Azad Lab (Free To Speak) is a show which discusses issues that are often side-lined by the mainstream but are a cause for much anxiety for young people; Topics include puberty, masculinity, caste, marriage, love, democracy, freedoms etc. Episode producer Swati is turning 18 soon. She uses her skill of audio storytelling to raise awareness on issues that affect women and children at home and in her community.

Episode 23: 18 Saal Hone Ki Khushi

“I will be able to work. I can vote now."

Producer Swati brings in aspirations, feelings and experiences of women and girls from Tajpur Pahari who have recently turned eighteen or are turning eighteen soon . Swati shares her desires of being able to get government documents and having a full time job which will make her independent.

Azad Lab is one of 6 shows produced as part of the Free/Dem Community Podcasts, the online avatar of the Free/Dem WhatsApp Radio run by women and girls from urban margins of Delhi.   The shows are built around ideas of gender equity, love, freedom of expression, human rights and justice. Through the podcasts community members discuss and share their lived realities. The Free/Dem Community Podcasts are produced under Ideosync's FREE/DEM initiative, which provides marginalized communities - especially women and migrants - a platform to amplify their narratives and stories using audio and video.