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Indian Activist Varsha Deshpande Wins UN Population Award

7/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Indian activist Varsha Deshpande has been honored with the 2025 United Nations Population Award for her tireless 35-year journey advocating for gender equality and reproductive rights. Her impactful work, including founding the Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal in 1990, has been pivotal in fighting gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful practices like child marriage and gender-biased sex selection in India.

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Story summary

Indian activist Varsha Deshpande has been honored with the 2025 United Nations Population Award for her tireless 35-year journey advocating for gender equality and reproductive rights. Her impactful work, including founding the Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal in 1990, has been pivotal in fighting gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful practices like child marriage and gender-biased sex selection in India.