In this powerful episode of Flipping Founders, host Khushi Sethi is joined by Vedanshi Vala, co-founder of BOLT Safety Society, a Canadian non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and harassment. Since its inception, BOLT Safety has been recognized nationally by prestigious programs like the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth and has taken its advocacy for gender equity to global stages, including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. By collaborating with organizations such as The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation in Jaipur, Vedanshi and her team have made a substantial impact in the fight against sexual violence worldwide.
BOLT Safety Society stands out by operating at the unique intersection of the non-profit and tech startup worlds, combining innovative digital solutions with grassroots community support. Their digital platform offers critical resources for survivors, while their network of Safe Hubs provides physical spaces for safety and support within local communities. Featured in leading Canadian media outlets like CBC News, CTV News, and Global News, BOLT Safety is not just talking about change; they are actively creating it.
In this episode, Khushi and Vedanshi dive into a range of thought-provoking topics, covering sexual violence in India, Kenya, and Canada, as well as in war-torn areas like Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia. The conversation touches on the devastating effects of sexual violence during war and conflict, and how social media has brought these issues into the public eye.
Vedanshi shares insights on how to engage communities in breaking the taboo surrounding sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of understanding and teaching consent. They also discuss what societal attitudes need to change to truly support survivors. The discussion explores the profound impact of the Nirbhaya case on Indian society and its role in catalyzing legal reforms, questioning whether these changes have truly led to justice for survivors.
They examine the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade, not only for reproductive rights in America but also for legislative approaches in the developing world and its significance for the future of medical professionals.
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Socials
BOLT Safety Society https://boltsafety.org/@boltsafety Vedanshi’s socials: @vedanshivala
www.linkedin.com/in/khushisethi
Timestamps:
00:00-3:03 - Vedanshi Vala and BOLT Safety Society
3:03-4:01 - Why BOLT Safety Was Created
4:01-6:30 - Programs for Survivors: Digital Platforms and Safe Hubs
6:30-7:20 - Global Documentary and Research Projects
7:20-8:30 - Geographic Impact and Outreach
8:30-11:41 - Sexual Violence in Canada and Kenya
11:41-14:30 - Roe v. Wade and Implications for Aspiring Doctors
14:30-19:20 - Why Are Women’s Bodies Seen as Sinful?
19:20-20:33 - Breaking the Taboo in Communities
20:33-22:22 - The Importance of Consent
22:22-24:10 - Insights from Workshops and Humanity
24:10-25:30 - Addressing Sexual Violence Against Men
25:30-29:30 - Lifelong Trauma and Available Resources
29:30-31:50 - Social Support for Women
31:50-36:26 - Cybercrime and Social Media Challenges
36:26-41:02 - War, Sexual Violence and Social Media
41:02-42:26 - The Special Bond Shared by Women
42:26-45:00 - Building Effective Partnerships
45:00-47:54 - Growth Mindset and Cancel Culture
47:54-53:40 - The Nirbhaya Case and Legal Reforms
53:40-55:20 - Is Justice Always Served
55:20-58:53 - Podcast and Book Recommendations