Support A Young Girls Leadership Academy in India

This year CREA organized SELF Academy from August 5th to 14th with 33 young women aged 18 - 25 years from 11 community based organizations from the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. For many of them, it was the first time traveling to Delhi. All were excited, enthusiastic, and a little nervous to have come to a different city for 10 days.

In an ice - breaking session, we requested participants to share their dreams, what they aspired to become and what is it that they expect out of the Academy. We created a tree of our dreams, in which participants put their hand prints in different colours and wrote about their dreams. Many of them wrote:

“Main Ek Leader Banna Chahti Hun” ( I want to become a leader). 

“Mujhe Dancer Banna Hai” (I want to become a dancer)

“Mujhe Engineer Banna Hai” (I want to become an Engineer)

“Main Ek Teacher Banna Chahti Hun” (I want to become a teacher)

Most of them shared their dreams and aspired to become a nurse, a teacher, engineer, dancer etc.

When asked about their expectations and motivations from the SELF Academy, many participants expressed a strong desire to learn about issues affecting girls and women so they can discuss these topics in their villages. They wanted to share new information with their communities and feel empowered to express their thoughts openly, without fear or shyness.

Participants were eager to understand important subjects like gender and health, and wanted to be in a space which encouraged  them to ask questions. They also wished to learn about women’s rights to advocate against exploitation in their communities and to gain knowledge about sexuality, reproductive rights, and health rights.

Many shared their aspiration of becoming strong leaders, building their confidence, and sharing what they learnt at the Academy with other girls to help them become self-reliant. They envisioned a continuous cycle of learning, where they could pass on their knowledge to others and reach as many people as possible. Additionally, they hoped to make new friends and build supportive networks during their time at the Academy.

This year the CREA team curated different topics, keeping in mind these expectations and needs of the participants. The programme covered various critical topics such as 'Gender, Patriarchy, Power, and Intersectionality', Sexuality and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)', 'Digital Security, Social Media, and Mental Well-Being', 'Mental Well-Being in Digital Space', 'Theater Sessions', and 'English Skills and Computer Literacy'. 

Self-Academy 2024 was a transformative experience that combined skill development with critical social discourse. Participants emerged more confident in their English-speaking abilities, improved their computer skills, and gained a deeper understanding of gender, sexuality, and their rights. The programme equipped them with practical tools to navigate both online and offline environments effectively, positioning them as advocates for themselves and their communities. The emphasis on personal growth, societal negotiation, and digital safety created a robust framework for young women to embrace their identities and aspirations confidently.

Empowering SELF Girls: Journey through Digital Storytelling and Training

In August 2023, we conducted a successful 10-day academy in Delhi, bringing together 30 enthusiastic participants from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The sessions were centered around crucial topics like gender, sexuality, consent, and bodily autonomy, while also imparting essential digital storytelling skills. Following the academy, participants embarked on social action projects in their communities, fostering leadership and utilizing digital platforms to amplify voices. These initiatives included addressing online gender-based violence in schools and conducting sessions on digital safety and privacy settings. Throughout these projects, SELF girls applied the strategies learned during the academy to navigate social media responsibly. 

The completion of the social action projects initiated by SELF Academy participants in October were concluded in December 2023. It provided a platform for SELF girls to share their experiences and stories gathered during their community engagements. Many of these narratives were not only inspiring but also shed light on the challenges and discriminatory practices faced by young women in their communities. Through storytelling, participants effectively conveyed their struggles, triumphs, and the transformative changes they aimed to bring about. One significant success of this year's SELF Academy was the emphasis on storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy. Facilitators from organizations like Haiyya and Chambal Media, during the SELF Academy guided participants in honing their storytelling skills, enabling them to articulate their experiences effectively. These stories, crafted by young women during the social action projects, served as powerful narratives of resilience and empowerment, inspiring readers to connect and engage with their journeys.

