Hyderabad, March, 2020: With the larger goal of ensuring awareness on gender equality and inclusion of differently abled, India Autism Center organised an engaging discussion session observing International Women’s Day 2020.  The discussion was addressed by Ms. Jeeja Ghosh, disability rights researcher and activist, Dr. Sarmishtha Chakrabarti, psychiatry specialist and practices in Columbia Asia Hospital and Apollo Clinic, Ms. Smita Sharma, Behaviour Analyst and Training in Charge at Amrit Somani Memorial Centre, Mrs. Namita Somani, Managing Trustee of Amrit Somani Memorial Center and Mrs. Debjani Dutta Roy, parent of a special child.

This discussion highlighted the rights of people with autism and the importance of empowering women and girls with autism and disability.  They face multiple challenges, including barriers to accessing education and employment on an equal footing with others, denial of their reproductive rights and the freedom to make their own choices and a lack of involvement on matters that concern them.

Commenting at the event, Ms. Jeeja Ghosh said, “Gender equality and women’s empowerment must reach to every women and girls and our efforts to achieve sustainable development goals must uphold the core promise to leave no one behind”.

As the discussion progressed from the challenges that an autistic women face; starting from accessing basic rights to formal education and the inadequate support available to them, the discussion reaffirmed IAC’s commitment to ensure necessary support is provided to the girl child so that they are able to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Suresh Somani, Managing Trustee & Chairman, India Autism Center said, “All parents and every educator should encourage holistic growth and development of people under the spectrum. Educational systems often focus on strengthening in-demand-skills to increase employability. Interdisciplinary growth is essential but unfortunately undermined by academic blinkers forced on children’s eyes. While we observe International Women’s Day, our focus should be such that each girl-child is emotionally empowered, passionately driven, physically confident and spiritually aligned.”

India Autism Center believes that by ensuring meaningful employment opportunities for an individual on the autism spectrum, she can lead a life of general well-being and self-sustainability. IAC will provide the right kind of support to the individuals, so that most of them are able to strive for excellence in the workplace, no matter what the nature of employment may be. IAC’s program is designed to identify the strengths of these individuals and to empower them with the necessary skills required to be successful and productive members in both their homes and community.

The event was attended by teachers, parents, caregivers and students of psychology and sociology.  The event witnessed active participation and interactive discussion from all parties attending the event.