Sanjana Sanghi recently had the honor of delivering a keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York during the opening of the Summit of the Future Action Days. Reflecting on the experience, Sanjana said, “Being the only Indian woman chosen by the UN to represent the youth was an indescribable feeling. Hearing from women in Ghana, Nigeria, and young Indian girls who finally felt heard made all the hard work worthwhile. This moment felt truly consequential.”
By speaking at this global platform, Sanjana joined a prestigious group of individuals, including former US President Barack Obama and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Sharing her excitement, she added, “I’m still processing this moment. It’s something I never thought could happen, and my 10-year-old self would be so proud.”
Sanjana, also a UNDP Youth Champion, has been using her voice to raise awareness about pressing issues. She was invited to speak at the Goalkeepers Summit, presented by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she discussed the mental health crisis affecting young girls.
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When asked about the impact of the Justice Hema Committee Report, which highlighted unsafe work environments in the Malayalam film industry, Sanjana acknowledged that the challenges women face can be disheartening. She emphasized that ongoing conversations about power dynamics are essential for ensuring safe and empowering workplaces.
Sanjana also shared her thoughts on the current needs for women in the film industry. She stressed the importance of equality, not only in opportunities but also in pay and diverse representation in roles. While progress has been made, she believes more work is needed to create a more inclusive and balanced industry for women.