Ashraya Initiative for Children (AIC)’s Post

When working with communities deeply rooted in patriarchy, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience, persistence, and most importantly, trust. One of the key focuses of Ashraya’s intervention has been to empower the girls from de-notified tribes to lead free, equitable lives, with education being the first crucial step. This documentary is a testament to that progress. Watching parents, who once viewed their daughters as a liability, now express pride in the girls who have broken societal norms and explored their potential is a moment of deep pride for all of us at Ashraya. These parents' willingness to embrace change, combined with Ashraya's steady support, showcases the power of community-driven transformation. Equity is complex and multi-layered, but seeing this shift gives us hope for a more just future. Together, we’re paving the way for a new generation of empowered girls. #InternationalGirlChildDay #BreakingNorms #EmpoweredGirls #CommunityTransformation #GirlsEducation #EquityAndInclusion #SocialImpact #DenotifiedTribes #AshrayaInitiative #ProudParents #EmpoweringWomen

Today, on International Day of the Girl Child, the global spotlight is on securing girls' rights to education, health, and safety. This year's theme, 'Girls’ vision for the future,' emphasises the urgent need for action while reflecting the hope and strength of girls worldwide. This is especially relevant in India, where the fight against child marriage remains critical. One in three of the world’s child brides live here, with many girls facing heightened risks of violence, poverty, and violations of their rights to education, health, and protection. In this context, we revisit a February 2024 article by Suhani Pandey and Sonakshi Chaudhry in Hindustan Times, which highlights the gaps in India’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. They argue that legal measures alone are insufficient to eradicate this practice. A broader, more comprehensive approach is needed—one that includes socio-economic solutions to ensure girls’ access to education and vital support systems. The authors call for fast-tracking child marriage cases, enforcing existing laws, and empowering Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs). Beyond legal reform, coordinated efforts and socio-behavioral change are crucial to raising awareness, challenging deep-rooted social norms, and securing a future where every girl can thrive. You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gJKAUFkJ #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild

Are girls in your community considered ready for marriage once they see their first menstrual period? Did you know that there are communities in Uganda where a girl is not supposed to see her second period from her father's house? Did you know that there are cultures where a girl has to squat on sand throughout her menstrual period? This and more is what I will address at the 3rd annual Menstruation Research Network Conference tomorrow at Liverpool John Moores University. How can we implement cultural shifts that secure a #PeriodFriendlyWorld for girls and women across Africa? #MHDay2024

When I asked girls in Amanganj village in MP, about their dreams, every single hand shot up! Contrary to what many might think, these girls are not shy, underconfident, or unaware. In fact, it's quite the opposite! They dream big. They aspire to be self-reliant, make their own decisions, and are filled with questions about their futures, careers, and health. But here’s what often stands in their way: - Societal pressure to marry early, often against their wishes - Limited access to educational resources due to remote locations - Financial struggles, with many parents working as daily wage earners - Inadequate school infrastructure—lacking essentials like clean toilets and menstrual hygiene facilities, which sadly leads to high dropout rates These barriers shouldn’t determine their future. At Samarpann, we’re committed to transforming this reality. 🌼 So far, we’ve empowered over 20,000 girls by: - Creating supportive learning environments where girls feel confident to raise their hands and speak up - Installing clean drinking water facilities - Implementing menstrual hygiene programs - Providing essential educational resources But this journey isn’t just about numbers—it’s about changing lives. Every girl deserves the chance to turn her dreams into reality, to have a voice, and to shape her own future. Do you want to be a part of this mission to empower and educate the #girlchild? Let’s join hands. Reach out to us and become a catalyst for change. Together, let’s make dreams soar! #EmpowerGirls #EducationForAll #RuralIndia #Samarpann #GirlsDreamBig #SupportHerDreams #MakeADifference

Recently I had the privilege of listening to the founder of Ruby Road Project, Ms. Amy Kuruvila. The vision of the project is up break the cycle of gender-based violence. This vision is expected to bring the outcome of life free from fear of assault and oppression, for women, children and young people in impoverished nations. The Riby Road Project was birthed during a visit to India in 2011. The twin sisters Amy and Lydia met two young girls who were sold to brothel as minors. The horrific experiences of the two minor girls moved the twins to do something to uproot sexual exploitation completely. After setting it up in 2011 the operations evolved over the years. The twin sisters believe that every single woman and child is valuable and hope to see them embrace their true value and freedom through the Ruby Road Project. The Ruby Road Project organizes a program called The Road to Respect, a school children's program. The program teaches the young children from 5 years to 9 years, that they are unique with specific personal strengths, that boys can girls can be same in some aspects and different in others, how to identify and handle emotions, how to voice one's thoughts without suppressing them. The program for the age group 10 years to 14 years includes gender stereotypes, emotional literacy, self management and communication. The program strengthened the positive social behavior of children and improved academic outcomes. Further the mental health and wellbeing were improved. The most significant result was the building up of positive gender relationships. This is a great initiative that needs replication in India across states, cities and villages. #RubyRoadProject #Genderbasedviolence #freefromfear #freefromoppression #TheRoadtoRespect