Refresher Storytelling Training for SELF Girls

Upon completing the social action projects and reviewing the exceptional work produced by young women over three months, we identified areas where concepts needed refinement. For instance, we recognized the importance of key storytelling elements such as character introduction, narration length, and video flow. The primary objective was to provide them with a platform to review their work, address identified gaps, and receive constructive feedback. This training included activities to practice various storytelling formats. Through collaborative efforts, participants improved their storytelling skills and created impactful videos. Central to the training was an emphasis on the significance of storyboarding, thorough research, and meticulous editing in crafting compelling narratives. Overall, the experience proved invaluable for all involved.

Here's a brief report summarizing the three-day online training:

Introduction: 

In March 2024, CREA organized a three-day online refresher storytelling training program for the SELF girls, in collaboration with Chambal Media. Participants from Akansha Sewa Sadan, Gramonnati Sanstha, and YUVA attended the session and contributed to this collaborative initiative. The primary aim was to enhance the storytelling skills and narrative – sharing abilities of the girls. The online training sessions were designed to be lively and interactive, engaging, encouraging everyone to participate actively, and focused on deepening the fundamentals of storytelling concepts more thoroughly.

Online Training session: 

During the three-day online storytelling training, two facilitators from Chambal Media, Madhu and Lakshmi, facilitated the sessions.  

1. On the first day they reviewed the work which was produced by girls from each organization and discussed areas for improvement in the videos produced. The facilitators began by unpacking the basics of storytelling, including narrative structures and character development. Additionally, they explored the participants' film creation processes, by encouraging them to share how they made the videos, or recorded stories, allowing participants to explore their creative processes and learn practical application of concepts. 
2. On the second day, the training delved into advanced storytelling techniques such as plot development and the use of literary devices. Participants received detailed guidance on enhancing their storytelling skills to a more sophisticated level. They were also provided with a guiding tool prepared by Chambal Media, and for the last day of the training they were tasked with sharing a story using any format they preferred, be it video, written narrative, or audio. The task was used to prompt them to use any of the formats shared in the previous two days to share a story – whether through a video, a short written narrative, or an audio recording. 
3. On the final day of the training, the focus shifted to practical feedback sessions aimed at enhancing the storytelling skills of the SELF girls. During these sessions, the girls presented their stories for evaluation and improvement. Both video presentations and written narratives created by the SELF girls in their respective teams were discussed at length, with specific attention given to storytelling, editing, music, and overall coherence. Throughout the training, a comprehensive presentation was delivered to provide the girls with a thorough understanding of the storytelling process. This presentation encompassed both theoretical aspects and practical guidance.
• The theoretical aspect emphasized the importance of storytelling in communication and its profound impact on audiences. It shed light on how effective storytelling can captivate and engage listeners, leaving a lasting impression.
• In contrast, the practical guidance segment offered step-by-step instructions on crafting compelling narratives. Participants were equipped with actionable insights on how to structure their stories, develop characters, and create emotional resonance. By breaking down the storytelling process into manageable steps, the girls gained valuable tools to enhance their storytelling abilities and connect with their audience more effectively.

Summary of Discussion of the last day of the training: 

Participants from the three organizations exchanged feedback on the stories created by each other to gain diverse perspectives. 

Participants from Akansha Sewa Sadan created a two minute video showcasing a stitching centre. This video highlighted the significance of providing young women and women an opportunity to enhance their skills in stitching. It featured a teacher, who shared her insights on how such centres serve as a valuable livelihood tool for the young women and women in the village, and how it has become a platform for her own financial independence. While the video was a commendable effort, facilitators and the participants from the other two organizations Gramonnati Sanstha and YUVA offered constructive feedback. 

Similarly, participants from YUVA shared a short story that sparked a discussion on the importance of collaboration. They emphasized teamwork and efficient tasks division to enhance the storytelling process. The story was well appreciated by the facilitators from Chambal Academy and resonated with many participants during the online training. 

The facilitators from Chambal Media concluded the session byencouraging participants to personalize their storytelling style to captivate the audience. Stressing the importance of research, cohesive storytelling, and attention to detail, in creating impactful videos. The importance of incorporating feedback for continuous improvement was also highlighted.

During the feedback session, participants received valuable insights. This refresher storytelling training for SELF girls proved  to be highly successful. Participants confidently showcased their newly acquired skills, demonstrating impressive creativity and narrative shaping within a short period. The training has not only enhanced their creativity but also instilled a sense of empowerment, paving the way for their ongoing growth as skilled creators and storytellers.

