Varsha Deshpande honoured with 2025 U.N. Population Award for advancing gender equality
Ms. Deshpande, secretary of the Maharashtra-based Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, was recognised for her pioneering work over more than 35 years to combat gender-based violence and discrimination, particularly gender-biased sex selection. She founded the organisation in 1990 to champion gender justice and empower marginalised women through legal reform, education, and grassroots mobilisation.
The UN lauded her leadership in community-driven advocacy and reform under India's Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, aimed at curbing the declining child sex ratio. Through her organisation, Ms. Deshpande has also worked to prevent child marriage, safeguard the rights of women in the informal sector and promote joint property registration for women.
'I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious UN Population Award in recognition of my efforts to address gender-biased sex selection and the declining sex ratio,' Ms. Deshpande said.
She described the award as a tribute to the collective efforts of individuals and institutions working for gender justice.
'Humbling and inspiring'
'I sincerely hope this recognition helps renew focus on the critical issue of gender-biased sex selection and reinforces the importance of investing in the value of women and girls. Being counted among those who have made significant global contributions is both humbling and inspiring. It deepens my sense of responsibility to live up to this honour and to uphold the trust placed in me,' she added.
Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Country Director for Bhutan, said, 'Varsha's pioneering efforts to build a more equal society are truly commendable. Her dedication to addressing all forms of discrimination — whether based on gender, caste, or religion — has contributed significantly to ensuring that people, especially women and girls, can live with dignity, opportunity, and well-being. I deeply appreciate her passion and commend her courage for working on a sensitive and critical issue like gender-biased sex selection.'
The UN Population Award, established in 1981, honours individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health. It includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary prize.
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