R Gopalakrishnan (Gopal) Ji, Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking blog post. It's disheartening to hear about the pain and fear experienced by young girls and women due to the prevalent issue of rape. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness and work towards creating a safer society for all. I took the time to read the blog, and it offers a compelling perspective on this important topic. The author highlights the need for education, empowerment, and support systems that can help women protect themselves and break free from the cycle of fear. The stories shared in the post serve as a stark reminder of the challenges many face on a daily basis. As a society, we must come together to address these issues head-on. By promoting respectful relationships, fostering gender equality, and educating both men and women about consent and boundaries, we can strive towards a safer future. Thank you again for sharing this valuable piece. It serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in creating positive change.

In Ujjain, a woman was brutally assaulted on the road in broad daylight while bystanders did nothing but record videos. No one intervened to stop the violence. This is not just a crime against one woman; this is a reflection of a society that has become numb, indifferent, and shamefully complicit through silence. This silence about atrocities on women, children and minorities is HORRIFYING and indicates death of collective concience and moral evolution! When did we become a society that watches horrors unfold, yet does nothing? How have we normalized passivity in the face of injustice? What does it say about us when the outrage needed to demand change remains largely absent? Where is our collective voice? Where is the outrage that pushes for systemic reform, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for accountability at every level of our society? It’s not enough to witness. Think beyond reels and living a soulless life dying to record the next viral video. Change won’t come from silence. #Ujjain #UjjainHorror

#Repost @duttasriparna with @use.repost ・・・ 🌸 **Empowered Voices: Shattering Class Barriers Through Women-Centric Community Research** 🌸 As a multidisciplinary artist, I’m breaking down socio-economic class structures and addressing issues of othering. Through my project in Mumbai, Bangladesh, and now Delhi, I document women’s voices on malmal fabric, creating a tapestry of anonymous stories. Collaborating with NGOs, I conduct mindful workshops with domestic workers, garbage cleaners, and marginalized Muslim community workers, teaching color theory and facilitating expressive activities. These workshops provide a space for women to escape their struggles and express their rights, problems, and grief through art. In my book, I bridge socio-economic divides, bringing lower-middle-class workers and privileged housewives into the same space. Their stories reveal the profound impact of class on their struggles. Feedback from participants highlights the joy and relief they experience through creative expression. For victims of domestic violence, these workshops offer a powerful medium for healing and expression. Works can be viewed Anant Art @anantfoundationforthearts #empoweredvoice #communityart #womencentric #breakclassbarriers #artforchange #womenempowerment #documentingstories #healingthroughart #socialpractice #genderequality #MultidisciplinaryArt #empathyinart

An article I wrote six years ago. Relevant even today? Bringing Up India’s Boys Rightly Vivek Atray Our society is poised today at a juncture of flux and upheaval. Modern education and thinking, aided by technology-enabled awareness, have meant the decline, if not decimation, of some age old social ills. Yet there are several disruptive tendencies that still remain entrenched in our social milieu which need to be done away with, at the very earliest. On the other hand, family values, traditions which strengthen us and our cultural diversity need to be constantly nurtured and preserved. Raising young boys to become balanced gentlemen is a goal that families should place high on their priority lists. The reason why many perfectly well- behaved young men turn into monsters once they exit their homes, is difficult to fathom. There is obviously something deeply ingrained in their psyche that transforms them from being doting brothers at home to becoming absolute ruffians on the road. Almost as worrisome as the dastardly incidents of heinous crime against women which continue to shell-shock a traditionally sheltered society, is the malaise of the rampaging goon on the street. Boys from families that never allow them to raise their voices at home, suddenly become unfettered wrong- doers once on the loose. Women and girls who venture out of their homes every day know that it is a big bad world out there. Cities like New Delhi especially have a reputation of being inhospitable and even scary places at times. Women cannot afford to be themselves in public places, barring a few exceptions, in our country. There is always the risk of someone gawking, staring, leering or gaping at them. There is also the likelihood that they will be groped at and fondled in a bus or harassed on a train. (Continued in Comments)