Sheena Chohan Drives Rights Awareness in Dharavi on Women’s Day
Mumbai, March 2025 — Actor and committed human rights advocate Sheena Chohan chose to observe International Women’s Day not with ceremonial events, but with direct, hands-on engagement in one of Asia’s largest informal settlements—Dharavi.
On the day dedicated to women’s achievements and gender equality, Sheena spent hours with school students, young artists, and community youth, facilitating open conversations about self-confidence, equality between genders, and the everyday relevance of fundamental human rights. Rather than delivering a conventional speech, she created space for dialogue, listening as much as she spoke, and distributed specially prepared educational booklets and kits that explain core concepts of dignity, justice, and equal treatment in simple, accessible language.
“Real progress begins when young people feel confident enough to speak up about equality,” Sheena said during the interactions. “Women’s Day reminds us that empowerment is not only about celebration—it’s about awareness, courage, and creating spaces where girls and boys grow up believing that respect and safety are fundamental values.”
A key part of the day’s program took place in collaboration with The Dharavi Dream Project, a youth-led creative learning initiative that uses hip-hop, music, dance, and storytelling to build confidence and community voice among Dharavi’s young residents. Bringing together students and emerging performers, the session explored how creative expression can serve as a powerful tool to discuss equality, challenge stereotypes, and amplify marginalized perspectives within densely populated urban neighbourhoods.
Later, Sheena conducted and supported a focused seminar with Udayan Care, an organisation long active in providing education, mentorship, and life-skills support to vulnerable children and youth, many of whom are growing up without stable family environments. The seminar emphasised practical knowledge of rights, the importance of self-advocacy, and pathways to independent, dignified futures.
