SheDecides is a global political movement founded to protect women's fundamental rights and bodily autonomy in the face of a policy implemented by former US President Donald Trump, which prohibited financing for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in other countries that supported abortion advocacy.
In the presence of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Dr. Jaideep Malhotra, President, FOGSCI, Kamla Bhasin, Human Rights Activist, Robin Gorna, Global Co-Lead, SheDecides, and many other social activists, SheDecides India, the first national movement of SheDecides, was officially launched at Select CITYWALK in 2018.
The global movement, which seeks to empower women at all levels of society and policymaking, has already extended to 27 countries, including an active chapter in Bangladesh, which began in 2019.
It aims to empower women and girls in Bangladesh by creating awareness about bodily autonomy and human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence, as well as involving feminist and youth leadership.
"Young girls face even more blockades to care than older adolescents, in terms of access to proper services and information," explained Samara Mortada, Movement Supporter at SheDecides.
Samara began her career as the Asia Regional Movement Supporter. Her current work comprises assisting 15 grassroots collectives around the world, including Portugal, Northern Ireland, Namibia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
"All our initiatives, which include a radio show 'In her shoes', art therapy sessions, debate competitions and collaboration with influencers and activists to create awareness about bodily autonomy— were able to get the attention of the young people, especially young women who are looking for a platform to express their feelings and thoughts around bodily autonomy. SheDecides Bangladesh is planning to hold many more activities to engage young people," added their Core Project Lead Najia Jarin.
SheDecides has built relationships with women's rights activists all across the world. It has also created a platform for young people in Bangladesh to come together and work on reproductive health and rights.
SheDecides Bangladesh recently had an exhibition named "Art-vism," in which art and activism were combined to advocate body autonomy and rights. Live painting and community art therapy sessions, as well as various performances, were part of the two-day event.
"We are in the process of designing our new strategy. We will be able to talk more about it when things are finalised. But SheDecides will continue to be a safe space for activists, champions and young people to be able to work towards a world where women decide their futures," concluded Samara.
