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Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh
(JSK) observed “World Population Day” on 11th
July 2008 by organizing a National Conference
in partnership with FICCI, UNFPA and PFI. The
theme of the Conference was
“Corporate Engagement in
Reproductive Rights: Let’s make it happen”.
The objective of the Conference was to discuss
strategies that could engage industry by
presenting the current scenario and future
population projections and by giving an
opportunity to selected companies to describe
their own initiatives that support the theme.
A seven minute film “The
People Paradox”
on major reproductive health issues
was screened which had a blend
of health experts from AIIMS as well as very
young girls married and with children
recounting their experiences with vivid scenes
from inside village homes. It was a striking
contrast.
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble
Minister of State for Commerce and Power
inaugurated Conference and delivered the Key
note address. He encouraged the Corporates to
come forward as a part of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) and promote /adopt JSK’s
strategies as their own. He specifically
requested FICCI to persuade all their members
to join hands with JSK not only for sponsoring
the “Prerna” strategy but also to
become JSK’s members.
The conference received an
impressive response as there was
representation from international agencies,
Public and Private sector companies, NGOs and
media. (Detailed list of those who attended is
enclosed for reference). Identified private
sector companies viz. Indo Gulf Fertilizers,
Bhavishya Alliance (ICICI Bank, HDFC and
Hindustan Unilever), Usha Martin, Deepak Group
of Companies, Tata Chemicals Ltd. described
their own initiatives and showcased their
beneficiaries who spoke about specific
community based programmes and the health
benefits received by mothers and children
through the facilities provided.
JSK also presented a
beneficiary, Aneesha, awarded under the Prerna
Strategy from Village – Barai, Tehsil – Basedi,
District Dhaulpur of Rajasthan who came in a
traditional black burqua but managed to
explain how she was allowed to study and get
married at 19. She had never left her village
until she came to Delhi.
Posters designed by UNFPA
and JSK and already adopted by Indian Railways
with their own logo were also exhibited.
Syndicate Bank announced availing of JSK’s
membership by 500 rural bank branches. They
also agreed to adopt JSK’s posters as already
done by Indian Railways.
(Click here to view all
the Posters.)
A
Fact Sheet
comparing the best performing and least
performing States in respect of selected
indicators that impact on reproductive health
and family planning were given to all the
participants. The fact sheet includes a quote
from Ms. Chanda Kochhar, Joint Managing
Director “ICICI Bank”.
“The
well-being, health and educational capacities
of our young people would decide our future –
as a nation, as employers, as service
providers and as a consuming class for
resultant economic growth.”
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