Women | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Why water scarcity never ceases to haunt the women of Chennai

September 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Intermittent rains in Chennai may have eased the situation but water continues to be a scarce resource. And across the city, regardless of social class, women invariably bear the brunt and are expected to make arrangements to quench the family’s thirst.

Know more about human milk banks in Chennai that are helping many new mothers

August 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Human milk banks store excess milk from lactating mothers and give them to others who have problems breastfeeding their infants. But ignorance and misconceptions prevent this facility from functioning optimally. Here’s what neonatologists have to say.

A day spent with cops in one of Chennai’s all women police stations

August 6, 2019 M Varsha

Marked by long work hours, lack of support system and complex roles, what is life like for female police personnel in Chennai? We spent a day at the D1 All Women Police Station to learn more about the many challenges faced by these women in khaki.

Why it’s time for all citizens to push for more women in Parliament

July 29, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Only 14 per cent of the parliamentarians in Lok Sabha are women. Despite lip service by all political parties, the Women’s Reservation Bill remains the longest pending bill in Parliament. Perhaps it is time for citizens to take up the fight?

To fight sexual harassment of women, it is important to continue to talk: Chinmayi Sripada

May 27, 2019 Swati Amar

Chinmayi Sripada, one of the earliest and most prominent faces of the #MeToo movement in India, was recently denied permission to hold a protest in Chennai against the clean chit to CJI Ranjan Gogoi in a case of sexual harassment. In this interview, Chinmayi tells us why she chose to take this case up, and about her activism on this issue in general.

Meet Thamizhachi Thangapandian, MP-elect from Chennai South

May 25, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Meet South Chennai MP elect: Thamizhachi Thangapandian promises to be a strong voice for women South Chennai had been a DMK bastion for a long time, until 2014. J Jayavardhan, son of AIADMK MLA, D

I am a frustrated Indian citizen who wants reform: Kameela Nasser

April 15, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Kameela Nasser is the Makkal Needhi Maiam candidate from Chennai Central constituency. In this interview, Kameela talks about her party’s poll promises and why she wants to be an MP.

Will provide a strong voice for women: Thamizhachi Thangapandian

April 5, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

In an exclusive interview, DMK candidate from Chennai South, Thamizhachi Thangapandian talks about her plans for the constituency, if elected, and the ways in which she can outperform her predecessor.

Chennai’s growing tryst with alcohol, cannabis and LSD and how to curb it

March 18, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Dry lizard tail, nail polish remover and brown sugar — did you know these constitute growing addictions among the young and old in Chennai? Take a look at the reasons behind the vicious growth of substance abuse in the city and how the government could step in to curb the problem.

Women achievers in Chennai we bet you haven’t heard of!

March 8, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

They spent the best parts of their life toiling in brutal, inhuman conditions, as modern day slaves, right here in the city. But has it broken their spirit or zeal for life? No. This International Women’s Day, we bring you the story of two women, rescued from bonded labour, who are rebuilding their lives with grit and courage.

Chennai Buzz: Mild tremors in city | Heavy penalties for plastic use | Turtle conservation zone…and more

February 16, 2019 News Desk

How much do you have to pay for the maximum distance travelled by Metro? What are the penalties for plastic ban violations? How is Chennai planning to save Olive Ridley turtles? Catch this and more on the weekly news buzz here.

Helping a homeless, mentally ill woman in Chennai: A personal experience

February 9, 2019 S Sudharshan

M S Paoyaola, a committed second year student of social work at the Madras Christian College, came upon a homeless, mentally ill young woman near the streets of St Thomas Mount. Her experience thereafter says a lot about how we can become a more empathetic city in general.