Barkha Dutt Curates the 3rd Edition of 'We The Women' for Facebook & UN Women in Mumbai

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | December 3, 2019 | Press Release

Barkha Dutt Mehboob Studio, Bandra

The third edition of We The Women – one-day participatory, created and curated by Barkha Dutt for Facebook & UN Women returned to Mumbai on December 1st, 2019 at Mehboob Studio, Bandra.

The festival of unfettered freedom brought together a diverse group of exemplary men and women from all walks of life. The star-studded stage saw people like Sania Mirza (Professional tennis player), Film Director & Producer Karan Johar, Actress Katrina Kaif, Sandeep Khosla (Indian fashion designer), Cancer Survivors Lisa Ray, Sonali Bendre, and Tahira Kashyap, Actress Alia Bhatt and her sister Shaheen Bhatt, Shaina NC (Indian fashion designer, politician, and social worker), amongst others. 

Sania Mirza spoke on smashing stereotypes and dwelled on her stellar journey so far which has inspired millions of little girls. Dolly Thakore (Indian Theatre Actress) was in a candid conversation with Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena Politician), Shaina NC (Indian fashion designer, politician, and social worker) and Shama Mohamed (Dentist) on the most ruled topic ‘Is Politics Still a Man's World.’ Asha Devi (Nirbhaya’s mother) & Seeta Prajapat with Mrunalini Deshmukh (Divorce Lawyer) had a candid conversation on rape and the trauma they faced fighting for justice. 

Seema Prajapat spoke on how brutally she was raped and the impact of being lonely when her mom and family decided to leave her. A video message from Hyderabad victim’s sister was played at We The Women’. Karan Johar spoke about ’10 things men must change about Bollywood’, an important topic in today’s time. Shelley Thakral (Head of Policy Programs for India, South Asia, and Central Asia at Facebook) spoke to the powering women in uniform as mothers and wives, DIG Nitu Bhattacharya & DCP Rema Rajeshwari. 

DIG Nitu Bhattacharya radiated indomitable strength as she openly expressed the emotions of a CRPF mother. Katrina Kaif was also in a candid conversation with Barkha Dutt at the event. Women warriors and Cancer Survivors Sonali Bendre, Lisa Ray, Tahira Kashyap spoke on their journey and how they have been battling with their illness. Divya Salaskar, Anjali Kulthe and Devika Natwarlal the actual sheroes of 26/11 shared their experiences and how they faced the terrific night of 26/11. 

Another important session highlighted 'Rent-A-Womb' debating on commercial surrogacy with Dr. Nozer Sheriar, Dr. Jaideep Malhotra & Mrunalini Deshmukh (Divorce Lawyer) along with Girija Shivakumar (Executive Director, We The Women Asia). Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt spoke at the closing session on Women, Mental Health & Wellness. 

Furthermore, ‘We the Women’ forum exchanged dialogues and encouraged talks on various topics like ‘India First: 9 Year Battle to Get a No Caste, No Religion Identity, ‘Should Size Matter: Is The Perfect Body a Myth?’, ‘Women Scripting the Future’, 'Rent-A-Womb'- Debating Commercial Surrogacy and more. The festival also honoured men and women who showed excellence in their areas, taking risks, battling the odds and coming their way to success.