Every 4th girl is a child bride. Help change this

Dear Donor,

This update highlights why sustained engagement is essential to transforming gender norms that limit girls’ education, aspirations, and life choices,especially by engaging fathers and brothers, who are often key decision makers.

Story of Change

Reema (name changed), a 22-year-old from Gorakhpur district, faced repeated resistance from her family when she expressed a desire to pursue higher education. Both her wish to study law and later fashion designing were rejected due to gender based beliefs about what girls “should” do.

A theatre performance organized by Breakthrough in her village became a turning point. It portrayed how girls’ aspirations are often restricted by discriminatory norms and how negotiation and support can bring change. Inspired, Reema joined a Breakthrough youth group, where she developed confidence and communication skills.

With support from the group, she initiated discussions at home, beginning with her mother. Exposure to Breakthrough sessions helped her mother advocate for Reema’s education within the family. Reema was eventually supported to enroll in an ITI course and was selected for a draftsperson/mechanical drafting trade. She is performing well and finds the course empowering.

However, Reema still fears that future job-related relocation may lead to renewed opposition or early marriage. Her concern highlights the continued need to engage male family members and challenge restrictive gender norms.

Program Highlights

Taaron Ki Toli Sessions (Adolescents 11–18 years)
During this period, Breakthrough reached:

• 37,378 adolescents in Uttar Pradesh

• 7,427 adolescents in Jharkhand

Through a two-year gender equity curriculum, adolescents built awareness of rights, confidence, leadership, and negotiation skills. Many participants began challenging restrictions on education, mobility, and access to resources at home.

Kishori Melas in Schools (Uttar Pradesh)

• Conducted in 155 schools

• Reached 18,571 participants (58% female, 42% male)

These events created safe spaces for adolescents to express aspirations and facilitated intergenerational dialogue with parents. Parents reflected on missed opportunities in their own lives and committed to supporting their daughters’ education and dreams.

Ratri Chaupals (Uttar Pradesh)

• Held in 85 Gram Panchayats

• Reached 16,563 community members

Night-time community dialogues engaged fathers, brothers, women, and youth on girls’ education, safety, and aspirations. Families publicly pledged to reduce household burdens on girls during exams and support their studies.

Bold Moves, Bold Dreams – Jharkhand
A district-level sports event brought together women and girls from 88 villages, with 600 community members attending. Many women played sports in a public space for the first time, challenging the belief that athletics are only for boys and reinforcing community support for girls’ confidence and aspirations.

Your support continues to help girls negotiate for their rights, engage families, and move closer to lives of choice and dignity. Thank you for standing with them.