Reflections: 

From participants:On the final day of the training, many participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of storytelling. They shared insights about the key elements to keep in mind when crafting their narratives. For some, this online training served as a much-needed refresher course, allowing them to revisit and solidify the important concepts they had previously learned during the SELF Academy.

The training not only enhanced their storytelling skills but also encouraged the girls to become catalysts for change in their own communities. They were motivated to share their newfound knowledge and skills with other girls and young women around them. By doing so, they aim to highlight and amplify the voices and stories of their community members, bringing attention to important issues and fostering transformative change.

From the organizers:  As the organizers, the CREA team and Chambal Academy facilitators were inspired by the potential they saw in these young women. They recognized the immense power that storytelling and narrative-sharing hold in driving change. This realization has reinforced their commitment to continue nurturing and developing these skills among the participants.

The facilitators noticed a significant opportunity: to further empower these young women by honing their storytelling abilities. They saw how the participants could use their stories to advocate for their communities, shedding light on issues that matter most to them. By encouraging and supporting these girls to share their stories, the organizers believe they can help ignite positive change and build a stronger, more connected community.

 Given below is a  sample case story developed by Devki Sardar, SELF Girl from YUVA, Jharkhand during the training:

‘Being a  girl is not a curse, I can  achieve in life’: Nita teaches Asa a big life lesson

Hello! My name is Asa, and I live in Gobindpur, a small  village with my large family. Due to the large family size, there are strict restrictions on our expenses, which has been troubling me a lot. During this time, a nun from a nearby area visited and motivated me to join a two month course on hotel management which assured job placement. Finding it as a good opportunity to help my family, I set out for  the training in Tata Nagar.

There were many teenage girls like me at the training, which I found heartening. After conversing with them, it felt like we were all facing similar problems. A few days later, a girl arrived, named Nita. At first glance, she seemed very stylish, similar to a model. However, her demeanor was different. She didn't prefer making friends with anyone, and her way of responding to things was also unique. I didn't appreciate her behavior at all; she came across as quite arrogant.

As the days passed by and when we started with our jobs, she gradually began conversing with me, adept at responding in an unconventional manner. She  talked like we were good friends. I was surprised by this change. Then one day, after dinner, I inquired about her behavior. She smiled as she looked into my eyes and said, 'Sister, appearances can be deceiving.' with that, she left. Afterwards, I became more eager to learn about her.

A few days later, I made a very gentle attempt to talk to her again and asked about her family. Upon my inquiry, she hugged me, visibly saddened by my question. I wiped her tears with trembling hands, held her hand, and she, too, considered me her friend and shared  about her family’. 

She explained, 'My parents had a love marriage, and they were not accepted at my grandmother's house.so we lived separately. One day, my father passed away in a road accident. Since then, my life has become as dark as the night of the new moon. A few months later, my mother remarried, and she took my brother with her, leaving me behind, because her new husband didn't want a daughter. 

My grandmother didn't even consider it necessary to look after me. Among my relatives, I was nothing more than an orphan girl. Everyone saw me as a burden, and my uncle promised to give me fifteen hundred rupees a month, considering his duty fulfilled. But nobody wanted to keep me with them because I was a girl.

After much debate, my aunt allowed me to live with her in Chaibasa. Even there, I had to endure taunts, but my aunt also did not leave any stone unturned to make me feel like a burden. Somehow she helped to  join the course and  now  to join this job.

Since I got the job, I  left my aunt's house and I live in a separate room, and I send some money to my aunt every month. Now you tell me, the girl who has seen her own people turn away, I have seen relationships turning against me. All my life, I have heard taunts of my mother's betrayal. What pain could be greater than this suffering?’

Listening to her pain, I felt like there was no trouble in my life at all, yet I remained troubled. But look at her, despite all the hardships, she lives without any complaint. Today, her  story has proved that being a girl is not a burden  or curse but taking the courage and using the given opportunities  to find  ways to be one’s own blessing and change life’s destiny.