It is a platform to learn, argue and clarify. This includes the large and growing incidences of sexual violence on young women. We observe that along with existing traditional forms of violence, the increase in newer forms of violence include use of mobiles, and video cameras for control, bullying or intimidating through lewd calls, circulating photographs/ clips without consent or inappropriate i
nformation. On one hand, availability of mobile phones and internet has increased access to sexuality related information but on the other it is also a source of misinformation and violence. On this background, there is an urgent need for an alternative, focussed and widespread discussion among youth on values around sexuality, mainly around issues of control, and relationships. We are venturing into this new space and are engaging with selected colleges in and around Pune to create positive and affirmative environment for a dialogue around sexuality based on rights and responsibilities, equality and diversity. College campuses are a site where young men and women can and do learn affirmative as well as limiting behaviour. By action or inaction colleges demonstrate values regarding sexuality and thus, are good sites for intervening and reaching youth. The project, ‘Let’s Talk Sexuality’ will work with undergraduate college students over a period of three years. The engagement will include discussions on gender equity, self-esteem, rights and responsibilities related to sexuality, diversity and sexuality, and what makes for ‘good’ or ‘bad’ sexuality. The ability of the individual, particularly young men, to filter healthy practice from the onslaught of easily available patriarchal, and commercially driven media is the first step towards changing of the environment that creates both perpetrators of violence on women and easy victims. We believe that a positive affirmative approach to sexuality encourages safer practices, healthy relationships and greater well-being. The project will use a basket of tools, including time tested methods of face to face group interactions as well as the now easily available mobile, backed by social networking sites, and a website to initiate change. The project is supported by the National Foundation of India under the Youth Innovation Fund, 2014 and is a Tathapi ( http://tathapi.org/ ) initiative.
