As the world observes Safer Internet Day, Nguvu Change Leader Prakshi Saha is on a mission to identify online avenues to dispel myths about Sexual and Reproductive rights, and promote better health-seeking behavior among women and girls.

Nguvu Change Leader - Prakshi Saha

Prakshi, who is also the Co-founder of Her Adhikaar Foundation, is urging WhatsApp and Meta India to play a pivotal role in amplifying awareness and facilitating access to crucial information regarding SRH (sexual and reproductive health). She is also asking Whatsapp to promote 'Bol Behen', a 24x7 AI-based chatbot that provides adolescent girls and women a safe platform to talk about sexual and reproductive health, among its users. 
 

The Chatbot was introduced by WhatsApp in collaboration with Girl Effect.
 

"As a 10-year-old, I was clueless and terrified when I got my period for the first time since I was never provided with accurate information when I needed it. I had a million questions about my body, sex, sexual health, and safety. Questions I could ask no one. There was an unspoken rule in my house, and in school that young girls don't talk about their bodies or sex!  

Bol Behen was initially launched in India on Facebook Messenger in 2020 and later introduced on WhatsApp. Unfortunately, many who need it the most are still unaware of it. Hence, I am urging WhatsApp India to popularise the Bol Behen ChatBot among the targeted users," says Prakshi.

In her petition, addressing the  Head of India, WhatsApp, and Vice President and Managing Director, Meta India, Prakshi is requesting for Bol Behen to be promoted with all of Whatsapp’s existing users, similar to how they notify users about any new features on the platform.

Prakshi cites the National Family Health Survey-5 report to point out that nearly one-third of women, between ages 18-49, have experienced physical or sexual violence in India. Women also continue to face judgment and social exclusion owing to stigmas about menstruation. In addition, open conversations around sexual and reproductive health continue to be taboo in India, which often encourages them to find information on the Internet, which may or may not provide the best solutions.

Prakshi underscores that Safer Internet Day presents a timely opportunity to enhance the impact of this cause, especially when technology can be used to disseminate key information for women and girls in India.