New Delhi, India — On a recent Saturday at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, the Kamla Bhasin Award ceremony honored individuals from across South Asia for their significant contributions to gender equality. This year’s recipients, recognized for their efforts to dismantle patriarchy and promote gender justice, included Lalitha Ranjani from Sri Lanka and Sunil Mohan from India, among others.
The awards, established in memory of feminist icon Kamla Bhasin, acknowledge pioneering work in two main categories. Each winner received a trophy and a monetary prize of Rs 1,00,000. The event, which has been celebrating gender justice advocates since 2022, also handed out Special Jury Awards.
Lalitha Ranjani has made her mark as a formidable leader in the trade union movement within Sri Lanka’s garment industry. As the founder of the first women-led union in the sector, the Textile Garment and Clothing Workers Union, Ranjani has mobilized over 1,500 workers, championing women’s rights and labor equality in Sri Lanka’s free trade zones.
Expressing her gratitude, Ranjani shared, “This award not only honors my past efforts but also invigorates my mission to form more women’s unions and a federation that strengthens our collective voice.”
Sunil Mohan, a trans man and activist from Bangalore, India, has dedicated two decades to advocating for gender equity and transgender rights. His impactful outreach and legal advocacy have touched the lives of over 3,000 individuals in India.
Mohan, overwhelmed with honor, stated, “This recognition fuels my resolve to mitigate the struggles faced by others due to their identity, ensuring that the future is more accepting and just.”
Other awardees included Jaya Chakma, the first and only FIFA-accredited female football referee and coach in Bangladesh, and Nikhil Taneja, a fervent advocate for mental health and gender sensitivity among Indian youth. Each has used their platform to challenge societal norms and encourage inclusivity in their respective fields.
Chakma, hailing from the minority Chakma tribe, noted, “This award not only validates my efforts but also amplifies my responsibility to empower women in sports and beyond.”
Taneja, inspired by Bhasin’s legacy, remarked, “It’s my duty to nurture safe spaces for the youth, making them feel valued and supported.”
The ceremony included a notable performance by Padma Bhushan Usha Uthup and concluded with the announcement that next year’s award ceremony will take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, hosted by TEWA. This move ensures that the awards maintain their South Asian character and reach.
The selection of awardees was made by a distinguished six-member jury, chaired by Sri Lankan diplomat and human rights advocate Radhika Coomaraswamy. The jury included notable figures such as Anu Aga from India and Munizae Jahangir from Pakistan, highlighting the collaborative and regional foundation of these awards.
In celebrating these individuals, the Kamla Bhasin Awards not only honor the memory of a significant feminist leader but also propel the movement for gender equality forward in South Asia, inspiring many others to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.
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