Current Affairs - Awards and Honours - Discussion

Varsha Deshpande, a dedicated women's rights activist from Satara, Maharashtra, was awarded the 2025 United Nations Population Award for her pioneering efforts in preventing sex-selective abortions and advancing gender equality. Over three decades, she has led campaigns that challenge patriarchal norms, exposed illegal abortion practices, and supported legal reforms through her organisation, Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal. Her activism has particularly focused on marginalised women and girls, especially from Dalit communities. The award was presented on World Population Day in New York, recognising her powerful grassroots impact and contributions to reproductive rights and women’s dignity in India.