements in Bangladesh. Nasreen alleged that Islamic terrorism is targeting not just women but also those associated with the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party, Awami League. Nasreen said that apart from women, the 'Islamic terrorism' is torturing everyone belonging to Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party, Awami League. 'Not just women, but the entire country is being attacked- like the Islamic attack. So it's not just women. [It's] kind of Islamic terrorism. So there's not just on the women, but also those who were in Hasina's party,' she told ANI. (ANI)
