The project will provide training to 300 young girls & boys on gender equality & sensitize them on the deteriorating sex ratio & its long term implications. 30 youth leaders will be engaged in peer education. The Project will also create opportunities for marginalized girls for their self development through anemia control program, sponsorship support to continue education in high school, health & nutrition awareness, family life education & training for employability enhancement.
Maharashtra's child sex ratio in 2011 was 883 girls to 1000 boys as against 913 girls per 1,000 boys in 2001. The national average stands at 914 this year. In Pune, the ratio has seen a fall by 29 in 2011 it is only 873. In the identified slums, dropout rate in high school is high; unofficial data on average marriage age of girls is 16; more than 50 percent young girls are anemic. 90% of young girls and women are employed in unskilled job like rag pickers or casual laborers.
The project will strive towards shaping young minds- boys & girls- for gender equality, making them aware of the long term implications of the deteriorating sex ratio in the country,the importance of health & education for girls for a healthy nation. The Project will create a platform for them to bring about a sustainable attitudinal change in them & in the perception of people in their community towards gender issues. The project will also empower girls through education & skill based training.
The project will increase the capabilities of girls in improving & taking care of their own health and that of their families .Girls will get to know about age appropriate nutrients and will learn to prevent anemia & calcium deficiency. Life skill education will improve the quality of their life. Skill based training will enhance their employability. Boys involvement will help to develop a right attitude on gender issues & Peer education will enhance reach to more youth & enhance girls status
