Asia Foundation Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in India  

On December 6, 2023, The Asia Foundation office in India marked the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary “Payal Chawla, The Mind that Matters.” The film, by Ajay Chitnis, highlights gendered workplace discrimination during pregnancy and motherhood through the experiences of Payal Chawla, the founder of a Delhi-based all-women law firm.

A post-screening discussion was moderated by Asia Foundation Country Representative Nandita Baruah and included Payal Chawla, Ajay Chitnis, UN Women India Deputy Country Representative Kanta Singhand, and CEO of Mobile Creches, Sumitra Mishra. The conversation emphasized prioritizing care, the role of sensitive laws and a responsive judiciary, and the responsibility of filmmakers and media to address and prevent gender-based discrimination.

The screening event served as a platform for dialogue on raising awareness about gendered workplace discrimination. It also served the purpose of identifying crucial policy and legal changes necessary to create an inclusive, gender-responsive workplace capable of addressing discrimination across all sectors and at every level. Participants included representatives from NGOs, multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society organizations.