We are writing with a heavy heart to share about the passing of Sama’s dear and long-time friend, guide, and co-traveller, Philomena Vincent. Philo—as many of us called her—was a co-founder and a current board member of Sama. She passed away on the night of 16 January 2025. We remember and hold dear her wise reflections, her commitment, steadfast support to Sama and her heartwarming smile. Continue reading
As we approach the end of 2024 and the start of a new year, this blog post by our volunteer, Ragini De, cautions that we are reaching a point where experiencing distinct seasons might be a thing of the past, which is an idea she weaves through vivid descriptions and an engagement with Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Continue reading
As part of a series of consultations and webinars on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Sama is organising its third webinar titled, “Racial and Structural Disparities in Health: Rights, Treatment, and Care for People with Sickle Cell Disease” on Tuesday, the 7th of January, 2025, between 05:00 PM and 07:00 PM (IST). Register Now! Continue reading
Sama re-emphasizes the interlinkage of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a public health concern. Join us for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to challenge and resist the… Continue reading
To address gender-based violence (GBV) as a public health concern, Sama is organising a short course for healthcare professionals, medical officers, medical students, and residents. The aim is to enhance current perspectives and capacities, preparedness, and responses so as to be able to address these challenges effectively. The short course will be hosted in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, between 6 and 10 January 2025. APPLY NOW! Continue reading
The patriarchal need to control sexuality significantly influences discussions on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Women, young girls, gender-diverse people, and disabled individuals face stigma and humiliation when seeking SRHR services, including abortion. Access to comprehensive sexuality education is restricted, increasing vulnerability to gender-based violence. India recently proposed restricting the over-the-counter selling of emergency contraceptive pills, but international laws recognize emergency contraception as a basic human right. Continue reading
