The latest in our series of Open House Talks brings together three experts on human and women’s rights to discuss the changing dynamics within our world. Mediated by Billy Batware, a Program Officer at the United Nations, Archana and Sanjay Kapoor use this space to share their knowledge on two major divisions within our world: the West and the Global South. In conversation with Women Without Borders, our guest speakers highlight the narrative that the West is not practicing what it preaches. Its “double standards” become obvious in turning a blind eye to human and women’s rights violations when it suits their interests. Specifically, this Open House Talk acknowledged the presence of the patriarchal setup of society and how it has limited women’s power. The speakers call for equal opportunities and spaces for women to be able to share their experiences with injustice. The speakers believe that for change to happen, civil society has to come together to look at local solutions for these global issues.

Archana Kapoor is a social activist and a community broadcaster. She is the Founder of SMART – a nonprofit that has been educating and empowering communities across the country through a strong network of over 400 community radio stations. She is also the founder of a national award-winning community radio station, Radio Mewat., that is committed to providing a a voice to the voiceless.

Sanjay Kapoor is an India based author and journalist. He is the editor/director of Hardnews Magazine, a 20-year-old publication.  He has been the General Secretary of the Editors Guild of India and is an expert on national and international affairs.

Billy Batware is a Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), responsible for the Civil Society Unit’s work on transnational organised crime and drug policy. Before joining UNODC, Billy founded and managed several civil society initiatives.