Lucknow,

08 Sept (HS): International Literacy Day

(ILD) is observed annually on September 8, reaffirming literacy as a

fundamental human right and reminding policymakers and the public of its

crucial role in promoting justice, peace, and equality. Since its first

observance in 1967, literacy has come to include broader ideas of empowerment,

rights, and inclusion. One important dimension is sexual and reproductive

health literacy, the ability to understand and communicate about sexuality

safely and responsibly. It is central to comprehensive education, enabling

especially women and girls to make informed choices, access health services,

and exercise their rights.

On

International Literacy Day (8th September), we’re spotlighting a vital but

often overlooked dimension of literacy - sexual and reproductive health. Beyond

traditional reading and writing, health literacy empowers especially women and

girls to make informed choices, access services, and exercise their rights. In

India, three trusted sources are breaking barriers and making this knowledge

accessible: SnehAI, an AI-powered chatbot offering safe, stigma-free

conversations; ASHA workers, the backbone of rural health systems; and digital

influencers like Dr. Cuterus and Leeza Mangaldas, sparking open discussions

online.

Here are three trusted sources of sexual and

reproductive health literacy in India.

An Overview:

1. SnehAI: Population Foundation of India launched ‘Main Kuch Bhi Kar

Sakti Hoon’ (MKBKSH) in 2014 as an entertainment-education initiative to

promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and health-seeking behaviour. In

2019, under the same programme, it introduced SnehAI, a free chatbot on

Facebook Messenger. Modelled on Dr. Sneha, the lead character of the MKBKSH

series, offers verified information on sexual and reproductive health, online

safety, and other sensitive subjects.

The chatbot serves as a personalised,

non-judgmental companion for young people, clarifying doubts on a wide range of

topics, including virginity, contraception, puberty, mental health, consent,

gender-based violence, same-sex attraction, masturbation, grooming and

cyberbullying, among many other issues. Since its launch, SnehAI has engaged

1,36,000 active users, facilitated over 8.6 million conversations, and reached

more than 22 million people through online outreach, making it one of the most

effective chatbots of its kind. Future enhancements for SnehAI include the

integration of full voice capabilities to enable voice-based interactions,

making the platform more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

2. ASHA workers: The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)

programme was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

under India’s National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The objective was to link

marginalised communities with the public healthcare system, with the aim of

having one ASHA in every village. Selected from within their own communities,

ASHAs act as trusted guides on maternal, child, and reproductive health. They

counsel women on safe deliveries, breastfeeding, family planning, and infection

prevention, while also mobilising communities for immunisation, sanitation, and

nutrition initiatives. In addition to awareness, they distribute essential

supplies such as ORS, IFA tablets, contraceptives, and delivery kits. Supported

by village health committees, Anganwadi workers, and regular training, ASHAs

play a vital role in helping rural households access essential health services.

Embedded in their communities, they remain the backbone of India’s rural

healthcare system.

3. Sexual Health & Wellness Influencers:

In the digital age, influencers play a significant role in raising awareness

about sexual health. Acknowledging the importance of open conversations, a

growing number of digital educators, from doctors to health advocates, are

actively shaping sexual and reproductive health literacy. Notable figures

include Dr. Tanaya Narendra (popularly known as Dr. Cuterus), Leeza Mangaldas,

Seema Anand, Karishma Swarup, and Pallavi Barnwal. They use platforms such as

Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts to simplify discussions on pleasure, consent,

menstruation, reproductive health, and non-normative sexuality, often

addressing audiences in regional languages. In India, Dr. Cuterus has been

recognised as Health Influencer of the Year, while Leeza Mangaldas has launched

a bilingual podcast and a wellness brand to reach wider audiences. Seema Anand,

meanwhile, is the author of 'The Arts of Seduction: The 21st Century Guide to

Having the Greatest Sex of Your Life'.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi