Lalita Panicker leads the opinion section at Hindustan Times. Over a 33-year career, she has specialised in gender issues, reproductive health, child rights, politics and social engineering.
Articles by Lalita Panicker
Through G20, focus on women’s nutrition
Investing in women’s nutrition can have positive health outcomes. If India takes the lead here, the effects will be felt long after its presidency of G20 ends
Updated on May 27, 2023 08:58 PM IST
In Kashmir, a story of women empowerment
Nighat Shafi Pandit, chairperson of HELP, has doggedly worked in the state for years, providing help to women who have suffered in the conflict.
Published on Apr 29, 2023 08:48 PM IST
India’s welcome focus on women-led development
After the conclusion of India’s G20 presidency, women-led development must find a permanent place as a priority
Published on Apr 16, 2023 11:52 AM IST
Within the natal family, the real threat of violence
Normally, the natal family is the one a woman turns to for help, but during the pandemic, staying at home did not always mean staying safe for many women.
Published on Apr 01, 2023 05:34 PM IST
Ukraine war: Mitigating the heavy toll on women
According to Olena Kochemyrovska, a gender-based violence technical adviser with the UNFPA, women suffered severe psychological problems due to abuse and the absence of their husbands.
Published on Mar 18, 2023 07:17 PM IST
Engaging young people to create safe, inclusive cities
Young people are critical for shaping the future of our cities. Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in decision-making. This must change
Published on Mar 04, 2023 07:00 PM IST
A refocused MGNREGS can benefit rural women
When enforced properly, MGNREGS has the potential to shift the power dynamics of gender, an outcome which could be a game-changer in rural areas.
Published on Feb 18, 2023 05:44 PM IST
Apply a gendered lens to disaster management
Serious thought must also be given to imparting skills to women on how best they can deal with disasters to minimise trauma and risk.
Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:57 AM IST
Place gender at centre of climate policies in India
The level of engagement with gendered vulnerability and adaptive capacity is uneven. This must change
Published on Jan 21, 2023 07:40 PM IST
Family support, a critical pillar for women workers
A study conducted in rural Bihar by the Centre for Catalyzing Change (C3) looked into family support for work and domestic labour among elected women representatives. Here's what it found
Updated on Jan 09, 2023 04:31 PM IST
Lalita Panicker picks her favourite read of 2022
In a question and answer session at the University of Rochester, author Amitav Ghosh quoted from his book, The Nutmeg’s Curse, “To look facts in the face is to recognise that it is a grave error to imagine that the world is not preparing for the disrupted world of the future
Published on Dec 30, 2022 04:33 PM IST
Afghan women need international support
The brave women of Afghanistan and civil society groups need greater support from the international community. The hope that Afghan women can fight the good fight seems a mirage now, given how they have been oppressed and pushed to the sidelines.
Updated on Dec 24, 2022 09:24 PM IST
In urban planning, why women must participate
In many metros, girls and women seldom use public spaces for leisure and recreation and their lives are spent in confined spaces.
Published on Dec 10, 2022 07:42 PM IST
Let them play. Break down gender myths on the field
Despite the rise of women sportspersons, it is still a male-dominated field. A majority of families still don’t consider sport as a career for a girl, but things are changing
Published on Nov 27, 2022 07:39 PM IST
Factors that perpetuate malnutrition in women
Micronutrient malnutrition can have multiple causes, among them, gender disparity, which is exacerbated by social, economic and political factors.
Updated on Nov 12, 2022 07:49 PM IST
Focus on women’s mental health, now
Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
Published on Oct 29, 2022 08:11 PM IST
Why India needs a fresh look at juvenile justice
It is important to understand the circumstances in which children are driven to commit crimes rather than focus on whether one or the other juvenile should be tried as an adult.
Published on Oct 15, 2022 08:05 PM IST
Why a gendered response to fighting TB is essential
The government has set up schemes to help TB patients, but not enough states focus on women’s vulnerabilities. This is why women must be part of the fight to eliminate it.
Published on Oct 01, 2022 03:27 PM IST
Mainstream the role of gender in climate policy
A formal mainstreaming of gender in climate policy and diplomacy would give greater legitimacy to India’s efforts in an arena in which it can demonstrate that it is both an innovator and a responsible global power in the South Asia
Published on Sep 17, 2022 08:06 PM IST
Recalling a formidable woman’s battle for justice
While Bhanwari Devi's story is inspiring, it is disheartening that her example shows that women’s fight for justice often never seems to end.
Published on Sep 03, 2022 07:14 PM IST
Engaging business to advance gender equity
Gender bonds should resonate with investors since they reflect their commitment to pushing gender equality forward. The bonds can be used to get new sources of financing, which can tackle gender discrimination at multiple levels
Updated on Aug 20, 2022 08:57 PM IST
The link between women’s health and clean energy
The key lies in improving women’s access and agency when it comes to clean fuel as a way of preserving their health
Published on Aug 06, 2022 05:55 PM IST
On peace and security, the powerful voices of women
Women in South Asia have been engaged in peacebuilding before the WPS agenda was formalised. But the disconnect between the norms and reality is stark
Updated on Jul 23, 2022 07:46 PM IST
Saluting our indefatigable warriors — ASHA workers
ASHAs were unique to India and even as honouring them was imperative, their experience and potential needed to be harnessed.
Published on Jul 09, 2022 08:57 PM IST
Mobility as a key driver of greater women’s freedom
Inclusive access to mobility must consider a rights-based issue, rather than a protection-based one, so that women can become more independent.
Published on Jun 25, 2022 09:01 PM IST
Women at the helm of climate adaptation efforts
The CSE, through investigations in the tribal belts of West Bengal and Odisha, has come up with information on how women form the core of rural communities and lead the struggle for climate adaptation
Published on Jun 11, 2022 08:29 PM IST
Sanitation: A women-led, game-changing, initiative
NGO Shelter Associates, which has been working with the urban poor in Maharashtra to provide basic services, has came up with the concept of One Home One Toilet
Published on May 28, 2022 08:48 PM IST
Indian foreign policy needs a structured gender lens
India may not announce a formal gender inclusive foreign policy soon but given our increasing visibility on the global stage, we can certainly make a difference to the conversation.
Published on May 14, 2022 06:15 PM IST
Changing gender attitudes in India one family at a time
Interventions such as the Sphoorthi project can create an enabling environment for families to understand the importance of educating girls and gender equity.
Updated on Apr 30, 2022 05:35 PM IST
Afspa repeal in parts of Northeast: Women will breathe easy
For the women of the Northeast, this is the first step to a normal life. They should be given all the support and succour denied to them for decades to make the most of their potential.
Published on Apr 16, 2022 07:49 PM IST
