Empowering and Protecting Slum Girls

In the bustling lanes of Sangam Vihar, Delhi, a remarkable tale of determination, resilience, and transformation unfolds. Kirti, a spirited 15-year-old student at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, defies stereotypes and overcomes obstacles with unwavering resolve. Despite coming from a family of six living below the poverty line, Kirti’s aspirations soar beyond socio-economic constraints and traditional gender roles.

From Challenges to Champion

Kirti’s life has been a relentless battle against poverty and patriarchal norms. Societal pressures to conform to gender roles and the lack of support for her ambitions have been significant hurdles. Yet, Kirti’s passion for Tae Kwon Do, a martial art often seen as male-dominated, shines as a beacon of her defiance against gender biases.

Her journey was pivotal when she enrolled in Sukarya’s Gender Equality Program. This program, designed to educate and empower, catalyzed Kirti’s transformation. It taught her about gender equality, girls’ rights, and the courage to pursue her dreams, defying societal expectations.

Victory in the Arena and Beyond

Kirti’s dedication to martial arts is nothing short of inspiring. Her commitment and hard work culminated in a triumphant victory at the National Open Competition of Tae Kwon Do in Firozabad (U.P), where she clinched the first position. This victory was not just a personal achievement but a powerful statement against societal norms that sought to limit her potential based on gender.

A Voice for Change

Today, Kirti stands as a role model, not just for her family but for her entire community. She actively advocates for gender equality and the right to choose one’s career path. Her success in martial arts and her advocacy for girls’ rights reflect the profound impact of Sukarya’s Gender Equality Program. Kirti’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and empowerment in shaping futures and breaking the chains of gender discrimination.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate Kirti’s achievements, we are reminded of the boundless potential within every girl, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed. Kirti’s journey from a girl constrained by societal norms to a martial arts champion and the beacon of empowerment is a narrative that Sukarya is proud to share. It underscores our commitment to fostering environments where girls can thrive, pursue their passions, and become agents of change in their communities.

Kirti’s story is not just about martial arts; it’s about challenging the societal norms that hold girls back. It’s about strength, courage, and the indomitable spirit of a girl who dared to dream big and turned those dreams into reality. As Kirti continues to break stereotypes and pave the way for more girls to follow, she stands as a vivid example of what can be achieved when we empower girls to chase their dreams without boundaries.

Join us in our journey of Inspire Inclusion, where we celebrate and support more stories like Kirti’s—stories of empowerment, resilience, and transformation.

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Aadya, originally from Bihar, lives with her parents, Rani and Akhilesh, and her older brother in Sangam Vihar, Delhi. She attends GGSS School, C Block, Sangam Vihar. Her mother is a private teacher, and her father works in the private sector. Despite her passion for education, Aadya has faced significant gender discrimination in her community, where girls are often discouraged from pursuing education and are expected to marry early.

In both her community and family, Aadya experiences severe gender discrimination. Girls are not given the same educational opportunities as boys and societal norms severely restrict their freedom, including choices in clothing and marriage. Aadya has personally felt the impact of these biases within her family and community.

Aadya’s life took a positive turn when she joined the Gender Equality program facilitated by Sukarya at her school. This program aims to empower girls and educate them about gender equality. Aadya actively participated in all six training sessions and was appointed Lead Girl, which greatly boosted her self-confidence and determination to advocate for gender equality.

The program had a profound impact on Aadya. It not only increased her self-confidence but also equipped her with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender norms and advocate for girls’ education and equal opportunities. Understanding the importance of gender equality and girls’ education, Aadya initiated discussions with her family about these issues.

Through persistent efforts, Aadya persuaded her family to let her continue her education. She also regularly talks to them about the importance of gender equality, challenging traditional norms that limit the opportunities available to girls.

As a result of Aadya’s involvement in the program and her advocacy efforts, her family, including her parents and older brother, began to understand the importance of gender equality and education for girls. They started to support Aadya’s aspirations and recognized the unfairness of gender discrimination in their community and family. Aadya’s journey exemplifies the positive change that can occur when young girls are empowered to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights.

Sukarya's Gender Equality program for adolescent girls has been carefully crafted to address the unique needs of girls aged 10-19 as they navigate crucial life transitions and changes. The primary objectives of this program are:
1. To provide basic knowledge and awareness to girls aged 10-19 about Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health, as well as gender issues and gender rights.
2. Enhancing their understanding and skills in family life (including physical, social, psychological, and moral dimensions) will help them relate to, understand, and cope with challenges, leading to a healthier life.
3. Develop their leadership skills and capacities, empowering them to become community resources and change agents who can drive positive change and ensure long-term impacts and sustainability.

Throughout the program, we have made significant progress in quantitative and qualitative aspects. Numerous activities have been successfully conducted in schools and communities. We identified two communities and four government schools to implement the project. Training sessions covered essential topics such as Adolescent Health, Menstrual Hygiene, Reproductive and
Sexual Health, Family Life skills, Social Life threat safety measures, coping mechanisms, and Gender
rights.

IN THE LAST QUARTER: APRIL - JUNE 2024
We trained 12 Lead girls as change agents for gender rights. We held regular meetings with them to discuss their roles and responsibilities within their communities. Additionally, we organized meetings with key stakeholders, including parents, school principals, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, police officers, and religious leaders, to secure their support and active participation in promoting gender equality within families, communities, and schools.

Schools and Communities Identified:
Two Urban Slums in Delhi: Nepali Camp, H-Block and Sangam Vihar, Delhi
Four Government Schools in Delhi: GGSS School C-Block, Deoli; GG/BSSS, Deoli; SKV Bacchan Prasad; and SKV J-Block, Sangam Vihar

Highlights of the Quarter:
Rashtriya Krimi Mukti Abhiyan: (23rd April to 30th April 2024)
Mother Day Celebration: (12th May 2024)
Meeting with Lead Girls: Discussed their roles and responsibilities in addressing gender and social issues in their communities.

Activities Achieved for this Quarter at a Glance:-

Total Number of communities identified for intervening in the Gender Project - 2

Total number of schools identified for intervening in the Gender Projects - 4

Total no. of batches operated during the month - 6

Number of batches operated across the Schools -  

Number  of batches operated across the community - 2

Number  of Training conducted at Community - 

Number  of orientation and capacity-building sessions held with lead girl - 1

Number  of lead girls participated in orientation and capacity sessions during this Year -112

Number of meetings held with school authorities for permission to conduct training - 6

Number of Community meetings and situational analysis done to prepare batches across community other activities - 5

Number of Other Activities Planned - 2

Total Participants attended the other activity  - 50

Total  Stories & Testimonials Collected - 8

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