Give GIRLS in India a CHANCE at life

Strengthening Team Change Leaders (TCLs) for Social Change: Capacity Building in Delhi and Haryana

“Aaj bhi caste ke aadhar par mujhe bola jaata hai ki tum to Rajput ho aur tumhe kadak rehna chahiye... Training mein mehsoos hua ki ye bhi discrimination hai. Hame caste aur religion ke aadhar par bhedbhav nahi karna chahiye,”
— Vivek, TCL participant, Delhi NCR.

Vivek’s reflection captured the spirit of the three-day residential Team Change Leaders (TCL) training held in Delhi NCR from 12–14 August, where 25 youth leaders (15 girls and 10 boys) from Sangam Vihar and Dabua Colony engaged in deep conversations on gender, patriarchy, and intersectionality. The training created a safe space to connect personal struggles with larger systems of inequality, and to imagine more equitable communities.

A similar energy guided the state-level TCL training in Haryana (18–20 August), which brought together 37 youth leaders. Through participatory activities such as goal mapping, power web, and power ki sidi, participants explored how patriarchy shapes everyday life and limits opportunities. District teams then developed concrete action plans — from mobilising peers through street plays and rallies to integrating girls’ education and safety issues into Gram Panchayat Development Plans.

Across both states, these trainings helped young leaders reflect, share, and strategize collectively. From personal storytelling to community mapping, TCLs emerged with stronger awareness, confidence, and renewed determination to challenge social norms and lead change. Together, their voices signal a growing movement for equality and dignity.

Every Voice Matters: Youth Unite for Equality on International Youth Day

Breakthrough celebrated International Youth Day with 28 TCLs (17 boys and 11 girls) from Dabua Colony and Sangam Vihar in Delhi NCR. What began as a gathering turned into a celebration of youth power, collective dreams, and the belief that every voice matters.

Through tug-of-war games, slogan writing, and group discussions, participants reflected on teamwork, unity, and the role of young people in building a just and inclusive society.

In Haryana, youth celebrated the day with equal enthusiasm — using games and creative activities to spark dialogue on issues such as education, health, transport, and safety. Sharing personal journeys strengthened their resolve to challenge discrimination, end violence, and promote equality and dignity in their communities.

Across both states, young leaders reaffirmed their commitment to equality, self-reliance, and collective action — demonstrating how youth power can transform families, schools, and communities.

From Rights to Action: Youth and Women Step Forward

In Faridabad, a legal literacy session held in partnership with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) brought together 33 women and one man to learn about domestic violence laws, legal aid provisions, and government helplines. Though participants were initially hesitant, the session opened vital conversations about justice and access to support.
Under this formal collaboration with DLSA (supported by an official letter), two legal awareness camps will now be held every month, expanding access to legal knowledge for community women.

In Sangam Vihar, Delhi, a similar session with the TYCIA Foundation engaged 26 adolescents and youth in discussions on police reporting, workplace harassment, and labour rights, using real-life case studies. A youth group member aspiring to become a lawyer shared that the session was particularly inspiring. TYCIA also offered internship opportunities, motivating several participants to explore careers in law.

Both sessions highlighted how knowledge builds confidence and action, empowering communities to seek justice and create change.

Voices on Stage: Manch for Change at YWCA Delhi

On 28 June, Team Change Leaders from Sangam Vihar took a bold step, performing for the first time outside Breakthrough at Manch for Change, a nukkad natak festival organised by YWCA Delhi. Among 20 participating teams, they performed Beat Breaker with passion, confidence, and energy that lit up the stage.

Although they didn’t win, the group celebrated wholeheartedly — returning home with certificates, gift hampers, and immense pride. For the TCLs, this was not just a performance but a moment of transformation — overcoming fear, gaining public visibility, and connecting with artists from across Delhi. The experience sparked new friendships, inspiration, and dreams for the future.

Kishor-Kishori Mela in Haryana: Badhte Kadam Sapno Ki Aur

In regions where adolescent girls are often unheard, the Kishor-Kishori Mela provides a vibrant platform to celebrate their voices and challenge intergenerational silence around girls’ education, dreams, and autonomy. Designed to foster intergenerational dialogue, the Mela brings together adolescents, parents, teachers, and local leaders in one shared space — breaking barriers through creativity and collaboration.

In July, Breakthrough organised Melas across 133 schools and 125 Gram Panchayats, reaching over 44,818 community members in Haryana. What made this edition unique was the leadership of adolescents—especially girls—who designed and hosted activities like poetry recitals, street plays, career stalls, and photo booths to express their aspirations.

A youth-led panel discussion brought together teachers and adolescents to discuss how Breakthrough’s Taaron Ki Toli sessions helped young people identify their dreams, engage parents, and demand equal opportunities. Many girls spoke openly before sarpanches and parents, voicing their right to education and naming barriers such as early marriage and restricted mobility.

This bold participation marks not just awareness, but a growing confidence among adolescents to lead public conversations on gender norms — transforming capacity-building efforts into visible community change.