Introduction

Hidden Pockets is a Development Consortium (DC) partner project that leverages digital tools to educate young people and advocate for policy changes in sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. The initiative focuses on building awareness to foster a movement around these crucial issues. Although primarily based in Bangalore, the project extends its advocacy efforts to Karnataka and Bihar.

Background

Hidden Pockets addresses critical areas such as access to safe abortion, adolescent development, feminist activism, restorative justice, and the creation of safe cities. Through various campaigns and workshops, the project aims to empower youth and vulnerable communities with the knowledge and tools needed to make significant changes in their lives and those around them.

In collaboration with the Center for Reproductive Rights, a global legal advocacy organization, headquartered in New York City, that seeks to advance reproductive rights, such as abortion, Hidden Pockets recently ran a two-week campaign in India focused on decriminalizing adolescent sexuality. The "Ab Aap Safe Hein" campaign, launched in Bihar in 2021 in partnership with Development Consortium, targeted young people and healthcare workers.

It aimed to improve understanding of clinical and legal aspects of abortion and empower rural youth by raising awareness of their sexual and reproductive healthcare rights, including safe and legal abortion. The campaign was conducted in Patna, Gaya, Madhubani, and Darbhanga, where initial research highlighted high numbers of unsafe abortions due to deep-rooted cultural norms and lack of information in local languages.



Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of Hidden Pockets are to:

  • Raise awareness and educate young people about sexual and reproductive health rights and justice.
  • Advocate for policy changes to improve access to safe abortion and reproductive healthcare.
  • Empower differently-abled adolescents and young individuals through tailored educational workshops.
  • Address cultural norms and provide information in local languages to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortions.

Implementation Strategy

Hidden Pockets employs various strategies to achieve its objectives:

  • Campaigns and Workshops: Conducting campaigns like "Ab Aap Safe Hein" and workshops at the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in Bangalore, utilizing audio podcasts and sign language curriculum to educate on puberty, menstrual health, hygiene management, and reproductive healthcare.
  • Digital Advocacy: Using blogs, articles, and social media platforms to share information on topics such as the MTP Amendment Act 2021, alternative approaches to sexual and reproductive rights, and issues surrounding unwanted pregnancies.
  • Public Engagement: Participating in events like Rights Con 2023 and launching initiatives like the “Pinky Karein Sawaal” song and tweetathons to engage the public on issues of abortion, privacy, and the Safe Abortion Action Fund.

Future Direction/Plans

Hidden Pockets aims to continue expanding its reach and impact by:

  • Developing more educational content in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility.
  • Launching new campaigns and workshops to address emerging issues in sexual and reproductive health.
  • Enhancing digital advocacy efforts to engage a broader audience and promote policy changes.
  • Building partnerships with other organizations to strengthen their movement-building activities and advocacy work.

By maintaining a focus on awareness, education, and advocacy, Hidden Pockets strives to create a supportive environment for young people and vulnerable communities, empowering them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health rights.

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