Training Space for 600 Poor Girls in Mumbai

Monsoon and Heavy rains in past few months did not dampen the spirit of our girls. Infact girls were engaged and took leadership in accessing public places and also understand government systems better. The regular activities at Centres continued, they have been learning skills in computers, conversational English and reading new books in our mobile library.

Girls from one centre formed Pressure Groups of mothers to gain their  support on issues of safe and clean toilets in their communiies and the need of public libraries on street corners which can be accessed by all in the community. The group was successful in persuading the community women leaders to take up the issue and got the toilets renovated.  Now the parents, local leaders and youth groups are more supportive of these girls.

The girls from this very centre have started using the street public library to read newspapers seeing them some women have started accessing the space as well. These girls also continue to go to the beach and use the open space to play games and enjoy the fresh air this was not possible a few months ago. 

In India girls are prohibited from accessing play grounds or involve in sports. It affects their healthy growth. Sports activity not only provide physical exercise but also teaches you team spirit, strategizing and entitlement on open spaces. We have been working on this issue in the communities where  we have interventions to ensure girls claim their right to play grounds, open spaces and also get involved in sports activities. 

The city is gearing up for the Municipal elections (local body) that is scheduled for February.  From one centre, the girls had several issues and wanted to discuss these with the local Corporator( local elected Representative) a visit was arranged to his office. The girls questioned him on issues pertaining to their community. They wanted to know when their roads would get paved, their toilets repaired. They also questioned him on what  are the expected functions of corporator the year round. They were keen to know who was ultimately responsible for clean toilets. The Corporator pushed some responsibility on them saying their communities needed to cooperate with them better to get things done. The girls decided to work with the community to convince them to get things moving.

In one more community,  a workshop on Right to Food was held. Participants learnt about their right to get grains at a fair price and their right to complain if it was not available. Helplines and methods of detecting adulteration and what action was to be taken was shared with them. They were told how to get ration cards, an important factor in all their lives. They have decided to hold a mothers meeting to share this important information.

We thank you for supporting us  and look forward to bring more news and happenings from our projects in future.