By Karan Singh | Senior Manager (IFR)
Dear Donor,
What does lasting change look like?
Sometimes it looks like a young girl standing up in front of community leaders and demanding her right to education. Sometimes it looks like parents, teachers, government officials, and youth sitting at the same table to discuss how to make schools safer and more inclusive. And sometimes it looks like an entire community deciding that violence and discrimination against girls can no longer be ignored.
Over the past three months, your support has helped strengthen a growing movement across Haryana—one led by adolescents, supported by communities, and increasingly embraced by institutions.
Building a Shared Vision for Gender Equality
On Human Rights Day, 109 stakeholders from across Haryana came together in Chandigarh to discuss how schools, communities, and government systems can work together to create safer and more equitable environments for adolescents.
The gathering brought together education officials, local governance representatives, teachers, parents, frontline workers, civil society organisations, and youth leaders. What made the event particularly powerful was that young people were not merely participants—they were recognised as partners in shaping solutions.
During a panel discussion, Youth Change Leaders shared the changes they are witnessing in their communities and the challenges that still remain. Their experiences reinforced a powerful truth: when adolescents are given the opportunity to lead, they become catalysts for change within their families, schools, and villages.
The convening also provided important recognition for Breakthrough's flagship curriculum, Taaron Ki Toli, which was acknowledged as a strong and effective resource for promoting gender equality among adolescents.
As one participant observed:
“When one girl steps forward to achieve something, it encourages others to do the same. Change begins with awareness.”
The event demonstrated how collective action between communities and institutions can create lasting support systems for girls.
Communities Taking a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
In Delhi and Faridabad, two large community mobilisation events brought together 465 participants, including adolescents, community members, educators, elected representatives, frontline workers, and police officials.
The discussions focused on issues that directly affect girls and women every day—street harassment, cybercrime, substance abuse, violence, safety, and access to support systems.
Importantly, these events created opportunities for communities and institutions to engage directly with one another. Police representatives shared information about reporting mechanisms and helplines, while community members openly discussed concerns related to safety and discrimination.
The conversations helped reinforce a critical message: creating safe communities is everyone's responsibility.
As one participant reflected:
“Violence is never the fault of the survivor. It reflects the mindset of the person causing harm.”
By strengthening trust and dialogue between citizens and institutions, these events encouraged greater community ownership of safety and accountability.
Youth Leading the Fight for Girls' Education
Across six districts of Haryana, young leaders launched a campaign to bring girls back to school.
Led by Team Change Leaders and youth volunteers, the campaign reached 6,609 community members across 25 Gram Panchayats through rallies, community meetings, and discussions with parents, teachers, adolescents, and local leaders.
The campaign challenged a common perception that school dropout is solely a family matter. Instead, communities were encouraged to see girls' education as a collective responsibility.
During these discussions, girls spoke openly about their aspirations and the barriers preventing them from continuing their education. Parents and teachers reflected on the support girls need to stay in school, while community leaders committed to helping address local challenges.
The campaign sparked important conversations about gender, opportunity, and the value of education—conversations that are helping create a more supportive environment for girls to pursue their dreams.
Theatre Giving Young People a Voice
In Faridabad, adolescents participated in a theatre workshop that explored how gender discrimination and violence affect their daily lives.
Through storytelling, role play, and performance, girls and boys examined issues such as restricted mobility, domestic violence, unequal opportunities, and women's safety. The workshop provided a safe space for young people to question harmful norms and express their own experiences and aspirations.
One participant shared:
“Being part of Breakthrough has helped me believe in my dreams. I no longer let negative comments stop me.”
The workshop culminated in a community performance that sparked conversations about equality, freedom, and girls' rights.
More than a performance, it became a platform for young people to challenge stereotypes and inspire dialogue within their communities.
Why This Matters
Across Haryana, we are witnessing a powerful shift.
Young people are speaking up where silence once prevailed.
Communities are beginning to recognise that violence and discrimination are not private issues but collective concerns.
Institutions are increasingly partnering with communities to create safer and more inclusive environments.
And most importantly, girls are finding the confidence to imagine—and pursue—futures that once seemed out of reach.
Every dialogue, every campaign, every performance, and every act of leadership brings us closer to a future where girls can live free from violence, claim their rights, and realise their full potential.
Thank you for helping make that future possible.
By Karan Singh | Senior Manager Resource Mobilisation
By Karan Singh | Senior Manager Resource Mobilisation
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