Varsha Deshpande, an advocate from Satara, Maharashtra, wins the prestigious 2025 United Nations Population Award for her relentless efforts in promoting gender equality and combating sex-selective abortions. The award ceremony took place on World Population Day, July 11, 2025, in New York.
A Life Committed to Empowering Women
- Varsha Deshpande hails from Satara, Maharashtra, and has been recognized for her advocacy work in gender equality.
- She is the secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, a foundation she established in 1990 to uplift marginalized women.
- Despande has dedicated over three decades to fighting against gender discrimination and improving the lives of women and girls.
Recognitions and Achievements
- Varsha Deshpande’s impactful campaigns have focused on protecting the girl child and empowering Dalit women in India.
- She has conducted sting operations to uncover illegal sex-selective abortion practices and actively supported the implementation of the PCPNDT Act in India.
- Her initiatives extend to combating child marriage, advocating for legal reforms, and promoting women’s financial independence.
UN Population Award Ceremony Highlights
- Varsha Deshpande was honored at a special event in New York on July 11, 2025, coinciding with the 40th year of the UN Population Award.
- She emphasized that the recognition is a collective achievement for all working towards social justice and women’s rights.
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) lauded Deshpande’s efforts in addressing gender, caste, and religious discrimination.
About the UN Population Award
- The UN Population Award, established in 1981, is bestowed annually to individuals or groups making significant contributions to population and reproductive health.
- Winners receive a gold medal, diploma, and a monetary prize, with Varsha Deshpande clinching the individual category award this year.
- The award aims to spotlight grassroots activists like Deshpande, driving tangible social change.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- Varsha Deshpande, an advocate from Maharashtra, won the 2025 UN Population Award for her gender equality advocacy.
- Her work focuses on combating sex-selective abortions and empowering marginalized women.
- The UN Population Award recognizes individuals contributing significantly to population and reproductive health.
