Centre for Women's Development and Research (CWDR)

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

A Young Voice for Freedom and Dignity

We are happy to share this powerful poem written by Manisha, a student of SKPC College, who completed her internship with CWDR.

Through the metaphor of the veil, Manisha reflects on the restrictions, expectations and control that can suffocate women’s freedom. Her words are a call for women to question these barriers, find their voices and claim their right to live with dignity, equality and freedom.

At CWDR, we value spaces where young people can reflect, question and express themselves.
Keep writing, questioning and raising your voice, Manisha!

04/09/2026

📰 Kalaipayanam in the News! 🎭💜

Our journey through Kalaipayanam has been reaching communities, sparking conversations and creating meaningful impact — and we’re thrilled to see our efforts featured across various newspapers! ✨

From the streets to the pages of newspapers, the message continues to travel — creating greater awareness around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality.

This coverage is not just recognition; it is an opportunity to take these important conversations even further. 🌱

🎭 More stories. More conversations. More voices. More change.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and to the media for helping amplify the message of Kalaipayanam. ❤️

31/08/2026

🎭 Kalaipayanam | Day 1 happened at — Kannagi Nagar, Chennai 💜

The streets of Kannagi Nagar came alive as Kalaipayanam took its first steps into the community through the power of street theatre.

With stories, music and conversations, we brought important messages around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality directly to the people.

It was more than a performance — it was a space to listen, learn, question and speak up. ✊🏽

Every gathering creates a conversation.
Every conversation can inspire change. 🌱

🎭 Kalaipayanam — Taking stories to the streets, where conversations begin.

29/08/2026

🎭 Kalaipayanam at Chengalpattu Government School 💜

Yesterday, Kalaipayanam reached the students of a Government School in Chengalpattu, bringing important conversations on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality closer to young minds.

For us, this performance was especially meaningful. 🌱

Every child deserves access to age-appropriate awareness, the confidence to understand their rights, the ability to recognise boundaries, and the freedom to speak up without fear.

Through the language of street theatre, stories become easier to understand, conversations become less intimidating, and awareness can reach children in a way that stays with them. 🎭

Because awareness should never depend on where a child studies or where they come from.

Every child deserves to know, understand and be heard. ✊🏽💜

27/08/2026

🎭 LAUNCH DAY OF KALAIPAYANAM BY CWDR & SNEHIDHI 💜

A beautiful glimpse into the launch day of Kalaipayanam, where stories came alive, voices came together, and meaningful conversations on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality took centre stage.

From the energy of the performers to the enthusiasm of the audience, Day 1 was a powerful start to our journey. ✨

🎬 Press play and relive the moments that set Kalaipayanam in motion!

One stage. Many voices. Countless conversations.
And this is only the beginning. 🌱🎭

27/08/2026

25.08.2026

🎭 Kalaipayanam at VIT Chennai! 💜

]Our Kalaipayanam reached VIT Chennai, bringing students together through the power of street theatre and sparking meaningful conversations around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality.

Through stories, performance and dialogue, we encouraged young voices to think, question and speak up about rights, equality and the choices that shape our lives. ✊🏽

A day of powerful performances, enthusiastic participation and conversations that matter. 🌱

🎭 Kalaipayanam — One performance. Many voices. A conversation that can inspire change.

26/08/2026

🎭 Kalaipayanam continues! 💜

Yesterday, our Kalaipayanam reached Mohamed Sathak College of Arts & Science, bringing the power of street theatre to young minds and creating meaningful conversations around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality.

Through stories, performances and conversations, we encouraged students to listen, reflect, question and speak up on issues that matter. ✊🏽

Every performance is a new space for dialogue. Every conversation is a step towards change. 🌱

🎭 Kalaipayanam — Taking stories to the streets, and conversations to the community.

25/08/2026

ake a small moment to hear our students feedback from Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College for Women, Chennai.

what made the day truly special was hearing directly from the students.

Their thoughts, reflections and feedback showed how powerful a street play can be in making important conversations relatable, engaging and thought-provoking. ✨

🎤 Their voices. Their perspectives. Their reflections.

Because Kalaipayanam is not just about performing a story — it’s about starting conversations that stay with us. 🌱