Behensexplaining is inspired by:

  • The Kitty Party

  • Indian Serial Dramas

The Kitty Party idea originates in India, as an informal savings club. It is a kind of party organised by women, on a monthly basis. 'Kitty' refers to the amount collected at the party, every member contributing a certain sum of money each month.

The initiative takes the ethos of the Kitty Party, by collectively encouraging Behen's (sisters) to contribute their time and energy towards building stronger, healthier and more empowered communities.

September 2021 saw the launch of our first Kitty Party in Leicester. This event kick-started and cultivated important conversations across South Asian women's groups. This ground-breaking initiative is helping to reduce stigma, while busting myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual health, sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual expression.

    1. Increasing confidence and knowledge when talking about sex, sexual health, HIV, and contraceptive options.

    2. Increasing awareness and access to sexual health and contraception services.

    3. Busting myths surrounding sex, sexual health, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.

    4. Encouraging confidence for South Asian women to deliver their own Kitty Party-styled events.

  • A 9-month project, delivered in-person across three sites. Three educational films were showcased across three community settings, alongside a training programme for staff to deliver their own training sessions to better inform South Asian women about sexual health.

    A collaborative project, written, produced and directed by South Asian women.

  • Three short films, produced using the popular trope of Indian TV serials/dramas which are recognised as an important way to initiate difficult discussions.

  • Behensexplaining was delivered through Public Health England’s HIV Innovation Fund for Trade Sexual Health.