New Delhi, August 09, 2023: In a compelling initiative to advance mental health awareness within India, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) have collaboratively launched the impactful #KhulKeBolo campaign. The campaign's central theme revolves around the significance of open conversations concerning mental health challenges, particularly spotlighting the experiences of women from diverse segments of society. The campaign's promotional film features the illustrious Sonali Kulkarni, who champions the cause and emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and understanding to tackle mental health issues effectively.
The campaign's official launch event witnessed a confluence of influential figures from various domains, underscoring the collective commitment to addressing mental health concerns. Notable attendees included Kamalika Guha Thakurta, the renowned Actor and Founder of Artscape; Dr. Akanksha Rathi Maheshwari, a distinguished Consultant Psychiatrist from Bombay Hospital; Dr. Priyanka Mahajan, a respected Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist from Masina Hospital; and Diksha Sekhri, an Architect (Community Impact) representing Royal Rajasthan Foundation. Also present were Manu Wadhwa, Chief Human Resources Officer at SPNI, and Ranjit Barthakur, Chairperson of Royal Rajasthan Foundation. The campaign ambassador, Sonali Kulkarni, actively participated in a captivating panel discussion, shedding light on the significance of vocalizing one's struggles and the power of being heard.
The campaign's focus stems from the recognition that women in India often grapple with unique social, cultural, and economic factors that profoundly influence their mental well-being. Gender inequality remains a critical factor impacting women's mental health, further exacerbated by the glaring shortage of mental health professionals in the country. Alarmingly, less than 1% of the nation's total health budget is allocated to mental health wellness, contributing to a substantial treatment gap of 70-80%. The compounded effects of societal stigmatization surrounding mental health issues and limited access to mental health infrastructure continue to pose significant challenges for women across diverse backgrounds in India.
A comprehensive study undertaken by RRF to gauge the mental health needs of female cricketers in India underscored a distressing reality - 71% of adolescent girls and 76% of women find it challenging to seek assistance when confronted with mental health struggles. The #KhulKeBolo campaign emerges as a formidable effort by SPNI and RRF to carve out a secure space for women to openly express their concerns and seek the support they require without reservation.
Mr. N.P. Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI): "Women are integral to our organisation, and we have always supported and encouraged women's empowerment. The #KhulKeBolo campaign is a poignant reminder of the mental health challenges that many women fight daily. Our partnership with RRF is driven by a shared vision to break the taboo of silence around mental health issues."
Manu Wadhwa, Chief Human Resource Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI): “At SPNI, we are dedicated to the cause of inclusion and women in our workforce who form an integral part of our D&I strategy. We are committed to ensuring that women within our organisation and around the country are given fair, equitable opportunities and platforms for getting support on their growth journey. Through the #KhulKeBolo campaign, we endeavour to destigmatise mental health conversations and create a safe space for women to express their issues without worrying or fearing being judged and shamed. In partnership with Royal Rajasthan Foundation, this initiative is a step towards dismantling the stigma, empowering women to seek help and find solace in their journey to healing.”
Sonali Kulkarni, campaign ambassador of the #KhulKeBolo: “While mental health issues have existed in our society across gendered differences, it is important to recognise how it affects women in more ways than one. Talking about mental health is still taboo and pushes many struggling people behind the curtain. Everyone needs to get the help they need without being shamed. I feel proud to be a part of something as meaningful as #KhulKeBolo, which helps bring the much-needed change in this space."
Ranjit Barthakur, Chairperson, Royal Rajasthan Foundation: "Here at the Royal Rajasthan Foundation - the philanthropic arm of IPL team Rajasthan Royals - our journey towards raising awareness around mental health started in 2020 with our series 'Mind, Body and Soul' which was led by our first-ever Royal - the late Shane Warne. As we launch the #KhulKeBolo campaign in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, we continue that journey to break the shackles of silence surrounding women's mental health. We pledge to bridge the gap between questions and solutions, fostering an atmosphere where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As the understanding of mental health evolves, we must treat this subject as intrinsic to everyone and not as a separate subject. Keeping this in mind, we are working towards a larger vision of making mental health awareness and destigmatisation a vital part of our work across all our projects. Let's paint a brighter, happier canvas for all the wonderful women out there!"
As an integral component of the campaign's multifaceted approach, the esteemed NGO Sangath has extended its toll-free helpline number 011-41198666. Operational daily from 10 am to 6 pm IST, this helpline provides women with a valuable opportunity to engage with mental health experts, receiving guidance and support. The collaboration with Sangath extends further, with plans for offline workshops in partnership with RRF, slated to take place across 15 villages in Rajasthan during the campaign's duration. Expanding the campaign's impact in the digital sphere, SPNI and RRF have joined forces with coto, an exclusive social communities app for women, facilitating the creation of online communities and hosting workshops across diverse cities.
The #KhulKeBolo campaign marks a significant stride towards dismantling mental health taboos and fostering an environment where women can freely articulate their mental health concerns, ultimately paving the way for a society more attuned to mental wellness.
