Introduction

Gulabi Sambad : A Teenage Talk is a weekly podcast series that focuses on various issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health. Along with the online platform anchor.fm, this 15-minute long podcast series, is also broadcasted from 36+ local radio stations across the nation.

According to the World Health Organization, ‘sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries.’ Likely, ‘mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his or her community.’

With the aim of promoting awareness among the people concerning SRHR and Mental Health, Gulabi Sambad : A Teenage Talk has initiated open discussions with informal and interesting conversation. Along with the podcast, content related to SRHR and mental health is also published in the official website www.gulabisambad.com (under construction) (earlier www.gulabisambad.blogspot.com).

Background

Gulabi Sambad: A Teenage Talk is an initiation that begun on November 14, 2020, by two enthusiastic youths working in the sector of SRHR and child rights. Earlier they worked as a program producer/scriptwriter/editor/hosts of popular youthful radio program Saathi Sanga Manka Kura.

During the chaotic situation of the 1st phase of the COVID-19, many teenagers faced several cases related to sexual, reproductive, and mental problems. Also, the cases of cybercrime (online bullying, harassment, violence) were high in numbers. The rapid increment of such cases triggered Sabita and Karuna to initiate something creative to have a healthy discussion on issues related to SRHR and Mental Health. After quitting their job of senior program officer (Sabita)
and program associate (Karuna) at Saathi Sanga Manka Kura, they officially started to run the podcast series, Gulabi Sambad: A Teenage Talk by 11 th December, 2020.

Currently, they are associated as volunteers and carrying out program production (including issue selection, scriptwriting, recording, interviewing, and program editing/mixing) effectively with personal experience and effort.

Objectives

There is a culture of silence in Nepalese society regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights and mental health. Talking about sex, sexuality, and sexual health is considered as a shame and hesitation. Parents and teachers are also lacking ways and techniques of solving curiosities/problems faced by children. Even the school curriculum, mainstream media, and public discussion forums have not properly addressed these issues. Moreover, these issues are considered ‘unusual in most Nepalese families. In lack of proper guidance and open discussions, growing children and adolescents are deprived of getting age-appropriate and meaningful sexual health information. As a result, these practices, directly and indirectly, affect the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Therefore, the main objective of the podcast series is enduring the culture of healthy and open discussion on various issues related to SRHR. With the primary focus on children and adolescents, we equally try to induce parents and teachers to initiate the practice of discussing age-appropriate sexual issues and interests. This podcast series is equally committed to dispelling
the deep-rooted myths, taboos, and illusions concerning SRHR and Mental Health.

Content of Program

This program basically discusses the changes and curiosities that occur during the puberty stage. Issues concerning the different aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights (menstruation, sexual harassment/violence, STDs, health and hygiene, early marriage and teenage pregnancy, safe sexual behavior, etc.) are the major agendas. Besides these, the podcast series, Gulabi Sambad : A Teenage Talk equally shout-outs the issues of good touch and bad touch, including mental health and well-being, good parenting, and cyber-safety and security.

Format of Producing Radio Program:

S.N.	Program Details	Duration (Minutes)
1	Program Narration	7
2	VOX POP	2
3	Interview	4
4	Personal Stories and Experiences	2
	Total duration of Program	15

Target Audience:-

Primary Audience: Children and Adolescent
Secondary Audience: Parent, Teacher and Authorized Stakeholders

Program Detail:-

Program Name: Gulabi Sambad: A Teenage Talk
Duration: 15 Minutes
Broadcast Medium: anchor.fm (Gulabi Sambad: A Teenage Talk) and 30+ Local Radio
Stations
Program Producer and Hosts: Sabita Acharya and Karuna Devkota
Management Head: Santosh Acharya
Advisors: CP Aryal and Janakraj Sapkota