When it comes to sexuality, what are some of the biggest problems facing young people in India?
Mirna: The taboo and stigma that surrounds the three-lettered word “sex” in this country is the biggest hurdle to creating any awareness on this issue. Premarital sex and sexuality of young people are never discussed in an uninhibited, open way and ignorance and silence are encouraged. There has also been an increasing right-wing opposition to the inclusion of sex education in the national curriculum, thereby encouraging the perpetuation of myths and prejudices. In the face of all of this, young Indian people often receive incorrect information about sexuality. Sex, Etc: What challenges have you faced while working on Project OBO? Mirna: Motivating young people to work with me has been a challenge due to lack of monetary compensation for the work being done. When OBO was initially organized, we had planned to work with educational institutions. However, due to the sensitive and “taboo” nature of the issues we are working with, most of them have been hostile to us bringing workshops on
