CWDR Launches Street Play Campaign on Reproductive Health and Rights in Chennai

The Centre for Women’s Development and Research (CWDR) launched a statewide street play campaign, titled 'Puthuyugam Padaipom – Let’s Create a New World', at Medai – The Stage in Chennai on Sunday to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people.

Actor and director Revathi inaugurated the initiative, which aims to encourage open conversations around sexual and reproductive health, menstrual dignity, bodily autonomy, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Organisers stated that the campaign is designed to challenge widespread social taboos and misinformation while promoting informed decision-making.

The launch featured a street play created and directed by Pralayan S. of Chennai Kalai Kuzhu, followed by interactive sessions using public theatre to engage with attendees. Organisers noted that the performance directly addresses issues that are frequently met with silence, stigma, and misunderstanding.

K.R. Renuka of CWDR highlighted the importance of bringing SRHR discussions out of closed rooms and directly into public spaces. She stated that sexual and reproductive health and rights are closely tied to women’s dignity, equality, education, safety, and personal freedom.

The event at Medai – The Stage marks the commencement of a wider campaign across Tamil Nadu. CWDR plans to take the street play and interactive sessions to various educational institutions and local communities to foster dialogue and build sustained awareness around the rights of adolescent girls and young women.