Mumbai Marathon attracts funds for projects. Participants run with NGO's logo. The runners must wear Bibs with Logos. We can sell 15 Bibs for USD 300 (approx.) each. We seek your support for purchase of Bibs for voluntary runners and help girls be part of this event. Participation will increase their confidence and self esteem, give them exposure and improve their status at home and in community. One girl can run free with each participant with a bib. Boys can run for girls' benefit too.
Poor families live in slums in North Mumbai. Marathons take place in more developed South Mumbai with many non formal learning resources. Marathon is one of them. Girl belong to orthodox communities that control their mobility. Our interventions have got them permission to be part of the marathon. It will lead to girls being permitted to use public grounds for games and exercises. Girls will meet other runners in cosmopolitan settings that will build their social capital.
We have created girls' safe spaces within their own communities. For this project we have shared information with them, their parents and others and screened videos of marathons. We will have debates and corner meetings to reach girls/youth. We teach computer use. Girls will learn more about the Mumbai and other marathons on internet. We will organise practice runs with coach.This event will add to our work on education, health, nutrition, and on increasing visibility of girls and their issues.
The project will create a replicable model for girls' empowerment. Annually at least 50 of the 150 girls will have shown leadership and become role models.140 more will have completed high school education. Boys in their communities will have learnt to respect girls. Community leaders will recognize importance of investing in girls. 150 girls will have grasped gender and health issues and learnt about available resources and how to access them.A permanent girls' resource centre will be created.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
